A Motor Vehicle Repair Shop performs mechanical and/or body work on motor vehicles, diagnoses motor vehicle malfunctions, or operates a shop, drive-in station or garage that inspects motor vehicles to evaluate or estimate the cost of motor vehicle damage, or for determining the need for and cost of repairs.

NOTE: A NYS Inspection Station that does inspections for the general public MUST register as a NYS Motor Vehicle Repair Shop

Before you can open for business, you must prepare the following documents:

• Employment Identification Number
• Certificate of Authority to collect sales tax
• Business Certificate based on your business’s legal structure
• Unemployment Insurance
• Employee Disability Coverage
• Workers’ Compensation or Proof of Exemption and Employers’ Liability Insurance

There are a few required documents that must be obtained through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Some of the links will lead you to a PDF, which you can print and fill out, and some links will provide you with further information.

• Original Facility Application $160
• Statement of Ownership and/or Permission to Use Place of Business
• Repair Shop Requirements
• Commercial Vehicle Registration through the Department of Motor Vehicles
• Self-Storage Owner/Operator Affirmation and Bill of Sale

You must comply with FDNY requirements which require exams in order to obtain a license or permit. Exams take place at 9 MetroTech Center in Downtown Brooklyn. FDNY requirements include:

• Permit for Motor Fuel Storage and Dispensing Systems Application 
• Permit for the Use of O2 with flammable gases
• Permit to use oxygen (o2) with natural gas
• Spraying or Dipping Operations Permit
• Repair Garage Permit (you must fax a request of the permit to the Fire Department District Office Headquarters)
•  For each Certificate of Fitness that is required you will need to complete an Application and submit it when you take the exam along with a letter of recommendation from your employer and two forms of photo identification. The required Certificate of Fitness are:

1. Certificate of Fitness for Supervising spray painting C-22
2. Certificate of Fitness for Torch Use of Flammable Gases G-60
3. Certificate of Fitness to Handle Motor Fuel