Preparing for a Smog Check

Where do I take my vehicle for a Smog Check?

Smog Check Near Me

BAR licenses several different types of Smog Check stations to perform Smog Check Program services and meet the needs of consumers and their vehicles:

• Test-and-repair stations are licensed to perform Smog Checks and emission-related repairs on vehicles.
• Test-only stations are licensed to only perform Smog Checks. These stations are not authorized to diagnose the reasons for a Smog Check failure or perform emission-related repairs on vehicles.
• Repair only stations are licensed to diagnose and perform emissions-related repairs on vehicles. These stations are not authorized to perform Smog Checks.
• STAR stations are test-and-repair stations or test-only stations that meet performance standards established by BAR. Your DMV registration renewal notice will indicate whether your vehicle requires a Smog Check at a STAR station.

Stations are required to post a sign indicating the services it is licensed to perform.

How can I find a Smog Check station?

Use BAR’s Auto Shop Locator to find a station near you.

Do I need to take anything with me to the Smog Check station?

If your DMV vehicle registration renewal notice indicates a Smog Check is required, remember to take the notice with you. This will help ensure that the correct vehicle information and Smog Check certificate are electronically sent to DMV.

How can I help my vehicle pass a Smog Check?

Performing regular maintenance according to your owner’s manual and not tampering with the emissions-control equipment will help improve your vehicle’s chances of passing a Smog Check. If the “check engine” light comes on, get your vehicle repaired as soon as possible—do not wait for the vehicle’s next scheduled Smog Check. A blinking or flashing light indicates a malfunction that should be addressed immediately to avoid serious damage to the vehicle. Check your owner’s manual for any parts or repairs that may be covered under your vehicle manufacturer’s emissions warranty.

What is a pretest?

A pretest, or pre-inspection, is an unofficial test performed by a station to help identify emissions-related problems prior to an official Smog Check. Following a pretest, the station will provide a vehicle inspection report showing the vehicle’s results; however, a smog certificate will not be issued. Stations may charge for this service and must obtain consumer authorization before performing the pretest.

How much does a Smog Check cost?

BAR does not regulate prices, but recommends that you shop around and compare prices at several different stations before taking your vehicle in for its Smog Check. Stations are required to post a list of prices charged for the services it is licensed to perform.

What is a Smog Check certification fee?

An $8.25 Smog Check certificate fee is assessed on vehicles once they pass their Smog Check. The certification fee is paid to the station that issues the smog certificate. The fee funds BAR’s administration of the Smog Check Program and consumer protection operations relating to the automotive repair and Smog Check industry.

What is a Smog Check program area?

Air quality varies throughout the state, especially when comparing urban and rural areas. The Smog Check Program establishes three program areas (i.e., enhanced, basic, and change-of-ownership) based on air quality levels and sets requirements for when a Smog Check is required for vehicles registered in each program area. To learn more and to search Smog Check program areas by zip code, visit our Smog Check Program Area Lookup page.

Smog Check Results

What happens if my vehicle passes the Smog Check?

If your vehicle passes, the station will provide you a vehicle inspection report showing your vehicle’s results and will electronically send the smog certificate to DMV. The smog certificate is valid for 90 days.

What resources are available if my vehicle fails the Smog Check?

If your vehicle fails, the station will provide you a vehicle inspection report that shows your vehicle’s results and the reason(s) your vehicle did not pass. If you have questions, ask the station to explain the information on the report.

To address the reason(s) for the failure, you may:

• Complete the emissions-related repairs – Any needed repairs should be performed by a station licensed to perform Smog Check repairs. After completing the repairs, have your vehicle reinspected. The station will provide you a final vehicle inspection report once your vehicle passes Smog Check and will electronically send the certificate to DMV.
• Visit a Smog Check Referee – Referees offer a second opinion on Smog Check results and can assist you with inspections of unusual vehicles and locating hard-to-find emissions parts. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit asktheref.org.
• Apply to the Consumer Assistance Program – The Consumer Assistance Program offers income-eligible consumers assistance toward emissions-related repairs at a STAR test-and-repair station if their vehicle fails its biennial Smog Check inspection. The program also offers eligible consumers an incentive to retire their operational vehicle at a BAR-contracted dismantler site. To review eligibility requirements and apply, visit the Consumer Assistance Program page.

My vehicle failed a Smog Check for having modified software. What can I do?

Beginning July 19, 2021, vehicles with software not provided by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or approved through a California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order (EO) will fail Smog Check.

Before your vehicle will pass a Smog Check, you must have the vehicle’s software restored to the OEM or EO approved software version. Once the software is restored, have your vehicle reinspected by a licensed Smog Check station. Note that vehicles initially directed to a STAR or Referee station must return to the same station type to complete the inspection process.

If you believe the vehicle’s software is already OEM or CARB-approved and yet your vehicle failed Smog Check, schedule an inspection with the Smog Check Referee. If you unknowingly purchased a vehicle with illegally-modified software, you may file a complaint with BAR.

Learn more about modified software checks.