NAICS Code for Auto Repair Shops: 811111 & Related Codes

The NAICS code for a general auto repair shop is 811111 (General Automotive Repair). Shops that focus on one system, such as brakes, transmissions, exhaust or electrical work, use 811114 (Specialized Automotive Repair). Body shops, glass shops, quick lubes, car washes and other specialty shops each have their own code in the same 8111 group.

This guide is written by autoGMS, the garage management software used by independent repair shops. It lists every auto repair NAICS code, shows which one fits your shop, and explains where you'll be asked for it.

Checked against the 2022 NAICS manual, the version in use in 2026, in October 2026.

NAICS codes for auto repair shops

All seven codes sit under industry group 8111, Automotive Repair and Maintenance. They cover passenger cars, trucks, vans and trailers, so truck and fleet repair shops use the same codes. Motorcycle repair is classified separately, under 811490.

Which NAICS code fits your shop?

NAICS classifies a business by what it does, not where it works. A mobile mechanic who does general repairs uses the same code as a shop with bays.

How to choose if your shop does several things

NAICS gives each business one code, based on its primary activity. In practice, that's usually the service that brings in the most revenue.

For example, a shop that earns most of its revenue from general repairs but also does some alignments and A/C work uses 811111. A tire shop whose main business is selling new tires uses 441340, even if it also offers repairs.

If you aren't sure which service earns the most, pull a revenue report by job type from your shop management software for the last 12 months.

What changed in 2022: 811112, 811113 and 811118

The 2022 NAICS update merged three older codes into the new 811114, Specialized Automotive Repair:

If an old license, loan file or registration still shows one of these codes, update it to 811114 the next time you renew or file.

Where you'll use your NAICS code

• SBA loans and programs: The SBA uses your NAICS code to decide whether your business counts as small, and each code has its own revenue limit.

• Government contracts: Registering on SAM.gov to bid for fleet or municipal repair work asks for your NAICS codes.

• Census surveys: The Census Bureau uses NAICS to classify your business in economic surveys.

• State and local registrations: Many business registration, licensing and permit forms ask for it.

• Banks and lenders: Lenders use it to compare your numbers with other auto repair businesses.

Insurance companies usually use their own class codes, so your NAICS code won't set your premium on its own.

NAICS vs IRS business codes vs SIC codes

Tax forms and some older forms use different codes, which is where most of the confusion comes from.

The IRS codes are based on NAICS but group several industries together. On your tax return, use the code from your form's own instructions, and check with your tax preparer if you're unsure.

Setting up your shop the right way

Your NAICS code is one of the first things you'll fill in when you register a new shop, alongside your licenses and permits. See our guides to auto repair shop permits and how to start an auto repair shop for the full list.

autoGMS shows your revenue by job type, so you can see which service drives your shop and keep your records ready for lenders and tax time. Book an autoGMS demo to see it with your own numbers.

Sources

• 2022 NAICS Manual, U.S. Census Bureau

• NAICS 811111 definition, 811114, 811192 and 811198, NAICS Association

• Table of small business size standards, U.S. Small Business Administration

• Instructions for Schedule C (Form 1040), IRS