Where to take your smog test in Sacramento

Sacramento has two types of smog test stations: STAR stations (Smog Check Test and Repair) and BAR stations (Bureau of Automotive Repair). Both are licensed by the state to perform the same emissions test, but STAR stations can also repair your vehicle on-site if it fails, while BAR stations only test.

You can find either type by searching the California Bureau of Automotive Repair's online station locator at bar.ca.gov. Enter your zip code to see all licensed stations near you, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require appointments. Most Sacramento stations accept both, though calling ahead during busy seasons (late summer and early fall) is wise.

Prices vary by station but typically range from $30 to $70 for the test itself. Some stations charge extra if your vehicle needs a second test after repairs. Ask the price when you call or arrive — it should be posted clearly at the station.

Key Takeaways

  • Sacramento smog tests are performed at STAR or BAR stations licensed by the state, which you can find using the California Bureau of Automotive Repair's online locator.
  • You will need your vehicle registration, proof of current insurance, and a valid ID to take the test.
  • The test itself takes 10 to 20 minutes and checks your vehicle's tailpipe emissions and onboard diagnostic system.
  • If your vehicle fails, you have 30 days to repair it and return to any licensed station for a retest at no additional fee.
  • Sacramento requires a smog test every two years for most vehicles, or annually for vehicles older than 1975.

What documents and information you need to bring

Bring your vehicle registration, proof of current auto insurance, and a valid photo ID. The registration must match the vehicle you are testing — if you recently bought the car, bring the bill of sale or transfer paperwork as well.

The station will also ask for your vehicle's odometer reading, so know your current mileage before you arrive. If your vehicle has had recent repairs or modifications, bring documentation of those too — the technician may need to know if the check engine light was recently cleared or if emissions equipment was replaced.

What happens during the smog test

The technician will first do a visual inspection of your emissions equipment — the catalytic converter, air filter, and hoses — to make sure nothing is obviously missing or damaged. This takes a few minutes and happens while your car is parked.

Next, your vehicle will be connected to a dynamometer (a machine that measures engine output) or a tailpipe probe, depending on the station's equipment. The technician will run your engine through a series of speeds and loads while measuring what comes out of the tailpipe. This part takes 5 to 10 minutes. At the same time, the machine reads your vehicle's onboard diagnostic system to check for emissions-related trouble codes.

The whole process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. You will receive a printed result when ready — either a pass, a fail, or an "abated" result (which means the test was inconclusive and you may need to return). A pass means your vehicle meets Sacramento's emissions standards and you are done.

What to do if your vehicle fails the test

A fail means your vehicle's emissions are above the legal limit for Sacramento. The test report will show which emissions (nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, or hydrocarbons) exceeded the standard. You have 30 days from the test date to repair the vehicle and return for a retest.

If you tested at a STAR station, you can have repairs done there or take the vehicle to any mechanic you trust. If you tested at a BAR station, you will need to go to a repair shop. Keep all repair receipts — you may need them if the vehicle fails again or if you later dispute the results.

When you return for the retest, bring your repair receipts and the original test report. The retest costs the same as the initial test at most stations, though some charge a small fee for a second test within 30 days. If your vehicle passes the retest, you are done. If it fails again, you have another 30 days to repair and test once more.

When Sacramento requires a smog test

Sacramento requires a smog test every two years for most vehicles. Your registration paperwork will show when your test is due — it is usually tied to your registration renewal date. If you miss the important date, you cannot legally renew your registration until you pass a test.

Vehicles older than 1975 need a smog test every year instead of every two years. Diesel vehicles, motorcycles, and some other vehicle types have different testing schedules — check your registration or call your local DMV office to confirm what applies to your vehicle.

New vehicles (typically those less than four years old) are exempt from smog testing for their first two years of registration. After that, they follow the standard two-year cycle.

How to renew your registration after passing the test

Once you pass your smog test, the station will send the results electronically to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. You do not need to do anything with the paper receipt — the DMV receives the data automatically.

You can then renew your registration online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The DMV will see that your smog test is current and will process your renewal. Registration renewal typically costs between $200 and $400 depending on your vehicle's value and age, plus any local fees Sacramento County may charge.

If you renew online or by mail, the new registration tags will arrive within two to three weeks. If you renew in person at a DMV office, you can get temporary tags when ready and permanent tags by mail.

What happens if you cannot pass the smog test

If your vehicle fails the smog test twice within 30 days of each other, you may be able to request a referee test through the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. A referee test is a third-party retest performed by a state-certified referee who can verify whether the original test was accurate.

To request a referee test, contact the Bureau of Automotive Repair at bar.ca.gov or call their consumer hotline. You will need to provide your original test results and proof that you have made repairs. There is a fee for a referee test, typically $50 to $100, but if the referee finds the original test was wrong, you may be refunded.

If your vehicle genuinely cannot pass emissions standards even after repairs, you may not be able to legally register it in Sacramento. Some vehicles with severe emissions problems may may have access to for a gross polluter waiver or may need to be retired from service. Contact the Bureau of Automotive Repair to discuss your options if you reach this point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my smog test before my registration expires?

Yes. You can take your smog test up to 90 days before your registration expires. The test results are valid for that full 90-day window, so you can renew your registration as soon as you pass, even if your current registration has not yet expired.

What if the check engine light is on?

Your vehicle will fail the smog test if the check engine light is on, because the light indicates an emissions-related trouble code. Have the code read and the problem repaired before you test. Some auto parts stores read codes for free, or a mechanic can do it for $50 to $100.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Most Sacramento smog stations accept walk-ins, but wait times vary. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times is faster than showing up unannounced. During peak seasons (August through October), appointments fill up quickly, so booking a few days in advance is wise.

What if I just moved to Sacramento from another state?

If you registered your vehicle out of state, you will need to register it in California before you can get a Sacramento smog test. Start by registering your vehicle with the California DMV, which will show you when a smog test is required. Most vehicles need a test before registration is complete.

Can I test my vehicle at any station in California or does it have to be Sacramento?

You can test your vehicle at any licensed STAR or BAR station in California, not just in Sacramento. However, your registration address must match the county where you test. If you live in Sacramento County, test at a Sacramento station. If you move, you will need to re-register in your new county and test there.