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Who Can Repair Appliances in California?
What California law and agencies say about licensing for home appliance repair, checked October 31, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Do appliance repair shops need to register in California?
- California defines a "service dealer" to include a person who, for compensation, repairs, services or maintains major appliances (Business and Professions Code 9801). Major home appliances include refrigerators, freezers, ranges, microwave ovens, washers, dryers, dishwashers, trash compactors, ice makers, dehumidifiers and room air conditioners. Source: California Legislature: Business and Professions Code section 9801 (Electronic and Appliance Repair Dealers).
- The Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) licenses Appliance Service Dealers. Its fee table lists $190 per location for an Appliance Service Dealer license. Source: Bureau of Household Goods and Services: Electronic and Appliance Repair (EAR) Applicants.
- Check a shop's registration with the DCA License Search. Source: California Department of Consumer Affairs: DCA License Search.
Disposal rule
- Major appliances in California include washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, ovens, stoves, water heaters, air conditioners and trash compactors (Public Resources Code 42166). (California Department of Toxic Substances Control: CAR Program: Managing Major Appliances)
- Materials that require special handling (MRSH) must be removed and properly managed before a major appliance is crushed, baled, shredded, sawed or sheared apart (Health and Safety Code 25212). (California Department of Toxic Substances Control: CAR Program: Managing Major Appliances)
- An intact appliance that still has MRSH must go to a scrap recycling facility that holds a current Certified Appliance Recycler (CAR) certification. (California Department of Toxic Substances Control: CAR Program: Managing Major Appliances)
California repair shops
Partner shops coming soon. No California repair shop is listed on this site yet. Shops will only be shown as partners after they agree in writing. Until then, ask any shop you call whether it works on your appliance and brand, and check reviews from more than one source.
California facts that matter
- Getting rid of an old appliance in California: city pickup rules and fees, with sources
- Appliance rebates in California
- Freon removal rules in California
- Renters: who fixes a broken appliance?
- Complaints and warranty problems
- Who can repair appliances in California
- Repair cost and official disposal fees
- FAQ
FAQ
Do appliance repair shops need a license in California?
California treats businesses that repair major home appliances for pay as service dealers, licensed by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services. Check a shop with the DCA License Search. Sources: California Legislature, BHGS.
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