Auto Body Repair License Endorsement


A heavy duty vehicle endorsement is required for all licensed auto body repair facilities repairing vehicles weighing 14,000 lbs.(GVWR) or more. The license endorsement is issued as a separate document bearing a different number from the auto body repair license. Both license and endorsement must be displayed in a conspicuous area.

How to get a heavy duty vehicle endorsement

Download a heavy duty vehicle endorsement application [pdf].

Mail the completed forms to:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Business Licensing Services Bureau
PO Box 170
Trenton, NJ 08666-0170

When your application is approved, an MVC Investigator will contact you to arrange for a site inspection.

Requirements for a heavy duty vehicle endorsement

To be eligible for an endorsement, you must have a valid auto body repair license in an established place of business with local municipal approval and meet the following requirements:

  • Sufficient square footage to completely enclose the type of vehicle being repaired. The facility’s interior ceiling and vehicle access doors must be of sufficient height to accommodate the type of heavy duty vehicle being repaired.
  • Sign clearly displaying endorsement number.
  • Medium and heavy duty vehicle reference source for estimating the cost of repairs: books or computerized.
  • Refinishing area of sufficient size to accommodate the heavy duty vehicle as a complete project or accommodate the damaged component as a separate piece.
  • Frame machine or pull tower with a capacity of at least 30 tons from at least (2) two points of contact and measuring devices suitable to measure structural dimensions appropriate to the vehicle being repaired.
  • Alignment equipment suitable for vehicles weighing 14,000 lbs. (GVWR) or greater.
  • Repair facility may sub-contract the services of frame straightening, front end alignments and painting to a licensed New Jersey auto body repair facility that meets the requirements set forth in N.J.S.A. 39:13-1, et seq., and N.J.A.C. 13:21-21.1, et seq.
  • Any repair facility whose coating rate exceeds the applicability threshold of (½) half gallon in any one hour or the heating device equals or exceeds 1 million BTU’s must submit all required Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) permit(s) and certificate(s).

Submit an application

Each application request must include:

  • Municipal approval for the heavy duty endorsement;
  • Fee payment: $20 application fee (non-refundable);
  • Copy of current New Jersey Uniform Fire Code Certificate of Inspection for the building and spray booth;
  • Copy of hazardous waste disposal system or contract;
  • Copy of stack permit;
  • Copy of driver license for at least one person holding a CDL for the vehicle class being repaired; and
  • Garage keeper’s liability insurance in the minimum amount of $300,000.
If you need additional information, contact Business Licensing Services at 609 292-6500 ext. 5014 or e-mail mvcblsprocessing@mvc.nj.gov.