NAICS Code for Auto Repair Shops: 811111 & Related Codes
The NAICS code for auto repair shops is 811111. See the codes for specialty, body, glass, lube and tire shops, plus the IRS and SIC codes to use.
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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
| NAICS code | Official title | Typical shops |
|---|---|---|
| 811111 | General Automotive Repair | Full-service repair shops, engine repair and replacement |
| 811114 | Specialized Automotive Repair | Brake, transmission, exhaust and muffler, suspension, electrical, tune-up and alignment shops |
| 811121 | Automotive Body, Paint, and Interior Repair and Maintenance | Collision repair, paint and upholstery shops |
| 811122 | Automotive Glass Replacement Shops | Windshield and auto glass shops |
| 811191 | Automotive Oil Change and Lubrication Shops | Quick lube and oil change shops |
| 811192 | Car Washes | Car washes and auto detailing shops |
| 811198 | All Other Automotive Repair and Maintenance | A/C repair, tire repair (not retreading), rustproofing and undercoating |
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?
| If your shop mainly… | Use |
|---|---|
| Does a wide range of mechanical and electrical repairs | 811111 |
| Rebuilds or replaces engines | 811111 |
| Specializes in brakes, transmissions, exhaust, suspension or electrical | 811114 |
| Repairs diesel trucks or fleet vehicles across many systems | 811111 |
| Works as a mobile mechanic doing general repairs | 811111 |
| Fixes collision damage, paints or repairs interiors | 811121 |
| Replaces windshields and auto glass | 811122 |
| Does oil changes and lubrication | 811191 |
| Washes, waxes or details cars | 811192 |
| Repairs A/C systems or patches tires | 811198 |
| Sells new tires and also repairs them | 441340 (Tire Dealers) |
| Sells parts and accessories and also installs them | 441330 (Automotive Parts and Accessories Retailers) |
| Tows vehicles | 488410 (Motor Vehicle Towing) |
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:
| Old code (2017) | Old title | Code now |
|---|---|---|
| 811112 | Automotive Exhaust System Repair | 811114 |
| 811113 | Automotive Transmission Repair | 811114 |
| 811118 | Other Automotive Mechanical and Electrical Repair and Maintenance | 811114 |
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.
| System | Used on | General repair code | Other repair codes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAICS (2022) | SBA, SAM.gov, Census, most state forms | 811111 | 811114, 811121, 811122, 811191, 811192, 811198 |
| IRS principal business codes | Schedule C and business tax returns | 811110 | 811120 (body, paint, interior and glass), 811190 (other repair, oil change and car washes) |
| SIC | Older forms and some databases | 7538 | 7532 (body and paint), 7536 (glass), 7537 (transmission), 7539 (other repair) |
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
Frequently asked questions
What is an naics code for auto repair shops?
The NAICS code for a general auto repair shop is 811111, General Automotive Repair. Shops that specialize in brakes, transmissions, exhaust, suspension or electrical work use 811114, Specialized Automotive Repair.
Do collision repair shops use a different code?
Yes. Collision, paint and interior repair shops use 811121, Automotive Body, Paint, and Interior Repair and Maintenance. Windshield and auto glass shops use 811122, Automotive Glass Replacement Shops.
What NAICS code goes on my tax return?
Tax returns use the IRS's own business codes, which are based on NAICS but group industries together. A general or specialized repair shop usually uses 811110, a body or glass shop 811120, and other repair, oil change and car wash businesses 811190. Check your form's instructions or ask your tax preparer.
What happened to NAICS codes 811112, 811113 and 811118?
In the 2022 NAICS update, exhaust repair (811112), transmission repair (811113) and other mechanical and electrical repair (811118) were merged into one code: 811114, Specialized Automotive Repair. If your paperwork shows an old code, update it to 811114.
Is there a NAICS code for a mobile mechanic?
There is no separate code for mobile mechanics. NAICS classifies a business by what it does, not where it works, so a mobile mechanic doing general repairs uses 811111, and one focused on a single system such as brakes uses 811114.
What is the SIC code for auto repair?
The SIC code for general automotive repair shops is 7538. Older forms also use 7532 for body and paint shops, 7536 for glass shops, 7537 for transmission shops and 7539 for other repair shops. Most government forms now use NAICS instead.
