NAICS Code for Auto Repair (811111)
The primary NAICS code for auto repair businesses is 811111 – General Automotive Repair. This code covers establishments primarily engaged in general automotive mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance (diagnostics, brakes, engines, suspension, steering, and similar shop services).
If a location is primarily a body shop, glass shop, oil-change-only, or car wash, the correct NAICS code is usually different. Use the code that matches the dominant activity (largest share of work/revenue).
How to choose the correct NAICS code for auto repair
Quick rule: choose the NAICS code that reflects the location’s primary economic activity (dominant service line).
- General mechanical & electrical repair: 811111
- Collision, body, paint, and interior repair: 811121
- Automotive glass replacement: 811122
- Oil change & lubrication only: 811191
- Car wash services: 811192
Tip: confirm “included” and “excluded” activities on the destination code page before finalizing the selection.
⚠️ Common mistake: using 811111 for businesses that are primarily collision/body shops or retail tire dealers.
Body/paint/interior repair is typically 811121. Tire dealers may be classified under retail trade when the primary activity is selling tires (installation may be secondary).
Core NAICS codes for auto repair businesses
General automotive repair
Typically includes diagnostics, mechanical repair, electrical systems, brakes, engines, suspension, steering, and routine maintenance performed as part of a full-service shop.
Common specialty codes
- 811121 – Automotive Body, Paint, and Interior Repair
- 811122 – Automotive Glass Replacement Shops
- 811191 – Automotive Oil Change and Lubrication Shops
- 811192 – Car Washes
Use a specialty code when that specialty service is the dominant activity for the location.
Quick mapping (what the business primarily does → common NAICS)
View mapping table
| If the business primarily does… | Typical NAICS | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full-service mechanic shop (general mechanical/electrical repair) | 811111 | General repair + diagnostics + maintenance as a standard offering |
| Collision/body/paint/interior | 811121 | Body work and refinishing are classified separately from general repair |
| Windshield/glass replacement | 811122 | Primary activity is glass repair/replacement |
| Quick lube / oil-change-only | 811191 | Use when oil/lube is the primary activity (not a general shop add-on) |
| Car wash services | 811192 | Washing/detailing-first locations generally classify here |
Hybrid businesses: If a shop performs both general repair and body work, classify by the activity representing the majority of output.
Best practice: keep a short internal note (1–2 sentences) stating what was selected and what was excluded for repeatability.
Common auto repair business types (and the NAICS code typically used)
Mechanic shop / auto service center:
Typically 811111 – General Automotive Repair.
Brake & muffler shop (general repair focus):
Often 811111 when the location provides general repair services beyond a single specialty.
Auto body shop / collision repair:
811121 – Automotive Body, Paint, and Interior Repair.
Windshield replacement shop:
811122 – Automotive Glass Replacement Shops.
Quick lube (oil change only):
811191 – Automotive Oil Change and Lubrication Shops.
Car wash:
811192 – Car Washes.
Common automotive businesses outside NAICS 811111
“Auto” businesses often include repair, retail, and transportation activities. The correct NAICS depends on the primary activity.
Automobile dealers
Dealerships are typically classified in Retail Trade (Sector 44–45), not general auto repair.
Use repair NAICS codes only when the establishment is primarily a repair facility rather than a retail dealer location.
Auto parts retailers
Auto parts stores are also typically classified in Retail Trade (Sector 44–45).
If the primary activity is retail parts sales, classification often follows retail—even if installation is offered.
Applied uses of auto repair NAICS codes
- Business licensing, registrations, vendor onboarding, and compliance fields
- Insurance underwriting and risk segmentation for service businesses
- Market sizing, benchmarking, and industry rollups by repair category
- Supplier and equipment targeting (diagnostics tools, lifts, parts distribution)
Auto repair industry data and business lists
Need an auto repair business list by NAICS code?
SICCODE.com provides business lists aligned to NAICS categories for automotive repair and maintenance, including 811111 and related specialty repair industries. Lists can be filtered by NAICS, geography (state, county, ZIP), company size, and other firmographic fields, with delivery options including CSV, Excel, and structured formats for integration workflows.
FAQ
- What is the NAICS code for auto repair?
The primary NAICS code for general auto repair is 811111 – General Automotive Repair. - What NAICS code is used for a mechanic shop or auto service center?
Most mechanic shops and full-service auto service centers use 811111. - What NAICS code is used for auto body shops?
Body, paint, and interior repair shops typically use 811121. - Are car washes classified under 811111?
No. Car washes are typically classified under 811192. - Is auto repair considered retail?
General auto repair is classified under Sector 81 (Repair and Maintenance). Retail auto parts and auto dealers are usually classified in Sector 44–45.
Next steps
Start with NAICS 811111 for general automotive repair, then confirm whether the establishment’s primary activity is general repair or a specialized service such as collision repair (811121) or oil-change-only services (811191).
Related resources
- NAICS Code Lookup Directory
- What Is a NAICS Code?
- NAICS Included vs. Excluded Activities
- SIC Codes vs NAICS Codes
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