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Change of Ownership Smog Check in Los Angeles, CA
Selling a car in Los Angeles? The seller has to give the buyer a valid smog certification, and it's good for 90 days. Get it at Los Angeles STAR Smog Check, 1600 W Olympic Blvd, open until 7 PM on weekdays and 9 AM–3:30 PM on weekends. Walk in or book online and leave with the inspection report.
Selling something four model years old or newer? No smog check at sale; the new owner pays DMV a smog transfer fee instead.
- 4.9★ · 410 Google reviews
- STAR certified
- BAR-licensed station #297822
- Test-only station
- Open until 7 PM weekdays
What to bring
- The car.
- The registration card, so we can confirm the vehicle.
- Your DMV renewal notice or the documents DMV sent you, if you have any.
Getting it done
Come by or book online. We hand you a written estimate, you approve it, and we inspect the car as its model year requires. You walk out with the vehicle inspection report.
Timing tip: with 90 days on the clock, test close to the sale. A listing that sits for months could outlast the certificate.
Buying instead of selling? Ask the seller for the smog certification before the deal closes.
Family transfers: no smog check is needed when the car passes between spouses, domestic partners, parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, or siblings. The catch: a relative who bought the car for you without ever titling it in their name can't skip the check.
If it fails before the sale
Because we're test-only, we don't do the fix; you choose who does. Emissions repairs are done at a test-and-repair or repair-only station of your choice. Find a licensed repair station with BAR's Auto Shop Locator. Within 30 calendar days, the $30 smog retest here is $21.75, plus the $8.25 certificate if it passes.
Newer car? Some emissions repairs may be covered by your manufacturer's warranty. Check your owner's manual.
Makes we test
Any make goes through the same state test here; the vehicles we smog check page lists the brands we see most on Olympic Blvd.
Reviews from Los Angeles drivers
5 out of 5 stars
“Great customer service and affordable prices! The staff was helpful and made the smog check process easy. … I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a smog check in Los Angeles!”
5 out of 5 stars
“The technicians at Los Angeles STAR Smog Check were friendly and professional. Overall great service.”
Frequently asked questions
Is the buyer or seller responsible for the smog check?
The seller has to provide the buyer a valid smog certification.
How many days is a smog certificate valid?
90 days.
Is a smog check needed to sell a recent-model car?
Not if it's four model years old or newer. The new owner pays DMV a smog transfer fee instead.
I'm transferring the car to my wife. Is a smog check required?
No. Transfers between spouses, domestic partners, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents and siblings don't need one, unless a family member bought the car for you without first titling it in their own name.
Where's the price?
On our coupon page.
When to find us
Los Angeles STAR Smog Check
1600 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 302-2595
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–3:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–3:30 PM |
Holiday hours are posted on our Google Business Profile. Wait in comfort with Wi-Fi. Se habla español. Cash, any major credit or debit card, Apple Pay and Google Pay are all accepted at our counter.
Sellers bring cars from Koreatown, Westlake, Mid-City and South Park.
Get your smog certification
Walk in or book a time. Weekday evenings until 7 PM.
Los Angeles STAR Smog Check · 1600 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015 · BAR license #297822 · (213) 302-2595