Resources & FAQ

What is a STAR station?

STAR stations are smog check stations that meet higher performance standards established by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. Some STAR stations are licensed to perform only tests , while others are licensed to perform both tests and repairs. The station is required to post a sign on the services it performs. State law requires that a percentage of vehicles have their smog check inspection performed at a STAR station. To find a smog check station near you, please visit www.smogcheck.ca.gov OR call (800) 952-5210.

If the front of the DMV renewal notice reads "smog certification required", you may take your vehicle to any smog check station. If the front of the DMV renewal notices reads "smog certification required at a STAR station" your vehicle MUST be inspected at one of these stations. Some STAR stations are only authorized to perform inspections, while others perform both inspections and repair. Effective January 1, 2013 the STAR program replaced the Gold Shield program.

Is My Vehicle Required to Get a Smog Check?

How Often Does My Vehicle Have to Be Tested?

What is a Test-only Station?

How Much Does a Smog Check Cost?

How Can I Help My Vehicle Pass a Smog Check?

What Happens if My Vehicle Fails a Smog Check?

What is CAP and How Do I Qualify?

The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) provides financial assistance to repair or retire a vehicle that fails a Smog Check.

Repair Assistance:

you may qualify for up to $500 in repair assistance once you pay the first $100 in repair costs. You may also qualify if your income is within certain levels, regardless of where you got your Smog Check. If you qualify based on income, a $20 co-pay is all that you need. For more up to date information, please visit smogcheck.ca.gov.

Vehicle retirement:

If you feel your car is not worth repairing, the State may buy the car from you for $1,000 and have it scrapped at a local dismantler.

Smog Test Tips: STAR Smog Check Program

What Type of Smog Checks Do You Perform at VR SMOG?

Who Can I Contact for Information About Financial Assistance and Vehicle Retirement?

Do I Need to Show Liability Insurance to Renew My Registration?

Will I Have to Pay Any Penalties if I Don't Provide Smog Certification?

How Can I Lower My Vehicle Emissions Level?

What Steps Can I Take to Ensure My Vehicle Can Pass?

Performing proper and regular vehicle maintenance according to your owner manuals and not tampering with the emission control equipment are keys to passing smog check.

Warming Up:

Drive your car for about 20 minutes before arriving at your smog inspection center. This will give your car enough time for proper engine combustion to occur.

Tire Pressure:

Check your tires and tire pressure. Uneven, worn tires and incorrect tire pressure may cause incorrect emission test results.

Fuel Additives:

Emission levels can be lowered by using fuel additives to the gas tank, which improves your combustion process and engine performance.

Change Oil:

Regular oil changes can help you pass your smog check. Bad fumes from your oil pan leak into your engine and can fail your smog inspection.

Resources

Since the smog check program and California smog requirements are subject to changes, we have provided you the following website in regard to smog test history, STAR smog stations list, smog check CAP application, and local DMV information in Santa Ana

BAR Bureau of Automotive Repair: Smog Check Information (www.smogcheck.ca.gov)
Envirotech Clean Air, Inc (www.breatheasier.com)
CEPA Air Resources Board (www.arb.ca.gov)
AAA American Automobile Association (www.aaa.com)
DMV California Department of Motor Vehicles (www.dmv.ca.gov)

AIRNow (www.airnow.gov)
ASA Automotive Service Association (www.asashop.org)
ASE Automotive Service Excellence (www.asecert.org)
CSAA California State Automobile Association (www.csaa.org)
SAE Society of Automotive Engineers (automobile.sae.org)
DMV California Department of Motor Vehicles (www.dmv.ca.gov)

Local DMV Information

Phone

(800) 777- 0133

Location

1330 E. 1st Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Hours

Mon - Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sun: Closed

Vehicle Retirement and Repair

Vehicle retirement and repair assistance are available through the CAP program.

For more details on the California smog check program, vehicle test history, and smog check requirements, visit www.smogcheck.ca.gov.

For personalized assistance, feel free to contact us directly.

Reach Out Today