Your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) registration renewal indicates whether your vehicle must be inspected at a STAR station. This information can be found on top of the renewal letter.

Who is Responsible for the Test When Selling a Vehicle?

When a vehicle is sold or transferred in California, the seller is responsible for getting a smog certificate prior to completing the sale. When you bring a vehicle into California, the owner of the vehicle is required to get a smog certificate prior to registration and sale of the vehicle.

How often does my vehicle have to be tested?

Smog Check, Smog Test inspections are required biennially (every other year) on vehicles more than six model-years old. Additionally, a Smog Check is required if you sell a vehicle that is more than four model-years old and when registering an out-of-state vehicle for the first time in California.

How long does a Smog Check take?

The average Smog Check test inspection takes about 15-30 minutes to complete depending on year and make of vehicle.

What happens if the "Check Engine Light" is on?

If the Check Engine Light is on this usually means a bad thing is going on with the vehicle. If the check engine light is on most likely it will fail at inspection. It can be very costly to repair a failed smog check vehicle. However there are shops that provide a smog check diagnostics before the test is performed. More Information