What is a STAR Certified smog check?
STAR is California's program for the most accurate, accountable smog inspections. The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) certifies only a select group of stations as STAR — these stations meet higher performance standards and are monitored more closely than regular smog stations.
If your DMV registration renewal notice has a line that reads "Smog certification required at a STAR station", your vehicle has been directed to a STAR location specifically. Only STAR-certified stations like ours can issue the certificate of compliance the DMV needs to renew your registration.
Look at your DMV renewal notice. If it lists "STAR station" requirement, yes. If it just says "Smog certification required" without mentioning STAR, a regular smog station works too — but a STAR station can do it either way.
Who needs a STAR smog check?
The DMV randomly selects about 5–10% of vehicles each renewal cycle to be tested at a STAR-certified station. The selection is partially random and partially based on factors like:
- Vehicle make, model, and age (some are statistically more likely to fail)
- Past smog test history
- Whether the vehicle has been flagged for elevated emissions in past inspections
- Out-of-state vehicles being registered in California for the first time
What to bring
- Your DMV registration renewal notice — confirms STAR is required
- Your vehicle — driven recently (warmed up engine helps the test)
- Coupon — bring our $10 OFF coupon for instant savings
- Payment — cash, card, all major payment methods accepted
How long does it take?
Most STAR smog checks at our shop are completed in about 15 minutes. We don't take appointments — just drive in. If there's a line ahead of you, we'll let you know the wait. Mornings (8–10am) and mid-afternoon are usually the quietest times if you want to minimize waiting.
Pass or 1 free re-test
If your vehicle fails the smog check, our coupon includes one free re-test within 30 days. Take your car to a mechanic, get the issue fixed, and bring it back to us — we'll re-test it at no additional charge. This is one of the most customer-friendly policies in Simi Valley.
How the certification gets to the DMV
Once your vehicle passes, we send your smog certificate electronically to the DMV within seconds. There's no paperwork to mail, no certificate to lose, no waiting for it to arrive in the system. We also send the data to AAA, so you can walk into any AAA office afterward and pick up your registration sticker on the spot — much faster than going to the DMV.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the DMV require a STAR station for some vehicles?
STAR-certified stations are held to higher standards by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. The state uses STAR stations for vehicles that statistically have higher failure rates or histories of emissions issues. It's not a punishment — it's just where the DMV wants those particular vehicles tested for accuracy.
How is a STAR smog check different from a regular smog check?
The actual test is identical. The difference is the station: STAR stations are more closely monitored by the BAR, with stricter performance standards. The price is also typically the same (or only slightly higher) than a regular smog check.
Can I get a regular smog check if my DMV notice says STAR?
No. If your DMV notice specifies a STAR station, only a STAR-certified station can issue the compliance certificate. A regular station can perform the test, but it won't satisfy the DMV requirement.
Do you do STAR smog checks for diesel and hybrid vehicles?
Yes. We can perform STAR-directed inspections on all vehicle types — gas, diesel, and hybrid. See our diesel & hybrid smog page for more details.
What happens if my car fails the STAR smog test?
You'll receive a detailed report showing what failed. Take it to a mechanic for repairs. Bring the vehicle back to us within 30 days and we'll re-test it for free with our coupon. If it passes, we send the certificate to the DMV electronically.
You may also need
- Diesel & Hybrid Smog — STAR-certified testing for diesels and hybrids
- Out-of-State Smog Test — Required for first-time California registration
- CARB Clean Truck Check — For heavy-duty diesel and alternative fuel vehicles over 14,000 lbs