SMOG Certification Required at a STAR station

What is a Smog Test Only Center?

What is the difference with a regular smog station and a STAR smog station?

You received your DMV renewal notice and discovered it says "Smog Certification Required at a STAR Station". No need to panic. All this means is that the DMV has chosen your vehicle to be inspected at a STAR certified smog station which is monitored closely by the BAR and must conform to high standards established by the Bureau of Automotive Repairs.

Some STAR stations are only authorized to perform smog inspections. These stations are known as STAR Test Only stations. Other STAR certified smog centers can perform smog inspections as well as smog check repairs. These smog stations are known as STAR Test & Repair stations. Both STAR stations are allowed to perform regular and STAR smog checks.

STAR Test Only Centers are only authorized to perform smog inspections and are not allowed to perform smog check repairs.

STAR Test & Repair Stations are authorized to perform STAR smog inspections, as well as repair and certify all vehicles.

If the DMV is asking for "Smog Certificate Required at a STAR station" you can visit either of these smog test center types.

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Important Note:

If your vehicle fails at a test only smog check center, you will need to seek repairs at a test and repair station. The test and repair smog station might need to conduct a new smog test (Baseline Test), and may charge you a smog inspection fee as part of their diagnosis and/or repairs.

Also note that a smog test only station is not allowed to perform or comment on any diagnosis or possible required repairs. Per California State law their primary obligation is to conduct a fair and unbiased smog test.

All and any repairs must be performed by a licensed smog check repair station, or the vehicle's owner personally.

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