Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment?

No. Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments are also available for customers who would like to reserve a convenient time.

What should I bring?

Bring your vehicle and your DMV registration renewal notice when available. The renewal notice helps verify the vehicle information and any special testing instructions.

How do I know whether I need a STAR station?

Review your DMV registration renewal notice. It will specifically state when your vehicle must be inspected at a STAR-certified station. Please call us before visiting when your notice contains a STAR requirement.

What happens when my vehicle passes?

You will receive a Vehicle Inspection Report, and the smog certification will be electronically transmitted to the DMV. You can then complete the applicable registration or ownership-transfer process.

What happens if my vehicle fails?

You will receive a report showing the inspection results. Because we are a test-only station, we cannot perform emissions repairs. You may take the report to a licensed repair facility and return for another inspection after the necessary repairs have been completed.

Can my vehicle pass with the check engine light on?

A vehicle will not pass a California smog inspection when the check engine light is illuminated because of an emissions-related malfunction. Have the underlying problem properly diagnosed and repaired before the inspection.

How long is a smog certificate valid?

A California smog certificate is valid for 90 days from the date of the inspection. Complete your registration renewal or ownership transfer within that period to avoid needing another inspection.

Should I warm up my vehicle before the smog check?

Your vehicle should be at its normal operating temperature when it is inspected. Driving the vehicle normally before arriving can help ensure the engine and emissions systems are ready for testing.

I recently replaced or disconnected my battery. Can I still get a smog check?

Replacing or disconnecting the battery can reset your vehicle’s onboard readiness monitors. California BAR recommends driving the vehicle normally for a week or two before the inspection so the monitors have time to reset.

Can you inspect hybrid and diesel vehicles?

We can inspect many qualifying gasoline, hybrid, and diesel vehicles from model year 2000 and newer. Eligibility and testing procedures depend on the vehicle’s model year, fuel type, weight, and DMV requirements, so please call us with your vehicle information before visiting when you are unsure.

Does an out-of-state vehicle need a California smog check?

Many vehicles being registered in California for the first time must receive a California smog inspection. Contact us with the vehicle’s model year, fuel type, and registration information so we can help determine whether our station can perform the required test.

Do fully electric vehicles require a smog inspection?

Fully electric vehicles do not require a California smog inspection. Hybrid vehicles are not fully electric and may still require an inspection when directed by the DMV.

Who is responsible for the smog check when a vehicle is sold?

In most California vehicle sales, the seller is responsible for providing the buyer with a valid smog certification when one is required. A vehicle purchased from a private seller generally must have passed its smog inspection within the previous 90 days.

Can I check my vehicle’s previous smog inspection results?

Yes. California BAR provides an online inspection-history search using the vehicle’s VIN or license plate number. Using the VIN generally provides the most accurate results because license plate numbers can change.

Will modified engine software affect my smog inspection?

It can. Software that has been modified from the manufacturer’s original settings or has not been approved by the California Air Resources Board may cause the vehicle to fail. Restore the vehicle to an approved configuration before the inspection.

What determines which type of smog test my vehicle receives?

The required testing system and inspection procedure are based on factors such as the vehicle’s model year, fuel type, weight, emissions equipment, and DMV instructions. Bring your renewal notice and call us before visiting when you have questions about a specialized or unusual vehicle.