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Out-of-State Vehicle Smog Check in San Diego, CA
Just moved to San Diego? To register a vehicle in California for the first time you need a smog check, whether it was bought out of state or registered in another state before. Bring it to our STAR station at 2484 F St, Suite A, in Golden Hill; walk in or book online.
Exempt vehicles include fully electric cars, motorcycles and gasoline vehicles from 1975 and older. If your car is a newer model, call us to confirm what your vehicle needs.
- 5.0★ · 1,621 Google reviews
- STAR certified
- BAR-licensed station #310739
- Test-only station
- Walk-ins welcome
What to bring
- The vehicle, out-of-state plates and all.
- Its registration or title from the other state.
- Any documents DMV sent you about registering it in California.
How it works
Walk in or book a time. We confirm the vehicle, you approve a written estimate, and we run the inspection California requires for its model year. You leave with the vehicle inspection report.
You don't need a referral to use a STAR station. Anyone can choose one, and we are STAR certified.
If your car fails here
We'll go over the report with you. 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. After the repair, the $30 smog retest applies within 30 calendar days of the paid, failed inspection: $21.75, plus the $8.25 certificate on a pass.
Quick check before you come: if the check engine light is on, the vehicle will not pass.
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
“Quick and easy service! Their STAR certification made it easy for my truck I brought in state.”
Frequently asked questions
Do out-of-state cars need a smog check to register here?
Yes. Any vehicle being registered in California for the first time needs one, whether it was bought out of state or registered in another state before.
Does a newer out-of-state car still need one?
Call us to confirm what your vehicle needs.
Which vehicles are exempt?
Fully electric cars, motorcycles, and gas-powered vehicles from 1975 or earlier.
I'm stationed in San Diego with the military. Am I exempt?
No. Military members and veterans are not exempt.
Do I need an appointment?
Walk-ins welcome. Booking online holds a time for you.
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.
New arrivals often find us from East Village, Downtown San Diego, Golden Hill and Coronado.
Smog it before you register
Bring the car and its out-of-state registration. Questions about your vehicle? Call first.
San Diego STAR Smog Check · 2484 F St, Suite A, San Diego, CA 92102 · BAR license #310739 · (619) 228-9146