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STAR Smog Check in San Diego, CA
San Diego STAR Smog Check is a STAR-certified, test-only smog station at 2484 F St, Suite A, in Golden Hill, just off the 94 east of downtown. We inspect cars, trucks, SUVs and hybrids for registration renewals, sales and first-time California registrations. Walk in Monday through Saturday or book a time online.
We sit near 25th Street, where downtown starts to feel residential, so you can skip downtown parking. The station inspects vehicles for California's smog program and nothing else, which means nobody here is selling you a repair. More than 1,600 Google reviewers have rated us, and the average sits at five stars.
- 5.0★ · 1,621 Google reviews
- STAR certified
- BAR licensed station #310739
- Walk-ins welcome
What to bring
Just the vehicle and the DMV renewal notice that came in the mail. Read the notice before you come: it says whether a smog certification is required this cycle and whether it has to come from a STAR station. Selling a car, buying one, or registering a vehicle you drove in from another state? Bring along your DMV renewal notice or the documents DMV sent you. Lost the notice? Call ahead and we'll let you know what to bring instead.
How it works
Come in or reserve a time
Walk-ins are welcome, and online booking holds a slot for you.
Inspection
We run the test California requires for your vehicle's model year. On most late-model vehicles that centers on the onboard diagnostic computer, plus a visual inspection of emissions parts.
Results in hand
You get the vehicle inspection report, which shows the results and whether the car passed, and we walk you through it.
Today's price is posted on our coupon page.
When a car doesn't pass
A pass can't be promised ahead of time; it depends on the vehicle's condition on the day. If yours doesn't pass:
We explain the report
You'll see which part of the inspection the vehicle didn't pass, explained in plain terms.
Repair at a station you choose
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.
Retest with us
Within 30 calendar days of the paid, failed inspection, the $30 smog retest is $21.75, plus the $8.25 state certificate if the car passes.
Worth knowing: clearing codes or swapping the battery resets the car's readiness monitors. Give the car some normal driving before the retest so those self-checks can complete.
Makes we test
Every make goes through the same state test. Our own job photos show more than 30 brands, led by:
- Toyota
- Honda
- Ford
- Nissan
- Mazda
- Chevrolet
- Lexus
- Hyundai
- BMW
- Subaru
- Jeep
- Volkswagen
- Mercedes-Benz
- Kia
- Audi
- Acura
- Dodge
- GMC
- MINI
- Infiniti
See every brand on our vehicles we smog check page.
What drivers say
5 out of 5 stars
“I brought my car to San Diego STAR Smog Check for a required DMV inspection … The technician was friendly, professional, and efficient. Because it's a test-only station, there was zero sales pressure or upselling—just quick and transparent service.”
5 out of 5 stars
“Quick and easy service! Their STAR certification made it easy for my truck I brought in state.”
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
What is a STAR station?
The STAR program belongs to the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. Participating stations must meet BAR performance standards, and the BAR keeps checking that they do. Some DMV notices direct a vehicle to a STAR station; others don't. We can inspect both.
What do I bring to a smog check?
Your vehicle and your DMV renewal notice. If the car is being sold or was registered out of state, add the documents DMV sent you.
How often is a smog check required in California?
Most vehicles need one every two years when the registration renews. Gasoline vehicles within their first eight model years are generally exempt from the every-two-years check and pay a smog abatement fee instead. A smog certification is also commonly required when a vehicle changes hands and when it's registered in California for the first time. Your DMV notice confirms what applies to you.
What if my vehicle fails?
We explain the report. Emissions repairs are done at a test-and-repair or repair-only station of your choice; BAR's Auto Shop Locator lists licensed ones. Within 30 calendar days, the $30 smog retest here is $21.75, plus the $8.25 certificate if the car passes.
Do you smog hybrids and diesels?
Hybrids need smog checks on the same schedule as gasoline cars, and we test them every day. Smog rules for diesels depend on the model year and weight rating. Call us before you come in and we'll confirm whether yours needs a check and whether we can test it here.
I brought my car from out of state. What do I need?
California generally requires a smog certification the first time an out-of-state vehicle is registered here. Fully electric vehicles and motorcycles are exempt. If your car is a newer model, call us to confirm what your vehicle needs; otherwise bring it along with the documents DMV sent you.
Location and 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 |
Our regulars drive over from Golden Hill, Sherman Heights, Grant Hill, South Park and East Village.
Book your STAR smog check
San Diego STAR Smog Check · 2484 F St, Suite A, San Diego, CA 92102 · BAR license #310739 · (619) 228-9146