Star Certified Smog Shop

What is the difference between a STAR smog station and a regular smog station, can I use either?

Your DMV renewal notice arrives, and it says, "Smog Certification Required at a STAR Station".

This means the DMV has chosen your vehicle to be inspected at Star Certified Station which is monitored closely by the BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) and STAR certified smog station must conform to higher standards established by the BAR.

Finding a Star Certified Smog station is as easy as using a search engine like Google, Bing, or even your local phone book.

Most ads for Star Certified Smog Shops will prominently display signage to that affect.

Be aware some STAR stations are only authorized to perform smog inspections. These stations are known as STAR Test Only stations. Then there are the STAR Test & Repair smog stations. Both STAR stations can perform regular and STAR smog checks. STAR Test & Repair smog stations can perform inspections as well as smog repairs.

Is a STAR smog check costly?

No costlier than what you are now accustomed to spending.

As usual, costs will vary from smog shop to smog shop regardless whether they are Star Certified or not. Still look to pay anywhere from $29.95 – $69.95 plus the price of the certificate. Average cost is around $50 bucks out-the-door.

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