STAR smog check stations are certified test facilities run by the Bureau of Automotive Repair, and you can find one near you through the official STAR locator tool or by calling your local air district office.
California's STAR (Smog Check Referee And Test) program certifies repair shops and independent test-only stations to perform smog checks. These are the only places where your vehicle's emissions test counts toward registration renewal. Unlike regular smog shops, STAR stations follow stricter rules and use equipment that the state monitors directly.
The fastest way to find a STAR station near you is to use the Bureau of Automotive Repair's online locator at bar.ca.gov. You enter your ZIP code or city, and the tool shows you every certified STAR station within a set distance, along with their hours and phone numbers. If you do not have internet access, you can call your local air quality management district — the number is on your vehicle registration renewal notice — and ask for STAR station locations in your area.
Key Takeaways
- The official STAR locator at bar.ca.gov is the most reliable way to find certified stations, and it shows you hours and contact information for each one.
- STAR stations are either test-only facilities or repair shops that have passed state certification, so not every smog shop near you will be a STAR station.
- Your local air quality management district can provide STAR station addresses and phone numbers if you cannot use the online tool.
- Calling ahead before you visit ensures the station is open, has availability, and can handle your vehicle type.
What makes a STAR station different from a regular smog shop
A STAR station has met specific state requirements for equipment, training, and record-keeping that regular smog shops do not have to follow. The Bureau of Automotive Repair inspects STAR stations regularly and monitors their test data to catch patterns of fraud or faulty equipment. If a STAR station fails an inspection, it loses its certification.
Regular smog shops can perform smog checks, but they are not held to the same oversight. For most vehicles, either type of shop can do your test. However, if your vehicle failed a smog check and you need a retest at a STAR referee station — or if you are in a county that requires STAR testing specifically — you must go to a certified STAR location. Checking your renewal notice or calling your air district will tell you whether your county has that requirement.
Using the online STAR locator tool
Go to bar.ca.gov/consumers/smog-check and look for the "Find a STAR Station" link. Enter your ZIP code or city name. The tool will show you a list of stations sorted by distance, with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. Many stations list whether they handle motorcycles, trucks, or other vehicle types, so you can narrow your search if you have a specialty vehicle.
The locator updates regularly when stations open or close, so if you searched a few months ago and did not find anything nearby, search again. Stations sometimes move or change their hours. You can also filter results by whether you want a test-only station or a repair shop that performs testing — this matters if you want to avoid pressure to buy repairs you may not need.
Calling your air district if you cannot find a station online
If you do not have internet access or the locator is not working, your air quality management district has the same information. The phone number is printed on your vehicle registration renewal notice under "Smog Check Required" or "Smog Check Information." When you call, tell them your ZIP code and ask for STAR station phone numbers and addresses in your area.
Air district staff can also tell you whether your county requires STAR testing, whether your vehicle type needs a smog check at all, and what to bring when you visit. Some districts have wait times during peak season (usually late summer and fall), so calling ahead can help you plan.
What to do before you visit a STAR station
Call the station first to confirm it is open, that it can test your vehicle type, and whether you need an appointment or can walk in. Some stations are very busy and may have a wait list, especially during peak smog check season. Bring your vehicle registration and a photo ID. Make sure your vehicle's check engine light is not on — if it is, the station cannot test you, and you will need to have that issue diagnosed first.
If your vehicle failed a previous smog check, bring the failed test report with you. STAR referee stations use that information to focus their testing. If you are retesting after repairs, bring documentation of what was fixed, because the referee station may want to verify the work before testing.
What happens after you pass at a STAR station
The STAR station sends your passing test result directly to the Department of Motor Vehicles electronically. You do not have to take a paper certificate to the DMV yourself — the test is recorded in the system. You can renew your registration online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, and the smog check will already be on file. If you renew online or by mail, the DMV will process your renewal without asking you to submit anything else.
If you fail the test, the station gives you a copy of the results. You then have 30 days to have repairs made and retest, either at the same station or a different one. Keep that failed report, because you will need it when you retest.
Finding a STAR station in a different county
If you are moving or need to get a smog check done while traveling, the STAR locator tool works for any California ZIP code. You can search for stations near your destination before you travel. Keep in mind that your vehicle must be registered in California to get a smog check here — if you are registering a vehicle from out of state, you will need to follow your new county's rules, which may include a smog check requirement.
Some counties have more STAR stations than others, especially in rural areas. If you live far from a STAR station, calling your air district can tell you whether you have other options, such as mobile testing units that visit certain locations on set days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a smog check at any shop, or does it have to be STAR?
Most counties allow either STAR or non-STAR shops to do your initial smog check. However, if you failed a test and need a retest at a referee station, or if your county requires STAR testing specifically, you must use a certified STAR station. Check your registration renewal notice or call your air district to know which rule applies to you.
What if there are no STAR stations near me?
Call your local air quality management district — the number is on your registration renewal notice. They can tell you about mobile testing units, extended hours at distant stations, or whether your county allows non-STAR shops. Some rural areas have fewer options, but the district can help you find the closest one.
Do I need an appointment at a STAR station?
It depends on the station. Some take walk-ins, and others require appointments, especially during busy seasons. Call ahead to ask. If you call during peak season (late summer and fall), you may have a wait, so booking an appointment can save you time.
What if the STAR locator tool shows a station that is closed?
The locator updates regularly, but sometimes information lags. Call the station directly to confirm it is still open before you drive there. If it has closed, search again or call your air district for current locations.
Can I use a STAR station in a different county than where my vehicle is registered?
Yes. Your smog check is valid in California regardless of which STAR station performs it, as long as the station is certified. The results are sent to the DMV electronically and work for your registration renewal no matter which county you tested in.