Garage Compliance Programme
Garages Licensing Act 2022 (2022:30)
If you operate a garage, service station, body shop, detailing shop, or cycle repair business in Bermuda, your business needs to be licensed by the Transport Control Department (TCD).
Why We're Doing This
The Garages Licensing Act 2022 sets out safety standards for vehicle lifts, service pits, spray booths, fire precautions and technician registration — protecting garage workers, customers, and the public. Full administration of the Act was paused for several years after it became law. TCD is now relaunching the programme, with an education-first approach: garage owners get guidance and support before any formal enforcement action.
Who Needs a Garage Licence
You need a licence if your business carries out any of the following in Bermuda.
Dealer Garage Licence
Service of motor vehicles (except cycles) at a motor vehicle dealership
Garage Licence
Service of motor vehicles
Cycle Dealer Garage Licence
Service of cycles at a cycle dealership
Cycle Garage Licence
Service of cycles
Body and Paint Garage Licence
Making, repairing, painting or modifying the body of motor vehicles
Detailing Garage Licence
Cleaning or modifying vehicle appearance, including tinting and identification plate fabrication
Not sure which licence applies to you? Contact [email protected] — and we'll help you work it out.
Key Dates
TCD Operational Policy
Applications are open now. We encourage every garage owner to apply during the formal application period (closing 30 November 2026) to allow enough time for inspection and licensing ahead of 1 January 2027.
Contact TCD by email for application enquiries.
How to Apply
Follow these six steps to submit your Garage Licence application.
Download and complete the Garage Licence Application Form, including the eligibility declaration and technician schedule.
Gather your supporting documents: Fire Certificate (or Fire Service confirmation), Business Licence, proof of insurance, site plans, and any category-specific documents for your licence type.
Submit your completed application with the non-refundable application fee to TCD.
TCD checks your application for completeness, usually within 5 business days, and will contact you if anything is missing.
Once your application is complete, TCD schedules a site inspection, usually within 10 business days.
You'll receive a written decision. If approved, pay your licence fee to receive your Garage Licence.
Application & Licence Fees
A non-refundable application fee of $500 applies to every new application ($250 for renewals). Licence fees vary by category:
| Licence Type | New Licence | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Dealer Garage | $6,000 | $3,000 |
| Garage | $3,000 | $1,500 |
| Cycle Dealer Garage | $3,000 | $1,500 |
| Cycle Garage | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Body and Paint Garage | $5,000 | $2,500 |
| Detailing Garage | $2,000 | $1,000 |
What You'll Need to Apply
Prepare these documents before starting your application.
Get Help Before You Apply
TCD is available to help garage owners prepare their applications and understand the safety requirements. We'd rather help you get it right the first time than turn your application away.
Contact the Garages Licensing UnitFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions from garage owners about the compliance programme.
We want to bring every garage into compliance, not catch people out. Apply during the current application period and TCD will work with you through inspection and any corrections needed. Enforcement is being phased in gradually, with a compliance grace period running January to March 2027.
Most issues found at inspection can be corrected. Depending on what's found, TCD will issue an Advisory Notice or a Compliance Improvement Notice with a reasonable timeframe to fix the issue, followed by a re-inspection. Only serious, immediate safety risks are treated more urgently.
Yes. Every automotive and cycle service technician working at your garage must be registered with the Director. List your technicians on your application, and make sure their registration is current before your inspection. To be registered, a technician must hold a national occupational certificate as an automotive service technician granted under the National Occupational Certification Act 2004 and apply to be on the register. Practicing as an automotive service technician without being registered, or while suspended, is an offence under the Act.
Yes — each licence type covers a specific activity. If your garage carries out more than one, select every licence type that applies on your application, and pay the fee for each.
No. Garage Licences cannot be transferred or lent to another person or business. The new owner must apply for their own licence.
Need Help?
The Garages Licensing Unit is here to help — before, during and after you apply.
Related Resources
Ready to Apply?
The application window is open until 30 November 2026. Apply now to allow enough time for inspection and licensing ahead of 1 January 2027.
Apply for a Garage LicenceOnline application available soonContact TCD by email for application enquiries.