SCM January 2021 5
Vehicle Identification
1.1.0 Inspector Access
Entering an Inspector’s license number and use of a biometric device, as specified in the Required
Equipment/Materials table in Section 1.8.0, provides access into the BAR-97 Emissions Inspection System
(EIS) or OBD Inspection System (OIS) Smog Check inspection menu, as applicable. Follow the EIS or OIS
prompts to access the Smog Check inspection mode.
BAR or a BAR authorized representative shall use a biometric device to collect inspector biometric data and for
purposes of authorizing access to perform inspections using the EIS or OIS, shall verify the identity using two
forms of identification. One must be a valid, government-issued photo identification, other than a BAR issued
license badge (e.g., driver license, passport, or military identification). The second identification must have the
enrollee’s signature and legal name (e.g., social security card or credit card).
An access code is assigned by BAR and is unique to each licensed inspector. If, at the time of enrollment, the
biometric system is unable to collect sufficient data necessary to create a uniquely identifiable profile from both
hands, BAR shall allow access to the BAR-97 EIS or BAR-OIS using a BAR assigned access code. In such
cases, each inspector must maintain the security of his or her access code. Disclosure of one's access code or
use of another inspector's access code or license information is prohibited and such conduct will result in
disciplinary action. If the security of your access code has been compromised, or you suspect another person
is using your access code, you must contact your local BAR field office immediately.
1.1.1 Vehicle Identification Information
Inspectors must follow the EIS or OIS prompts to input the vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate
number, and odometer reading. Typically, the remaining vehicle information populates via the Vehicle
Information Database (VID) and/or the EIS Vehicle Look-Up Table. The chart on the next page provides details
for entering vehicle information.
No person shall enter any vehicle identification information for any vehicle other than the one being tested. Nor
shall any person knowingly enter any false information about the vehicle being tested.
• The bar code scanner must be used as the first method of entry. Manual entry must only be used in
cases where the vehicle is not equipped with a bar code or the bar code is illegible, and the
registration documents are unavailable or do not include a bar code. In these cases, you may
proceed with the inspection and manually enter the vehicle identification information, as needed.
• When using the vehicle registration documents to scan vehicle information, you must first verify the
VIN shown on the registration document matches the VIN on the vehicle. If the VIN does not
match, the inspector shall use the VIN affixed to the vehicle and inform the customer of the
mismatch and that it may cause the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) not to accept the test
results.
• If VID communication failure occurs on the EIS, the inspector must enter all applicable information.
However, for a California registered vehicle, inspectors must first verify that the VIN and license
plate entries are correct, and check that the EIS is properly connected to the VID. If VIN and plate
entries are correct, and communication failure continues, complete the inspection as prompted by
the EIS. In these cases, DMV may request a copy of the VIR as proof of certification. Advise the
motorist to retain a copy of the VIR throughout the registration process.
• The EIS and OIS will not function without a continuous Internet connection to the VID. Anytime the
OIS fails to communicate with the VID, the problem must be fixed before performing an inspection.