What Is a STAR Certified Smog Check Station?

If your California DMV registration renewal notice says “Smog Certification Required at a STAR Station,” you must take your vehicle to a STAR Certified smog station.

A STAR station is a California-licensed Smog Check station that meets additional performance standards established by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. STAR stations are authorized to inspect vehicles that have been specifically directed to the STAR program.

What Does STAR Certified Mean?

California’s STAR program was created to improve the quality of Smog Check inspections and help the state meet emissions-reduction requirements.

Smog Check stations that participate in the STAR program must meet and maintain higher inspection-performance standards.

A STAR Certified station can perform inspections on:

• Regular vehicles subject to Smog Check

• Vehicles specifically directed to a STAR station

• Gross-polluting vehicles

Only STAR stations are authorized to inspect directed and gross-polluting vehicles.

How Do I Know If I Need a STAR Smog Check?

The easiest way to know is to look at your DMV registration renewal notice.

If your vehicle requires a STAR inspection, the renewal notice will indicate that you need to visit a STAR station.

If your notice does not require STAR certification, you can generally use another appropriately licensed Smog Check station.

Why Was My Vehicle Directed to a STAR Station?

California may direct certain vehicles to STAR stations as part of the Smog Check Program.

Being directed to STAR does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with your vehicle. It means California requires the inspection to be performed at a station that meets STAR program standards.

STAR stations must maintain the equipment and qualifications required to inspect vehicles covered by the Smog Check Program.

Can Smog Tech Pros Perform STAR Smog Checks?

Yes.

Smog Tech Pros is STAR Certified, so we can inspect vehicles that DMV requires to be tested at a STAR station.

We also perform regular Smog Check inspections for customers who are not specifically directed to STAR.

Do I Need an Appointment?

No.

Smog Tech Pros welcomes walk-ins.

Simply bring your vehicle to our Rancho Cordova location. If you have your DMV registration renewal notice, bring it with you as well. BAR recommends bringing the renewal notice when available.

What Vehicles Can a STAR Station Inspect?

STAR stations are authorized to inspect all vehicles subject to Smog Check, including directed vehicles and gross polluters.

The inspection system used depends on the vehicle's model year, weight, and fuel type. California BAR currently uses its On-Board Diagnostic Inspection System for many 2000 and newer vehicles, while older vehicles may require a BAR-97 emissions inspection.

What Happens After My Vehicle Passes?

Once your vehicle passes the inspection, the Smog Check certificate is transmitted electronically so DMV can receive the certification.

You generally do not need to take a paper smog certificate to DMV.

Why Choose Smog Tech Pros for a STAR Smog Check?

Rancho Cordova drivers choose Smog Tech Pros because we offer:

• STAR Certified inspections

• Walk-ins welcome

• Fast service

• Competitive pricing

• Free retest included

• Online coupon offers

• Friendly local service

• Convenient Folsom Boulevard location

We Will Match or Beat Any Coupon in Rancho Cordova

If you find another smog coupon in Rancho Cordova, bring it to us.

We will match or beat any coupon in Rancho Cordova.

Restrictions apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does STAR mean on my DMV renewal notice?

It means your vehicle must receive its Smog Check inspection at a STAR Certified station.

Is a STAR smog check harder to pass?

The vehicle is still inspected according to California Smog Check requirements. STAR refers primarily to the station's certification and ability to inspect directed vehicles.

Can a regular smog station inspect a STAR-directed vehicle?

No. Only a STAR Certified station can inspect a vehicle that has been directed to STAR.

Is Smog Tech Pros STAR Certified?

Yes. Smog Tech Pros performs STAR Certified Smog Check inspections in Rancho Cordova.

Do I need an appointment?

No. Walk-ins are welcome.

STAR Smog Check in Rancho Cordova

If your DMV renewal notice requires a STAR smog inspection, visit:

Smog Tech Pros
10751 Folsom Blvd
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
916-638-4700

STAR Certified • No Appointment Necessary • Free Retest Included

We will match or beat any coupon in Rancho Cordova.

Restrictions apply.