What is a STAR smog check station?

STAR vs test-only vs test-and-repair

California Smog Check stations come in a few types, and STAR certification sits on top of them:

• Test-only stations perform inspections only. They cannot make emissions repairs (aside from minor items at no charge), so there's no incentive to fail your car.
• Test-and-repair stations can both inspect your vehicle and fix it if it fails.
• STAR stations are test-only or test-and-repair stations that met BAR's higher performance standards. STAR certification is a qualification layered on top of the license — not a separate kind of shop. Only STAR stations may certify directed vehicles and gross polluters.

When does California require a STAR station?

You're required to use a STAR station in two situations:

• Directed vehicles. In Enhanced program areas, the DMV directs a portion of vehicles to STAR stations — either by a statistical profile of vehicles more likely to fail, or as part of a 2% random sample. If your vehicle is directed, your DMV registration renewal notice will say so.
• Gross polluters. A vehicle whose emissions exceed the gross-polluter standard must be certified at a STAR station (or a BAR Referee).

A regular test-and-repair station can still repair a directed or gross-polluter vehicle, but it must refer the vehicle to a STAR station for the actual certification.

How do I know if I need a STAR station?

The simplest way to know: read your DMV registration renewal notice. If a STAR station is required, the notice says so. If it doesn't mention STAR, any licensed Smog Check station can inspect your vehicle. When in doubt, choosing a STAR station is always acceptable — a STAR station can inspect any vehicle a regular station can.

More smog check guides

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