Auto Repair Shop Permit Requirements in Portland, OR

1. EPA Small Quantity Generator (SQG) Registration

   Auto repair shops must determine their federal hazardous waste generator category based on monthly waste generation. Most small shops qualify as Very Small Quantity Generators (under 100 kg/month) and do not need an EPA ID number, but must still manage wastes properly. Shops generating 100–1,000 kg/month are Small Quantity Generators and must obtain an EPA ID number through Oregon DEQ and report. Used oil and antifreeze sent for recycling are handled under separate used-oil management standards.

   Official government source for EPA Small Quantity Generator (SQG) Registration (opens in a new tab)

   Free (EPA ID/registration; disposal costs vary)·2–4 weeks

   Free (EPA ID/registration; disposal costs vary)

   2–4 weeks

2. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Oregon DMV — Vehicle Dealer Certificate (only if selling vehicles)

   Oregon does not require a state-level auto repair shop license for repair-only businesses, though shops must comply with Oregon consumer protection law (written estimates and authorization requirements enforced by the Oregon DOJ). If the shop also sells vehicles, a vehicle dealer certificate from Oregon DMV (ODOT) is required.

   Official government source for Oregon DMV — Vehicle Dealer Certificate (only if selling vehicles) (opens in a new tab)

   No fee for repair-only shops·N/A

   No fee for repair-only shops

   N/A

2. Oregon Combined Employer Registration

   Auto repair shops with employees must complete Oregon's Combined Employer Registration (now filed through Frances Online / Revenue Online) to get a Business Identification Number (BIN). This covers state income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, statewide transit tax, and Workers' Benefit Fund assessment reporting. Workers' compensation insurance is a separate, mandatory purchase for all Oregon employers through SAIF or a private carrier.

   Official government source for Oregon Combined Employer Registration (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

3. Oregon Sales Tax — N/A (No Sales Tax in Oregon)

   Oregon has no state sales tax, so auto repair shops do not need to collect or remit sales tax on parts or labor. This is a significant advantage for Oregon businesses.

   Official government source for Oregon Sales Tax — N/A (No Sales Tax in Oregon) (opens in a new tab)

   No fee·N/A

   No fee

   N/A

4. EPA Section 609 Certification (Automotive A/C)

   Technicians servicing vehicle air conditioning systems must be EPA Section 609 certified. Required for individual technicians handling refrigerants.

   Official government source for EPA Section 609 Certification (Automotive A/C) (opens in a new tab)

   $20–$35 per technician·Exam at approved testing center; certificate immediate upon passing

   $20–$35 per technician

   Exam at approved testing center; certificate immediate upon passing

1. City of Portland Business License Tax Registration (Revenue Division)

   Portland has no flat-fee general business license. All businesses operating in Portland - including sole proprietors and home-based businesses - must register for the City of Portland Business License Tax with the Revenue Division within 60 days of starting business. Registration is free. The tax is 2.6% of net business income with a $100 minimum, filed annually on a combined return with the Multnomah County Business Income Tax (2% of net income; gross receipts under $100,000 are exempt from the county tax). Businesses with gross receipts under $75,000 (tax years beginning in 2026; rising to $100,000 in 2027) are exempt from the city tax but must still register. The Metro Supportive Housing Services 1% business income tax applies only to businesses with gross receipts over $5 million.

   Official government source for City of Portland Business License Tax Registration (Revenue Division) (opens in a new tab)

   Free to register; no annual license fee. Tax: 2.6% of net income ($100 minimum) only if gross receipts exceed $75,000 (2026 threshold; $100,000 from 2027)·1–2 weeks

   Free to register; no annual license fee. Tax: 2.6% of net income ($100 minimum) only if gross receipts exceed $75,000 (2026 threshold; $100,000 from 2027)

   1–2 weeks

2. Portland Portland Permitting & Development - Certificate of Occupancy

   If your auto repair shop involves new construction, tenant improvements, or a change of the building's use or occupancy classification, a permit from Portland Permitting & Development (PPD, formerly BDS) is required - even where no alterations are planned. Moving into a space already approved for vehicle repair needs no new Certificate of Occupancy. Vehicle repair is generally allowed in Portland's commercial/employment (e.g., CE, EG, EX) and industrial zones - verify your specific address's zoning with PPD (503-823-7300) before leasing.

   Official government source for Portland Portland Permitting & Development - Certificate of Occupancy (opens in a new tab)

   Permit fees are valuation-based and vary by project scope; confirm with PPD·4–8 weeks

   Permit fees are valuation-based and vary by project scope; confirm with PPD

   4–8 weeks

3. Portland Fire and Rescue Inspection

   Auto repair shops in Portland must comply with fire codes for flammable liquid storage. A Portland Fire and Rescue inspection is part of the CO process. Ongoing fire safety inspections occur periodically.

   Official government source for Portland Fire and Rescue Inspection (opens in a new tab)

   Included in CO fees·1–3 weeks

   Included in CO fees

   1–3 weeks

4. Oregon DEQ — Air Quality Permit (Paint Booth)

   Auto body and paint shops in the Portland Air Quality Maintenance Area that paint more than 25 vehicles per year must obtain an AQB-001 Basic Air Contaminant Discharge Permit from Oregon DEQ. Mechanical repair shops without spray painting are generally exempt.

   Official government source for Oregon DEQ — Air Quality Permit (Paint Booth) (opens in a new tab)

   $300–$1,500·4–10 weeks

   $300–$1,500

   4–10 weeks

5. Oregon DEQ — Hazardous Waste Generator Registration

   Portland auto repair shops generating used oil, antifreeze, solvents, and other hazardous materials must register with Oregon DEQ and comply with hazardous waste management requirements.

   Official government source for Oregon DEQ — Hazardous Waste Generator Registration (opens in a new tab)

   EPA/DEQ site ID: free. Annual DEQ generator fees may apply depending on generator category (very small quantity generators are largely exempt); disposal costs vary - verify your category with DEQ·2–4 weeks

   EPA/DEQ site ID: free. Annual DEQ generator fees may apply depending on generator category (very small quantity generators are largely exempt); disposal costs vary - verify your category with DEQ

   2–4 weeks

Official Sources

• Oregon DEQ — Basic Auto Body Permit
• City of Portland — Business Taxes
• Oregon Secretary of State — Business License Check

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