STAR Smog Check in Los Angeles, CA

STAR is a program run by California's Bureau of Automotive Repair. A station has to meet the BAR's performance standards to join and stay in it. When a DMV renewal notice says "STAR station," the certification has to come from a station like ours. We also inspect cars whose notices don't say that.

The vehicle plus your DMV renewal notice. Add the documents DMV sent you if the car is changing owners or arriving from another state.

Think of it as every other registration renewal for most cars. Newer gasoline vehicles get a break: during roughly their first eight model years they generally skip the biennial check, and the owner pays a smog abatement fee with registration. Selling a car or bringing one into the California system for the first time usually triggers a smog certification as well. Your DMV notice has the specifics for your car.

We explain the report. Emissions repairs are done at a test-and-repair or repair-only station of your choice, which you can find with BAR's Auto Shop Locator. Return within 30 calendar days and the $30 smog retest is $21.75, plus the $8.25 certificate on a pass.

Hybrids, yes; they're on the same schedule as gas cars. Smog rules for diesels depend on the model year and weight rating. Call us before you come in and we'll confirm whether yours needs a check and whether we can test it here.

Usually, yes. A car registered in California for the first time needs a smog check, though all-electric cars and motorcycles are exempt. For a newer model, call us to confirm what your vehicle needs.