Resources & FAQ

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.

Vehicles six years old and newer are not required to participate in the biennial Smog Check Program. For diesel-powered vehicles 1998 model year and newer 14,000lbs and less are subject to the biennial Smog Check Program. The six year exemption does not apply to diesel vehicles.

Your vehicle must be tested every other year. A Smog Check is also required if you sell your vehicle and it is more than four model years old. Some vehicles may require a smog check to be tested at STAR certified smog check center.  Please read your DMV renewal notice to make sure that you have selected the required smog station for your smog certification.

Test-Only stations are licensed Smog Check stations that are only allowed to test cars. State law prohibits them from making repairs. VR Smog Check Test Only is a certified DMV smog test only smog center.

Smog Check prices vary in different areas. Prices for Smog Checks are not regulated, so you are encouraged to shop around. VR SMOG Check Test Only offers smog check coupons to give you the lowest price.  Please visit our coupon page to print smog coupons and read the terms and conditions carefully.

Performing proper and regular vehicle maintenance according to your owner's manual, and not tampering with the emissions control equipment are keys to passing Smog Check.

In order to complete your registration, you will need to obtain the repairs necessary for it to pass its Smog Check retest. Before beginning repairs, find out if you are eligible for Consumer Assistance Program (CAP).

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

At VR SMOG Check we perform DMV smogs, including registration smog check, regular smog check, smog test only, out of state, change of owner (title transfer), gross polluter, pretest and diesel smog inspection. However we don't perform repairs. To find a repair station near you, please call (800) 952-5210 or visit www.smogcheck.ca.gov.

For information about financial assistance and vehicle retirement for vehicles that fail smog checks, please call (800) 952-5210 or visit www.smogcheck.ca.gov and click on the consumer assistant program link.

Evidence of liability insurance from a company authorized by the CA Department of Insurance is required to renew your registration.

Yes. To avoid paying penalties you must pay fees by the due date, even if you can't provide smog certification and/or evidence of insurance.

To lower your vehicle emission level, warm up the engine by driving your vehicle for a few minutes prior to smog inspection.

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

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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

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.

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