Home / Services / Out-of-State Vehicles
Out-of-State Vehicle Smog Check in Los Angeles, CA
New to LA with a car from another state? California requires a smog check before a vehicle is registered here for the first time, whether you bought it elsewhere or it was registered there. Bring it to Los Angeles STAR Smog Check, 1600 W Olympic Blvd near the 110 and 10. Walk in or book online.
Fully electric cars, motorcycles and 1975-and-older gas vehicles are exempt; for a newer car, call us to confirm what your vehicle needs.
- 4.9★ · 410 Google reviews
- STAR certified
- BAR-licensed station #297822
- Test-only station
- Open until 7 PM weekdays
What to bring
- The vehicle. It can still wear its old plates.
- The out-of-state registration or title.
- Any documents DMV sent you about your new registration.
How it works
Questions first?
Call (213) 302-2595 and we'll help you figure out whether your car needs the test.
Come in or book
You approve a written estimate before we start.
Inspection
The test California requires for your model year.
Report
You get the vehicle inspection report.
Don't let the STAR name confuse you: anyone can choose a STAR station. It isn't only for directed vehicles.
If your car doesn't pass
Cars that were fine in another state can still fail here. We'll explain the report. 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. Then come back within 30 calendar days for the $30 smog retest: $21.75, plus the $8.25 certificate if it passes.
Before your first visit, check the dash: with the check engine light on, a vehicle will not pass.
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
“I made an appointment and was seen right away. … They’re star certified which is what I was looking for. I would recommend this place to others!”
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a smog check to register an out-of-state car in California?
Yes, for its first California registration, whether it was bought in another state or registered there before.
My car is a newer model. Is it exempt?
Call us to confirm what your vehicle needs.
What vehicles are exempt?
Motorcycles, fully electric vehicles and gas vehicles 1975 or older.
Are military members exempt?
No. Military members and veterans are not exempt.
Can I come on a weekend?
Yes. Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM–3:30 PM.
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.
Recent arrivals find us from Downtown, Koreatown, Echo Park and Mid-City.
Smog it before you register
Bring the car and the out-of-state registration. Unsure if you need the test? Call us.
Los Angeles STAR Smog Check · 1600 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015 · BAR license #297822 · (213) 302-2595