Auto Detailing

Required State License(s):

Auto detailing implies a thorough cleaning of an automobile's interior and exterior surfaces, pin-striping, detailed painting, etc.

All persons who repair motor vehicles for compensation, including the reconditioning, replacement, diagnosis, adjustment or alteration of the operating condition of the vehicle or any component or sub-assembly, in any category of major repair, must be certified by the State of Michigan. Any person performing major repairs who is not certified must obtain a mechanic trainee permit in the categories of repair in which he or she works. For more information visit our Web site at www.michigan.gov/sos or call 1-888-SOS-MICH (888-767-6424).

If the restoration of an auto involves sanding, painting, etc., you should contact the Department of Environmental Quality, for information about the disposal of used paint containers or other chemicals that may be used to detail/restore a vehicle(s); telephone: (800) 662-9278.

Further Information:

The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments added new regulatory programs. Many of these new rules will affect spray painters who have not been previously regulated. Within the next two years most facilities that must comply with any air pollution regulation will be required to have an operating permit. In addition, companies that emit as little as 2/3 pounds per hour of hazardous air pollutants, including many common solvents and glycol ethers, will have to reduce their emissions.

Revised: 09/18/2013