Smog check resources
Test Only vs Test and Repair Stations: The Difference
A test-only station can inspect your car but never fix it, and legally can't tell you what's wrong. Here's why California built it that way and which one to use.
Failed Your Smog Check? Here's Exactly What to Do Next
About 1 in 12 California smog checks fail (BAR, Aug 2026). Read the VIR, don't clear the codes, and see if you qualify for up to $1,450 in repair help.
STAR Station vs Regular Smog Check: Which Do You Need?
Your DMV renewal notice decides whether you need a STAR station. If it doesn't say STAR, any licensed station works. Here's how to read it and what STAR means.
How Much Does a Smog Check Cost in California? (2026 Prices)
California's average smog check was $69.16 in BAR's August 2026 report, plus the $8.25 certificate. Prices by station type, and why yours may differ.
How to Pass Your California Smog Check the First Time
Passing a California smog check is mostly decided two weeks before you show up. Here is the order to do things in, and the prep that is a waste of money.