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Change of Ownership Smog Check in San Diego, CA
Selling a car in San Diego? California puts the smog certification on the seller, and the certificate is good for 90 days. Bring the car to our STAR-certified station at 2484 F St, Suite A, in Golden Hill, walk in Monday through Saturday or book online, and leave with the report the sale needs.
Exception for late models: a car four model years old or newer skips the sale smog check, and the new owner pays DMV a smog transfer fee in its place.
- 5.0★ · 1,621 Google reviews
- STAR certified
- BAR-licensed station #310739
- Test-only station
- Walk-ins welcome
What to bring
- The car you're selling.
- The registration card with the vehicle's details.
- Any DMV mail about the car, if you kept it.
How to handle the smog part of a sale
Time it
The certificate lasts 90 days, so test once a sale is close.
Walk in or book
You approve a written estimate first.
Inspection
We run the test required for the car's model year.
Hand it over
You get the vehicle inspection report to complete the sale.
For buyers: the seller owes you the certification. Ask for it before the sale is done.
Within the family: a transfer between a spouse, domestic partner, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent or sibling doesn't need a smog check. A smog check is required, though, if a family member bought the car for you without first titling it in their own name.
If the car fails before you sell it
We explain what failed. Since we don't do repairs, you choose who does. Emissions repairs are done at a test-and-repair or repair-only station of your choice. Find a licensed repair station with BAR's Auto Shop Locator. Back here within 30 calendar days, the $30 smog retest is $21.75, plus the $8.25 certificate when it passes.
Some emissions repairs may be covered by your manufacturer's warranty. The owner's manual has the details.
Brands we test
Toyota and Honda lead our F Street job photos, followed by Ford, Nissan and Mazda. Browse every brand on the vehicles we smog check page.
Straight from Google
5 out of 5 stars
“Great customer service, super helpful. Easy and quick experience. Would definitely recommend!”
5 out of 5 stars
“Fast and knowledgeable service! Easy to get to location right off the freeway! Definitely would come back”
Frequently asked questions
Who has to get the smog check when a car is sold?
The seller must give the buyer a valid smog certification.
How long is the smog certificate valid?
90 days.
My car is only two years old. Do I need a smog check before selling it?
No, if it's four model years old or newer. The new owner pays a smog transfer fee to DMV instead.
I'm giving the car to my grandson. Is a smog check required?
No. Transfers to a grandchild, along with spouses, domestic partners, children, parents, grandparents and siblings, don't need one. The exception is when a family member bought the car for you without first titling it in their own name.
What does a smog check cost?
The current price is on our coupon page.
Station hours
San Diego STAR Smog Check
2484 F St, Suite A, San Diego, CA 92102
(619) 228-9146
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
We're closed Sundays. Holiday hours are kept current on our Google Business Profile. The waiting room has Wi-Fi, and we speak Spanish (se habla español). Cash, all major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay all work.
Sellers come to us from Golden Hill, Sherman Heights, North Park and Downtown San Diego.
Get ready to sell
Book online or walk in Monday through Saturday.
San Diego STAR Smog Check · 2484 F St, Suite A, San Diego, CA 92102 · BAR license #310739 · (619) 228-9146