What All Star Smog Check Does
All Star Smog Check is a California-based smog testing facility that performs emissions inspections required by the state. They test whether your vehicle meets California's air quality standards and issue the certificate you need to register or renew your vehicle registration. All Star operates multiple locations across California and handles both the initial inspection and the paperwork submission to the state.
The facility tests your vehicle's exhaust emissions using standardized equipment. If your car passes, they submit your passing certificate electronically to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If it fails, they provide a report showing what needs repair, and you can return after fixing the problem.
Key Takeaways
- All Star Smog Check performs the emissions test required by California law; you cannot register or renew your vehicle without a passing certificate.
- The test itself takes about 30 minutes and costs between $30 and $50 depending on your vehicle type and location.
- Your vehicle must pass the test within 90 days before your registration expires, or you will need a new test.
- If your vehicle fails, All Star provides a detailed report of what failed; you repair it and return for a retest, which usually costs less than the initial test.
- All Star submits your passing certificate directly to the DMV electronically, so you do not need to mail paperwork yourself.
When You Need a Smog Check From All Star
California law requires a smog check before you can register a vehicle for the first time in the state, and then every two years after that when you renew your registration. Your registration renewal notice will tell you whether a smog check is required — not all vehicles need one every cycle, depending on age and type.
Vehicles manufactured before 1975 are exempt from smog testing. Diesel vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and some newer models may have different testing requirements. If you are unsure whether your vehicle needs a test, you can call All Star directly with your vehicle's year, make, and model, and they will tell you whether you need to come in.
You must have your smog check completed within 90 days before your registration expires. If you test earlier than that window, the certificate will not be valid for registration purposes, and you will need to test again.
What Happens During Your All Star Smog Check Visit
Bring your vehicle keys and a valid photo ID. The technician will ask for your vehicle's license plate number or VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to pull up your registration record. You do not need to bring your registration paperwork — All Star can access that information electronically.
The actual test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The technician will connect your vehicle to a dynamometer (a machine that measures emissions while your engine runs under controlled conditions) or perform a visual inspection, depending on your vehicle's age and type. You can wait in the facility during the test, or many locations allow you to leave and return when it is finished.
Once the test is complete, you will receive a printed report when ready. If you pass, the certificate is submitted to the DMV the same day. If you fail, the report shows exactly which emissions standards your vehicle did not meet and what repairs are typically needed to fix those problems.
What to Do If Your Vehicle Fails the Test
A failing certificate is not the end of the process — it is a diagnostic tool. The report tells you what needs repair. Common failures include a faulty oxygen sensor, a malfunctioning catalytic converter, or an engine control system problem. You take this report to a mechanic of your choice (not necessarily All Star) and have the repairs made.
After repairs are complete, you return to All Star for a retest. The retest fee is usually lower than the initial test fee — typically $15 to $30 depending on location. Once you pass the retest, All Star submits your passing certificate to the DMV when ready.
If you fail a second time, you may be may be able to access for a Smog Check Repair information Program in some California counties, which can help cover repair costs. Ask All Star staff whether your county offers this program and how the process works.
Costs and Payment at All Star Smog Check
The initial smog check test costs between $30 and $50 at most All Star locations. The exact price depends on your vehicle type (passenger car, truck, motorcycle) and your location, as different All Star franchises set their own pricing within state guidelines. Call ahead or check the All Star website for your nearest location's current price.
A retest after repairs costs less — usually $15 to $30. All Star accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. There are no hidden fees; the price quoted is what you pay.
If you fail the test and need repairs, the cost of those repairs depends entirely on what your vehicle needs and which mechanic you choose. All Star does not perform repairs themselves; they only test and provide the diagnostic report.
How All Star Submits Your Certificate to the DMV
Once you pass, All Star submits your smog certificate electronically to the California DMV the same business day. You do not need to do anything — no mailing, no additional paperwork. The DMV receives the certificate and links it to your vehicle registration record automatically.
You can then renew your vehicle registration online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The DMV will see that your smog check is complete and will process your renewal. You do not need to bring the smog certificate with you or show it to the DMV.
If you want to verify that your certificate was received, you can log into your DMV account online or call the DMV customer service line. They can confirm whether your smog check is on file.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
Bring your vehicle keys and a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). That is all you need. All Star can look up your vehicle information using your license plate or VIN, so you do not need to bring registration paperwork or proof of ownership.
Make sure your vehicle's fuel tank is at least one-quarter full before you arrive. Some testing equipment requires a minimum fuel level to operate properly. If your check engine light is on, the vehicle will likely fail the test, so have that addressed by a mechanic first if possible — though you can still come in to get a diagnostic report of what is wrong.
Arrive during business hours. Most All Star locations are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and some have Saturday hours. Call ahead if you want to confirm wait times, especially during peak registration renewal periods (typically the end of each month).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a smog check take at All Star?
The actual test takes 20 to 30 minutes. If the facility is busy, you may wait 15 to 45 minutes before the technician can begin. Many locations allow you to leave and return when your test is done, so ask the staff when you arrive.
Can I get my smog check done before my registration expires?
Yes, but only within 90 days before expiration. If you test more than 90 days early, the certificate will not be valid for registration, and you will need to test again. Your registration renewal notice shows your expiration date; count back 90 days from that date to find your earliest test window.
What if I fail the smog check twice?
After two consecutive failures, you may be may be able to access for the Smog Check Repair information Program in your county, which can help pay for repairs. Ask All Star staff about this program. You can also take your vehicle to a different smog check station for a second opinion, though the results are usually the same.
Do I need an appointment at All Star, or can I just walk in?
Most All Star locations accept walk-ins, but you can also call ahead to schedule an appointment. During busy periods (end of month, before holidays), appointments may fill up. Calling ahead lets you know the current wait time and reserve a spot.
What if my vehicle is too old or too new for a standard smog check?
Vehicles made before 1975 do not need smog checks. Vehicles made after a certain year may have different testing requirements or may be exempt. Call All Star with your vehicle's year, make, and model, and they will tell you whether you need a test and what type of test applies to your vehicle.