California Bureau of Automotive Repair — Smog Check information
BAR programme information and licensed-station referrals. Government information is separate from private inspection operators and vehicle-specific requirements.[3]
Source checked October 26, 2026[2]Opens this office’s own website. CountyWiki does not process applications, take payments or provide personal records.
Contact details & office locations ↓Online services & information
Use the links below for official services and provider information. Check each service’s instructions and service area.
Read the official programme information. Exceptions depend on the vehicle and transaction; use the DMV notice and agency guidance.
Service area: California statewide programme information and station referrals; personal vehicle requirements and station availability vary. [1]
Before you start
- Availability · BAR Smog Check programme; transaction and station conditions apply
- It's important to find the right type of station for your needs. Some stations only do inspections, others only do repairs, and some can do both. Finding a station is easy—use our Auto Shop Locator to find one near you. [10]
- Availability · BAR Smog Check programme; transaction and station conditions apply
- Test-and-repair station: Performs Smog Checks and emissions repairs. [11]
- Availability · BAR Smog Check programme; transaction and station conditions apply
- Test-only station: Performs Smog Checks but does not make emissions repairs. [12]
- Availability · BAR Smog Check programme; transaction and station conditions apply
- STAR station: Meets higher performance standards to inspect all vehicles, including high-polluting vehicles. Your DMV registration renewal notice will say if you need to go to a STAR station. [13]
- Availability · BAR Smog Check programme; transaction and station conditions apply
- Repair-only station: Repairs emissions issues but does not perform Smog Checks. [14]
- Information & documents · BAR Smog Check programme; transaction and station conditions apply
- Bring your DMV registration renewal notice to the station, if available. This helps the station verify your vehicle information. [15]
- Availability · BAR Smog Check programme; transaction and station conditions apply
- If your vehicle's check engine light is on, get it repaired before your Smog Check. The check engine light indicates a problem with the vehicle's emissions system. A vehicle will not pass a Smog Check with the check engine light on. [16]
- Availability · BAR Smog Check programme; transaction and station conditions apply
- If you recently disconnected or replaced your battery, drive your vehicle for a week or two. This will allow the readiness monitors to reset before your Smog Check. [17]
- Processing time · BAR Smog Check programme; transaction and station conditions apply
- The inspection usually takes about 30 minutes. [18]
- Payments · BAR Smog Check programme; transaction and station conditions apply
- The cost of a Smog Check inspection varies by station. [19]
- Payments · BAR Smog Check programme; transaction and station conditions apply
- Inspection prices are not regulated by BAR. [20]
- Payments · BAR Smog Check programme; transaction and station conditions apply
- The station must give you an estimate. You must authorize the estimate before the station can begin the inspection. [21]
- Availability · BAR Smog Check programme; transaction and station conditions apply
- The station will issue a smog certificate. The certificate is electronically sent to DMV and is valid for 90 days. The next steps depend on the purpose of the Smog Check. Here's what to do: [22]
- Availability · BAR Smog Check programme; transaction and station conditions apply
- A station may not have the equipment necessary to inspect your vehicle. Find a different station and call ahead to make sure it can inspect your vehicle. [23]
Choose the required service type and contact the operator. An unqueried locator is not a verified directory of individual stations.
Service area: California statewide programme information and station referrals; personal vehicle requirements and station availability vary. [1]
Read the registration context and follow the notice for your vehicle; this guide does not calculate an individual exemption.
Service area: California statewide programme information and station referrals; personal vehicle requirements and station availability vary. [1]
Official BAR referral for inspection issues, unusual vehicles and other Referee services. No appointment or application was submitted.
Service area: California statewide programme information and station referrals; personal vehicle requirements and station availability vary. [1]
Official programme referral; the applicant and vehicle must meet the programme's own eligibility rules.
Service area: California statewide programme information and station referrals; personal vehicle requirements and station availability vary. [1]
Fees
Fees are quoted only when a source document supports the amount and conditions.
| Service | Amount | Conditions & source |
|---|---|---|
| Smog Check certificate fee | $8.25certificate | Certificate fee charged by the station; not the station's total inspection charge. Inspection prices vary and are not regulated by BAR.[24] |
These are individual fee items, not a quote for your total. Other charges or exemptions may apply; confirm the total with the office.
Forms & documents
Official forms and document pages for this office’s services.
Sources & last checked4 source pages · 26 citations
Sources were checked by an AI-assisted research process. A checked website does not mean every service or fee on it has been reviewed.
- [1] Bureau of Automotive Repair profile (opens in a new tab)
California state portal — Bureau of Automotive Repair · Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) | CA.gov — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), part of the Department of Consumer Affairs, protects Californians through effective oversight of the automotive repair industry and administration of vehicle emissions reduction and safety programs.
- [2] Bureau of Automotive Repair profile (opens in a new tab)
California state portal — Bureau of Automotive Repair · Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) | CA.gov — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR)
- [3] Smog Check consumer information (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Smog Check: When you need one and what's required - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Smog Checks help keep California's air clean and your vehicle running smoothly. Regular inspections check that your vehicle meets emissions standards. They also identify needed emissions repairs, helping you avoid costly problems later on.
- [4] Bureau of Automotive Repair profile (opens in a new tab)
California state portal — Bureau of Automotive Repair · Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) | CA.gov — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Department website
- [5] Smog Check consumer information (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Smog Check: When you need one and what's required - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Smog Check: When you need one and what's required
- [6] Smog Check consumer information (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Smog Check: When you need one and what's required - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Auto Shop Locator
- [7] DMV Smog Inspections (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Motor Vehicles · Smog Inspections - California DMV — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Smog inspections are required when you register or renew registration for a vehicle in California, but there are some exceptions.
- [8] Smog Check consumer information (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Smog Check: When you need one and what's required - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Smog Check Referee
- [9] Smog Check consumer information (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Smog Check: When you need one and what's required - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Consumer Assistance Program
- [10] Smog Check consumer information (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Smog Check: When you need one and what's required - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
It's important to find the right type of station for your needs. Some stations only do inspections, others only do repairs, and some can do both. Finding a station is easy—use our Auto Shop Locator to find one near you.
- [11] Smog Check consumer information (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Smog Check: When you need one and what's required - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Test-and-repair station: Performs Smog Checks and emissions repairs.
- [12] Smog Check consumer information (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Smog Check: When you need one and what's required - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Test-only station: Performs Smog Checks but does not make emissions repairs.
- [13] Smog Check consumer information (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Smog Check: When you need one and what's required - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
STAR station: Meets higher performance standards to inspect all vehicles, including high-polluting vehicles. Your DMV registration renewal notice will say if you need to go to a STAR station.
- [14] Smog Check consumer information (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Smog Check: When you need one and what's required - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Repair-only station: Repairs emissions issues but does not perform Smog Checks.
- [15] Smog Check consumer information (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Smog Check: When you need one and what's required - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Bring your DMV registration renewal notice to the station, if available. This helps the station verify your vehicle information.
- [16] Smog Check consumer information (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Smog Check: When you need one and what's required - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
If your vehicle's check engine light is on, get it repaired before your Smog Check. The check engine light indicates a problem with the vehicle's emissions system. A vehicle will not pass a Smog Check with the check engine light on.
- [17] Smog Check consumer information (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Smog Check: When you need one and what's required - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
If you recently disconnected or replaced your battery, drive your vehicle for a week or two. This will allow the readiness monitors to reset before your Smog Check.
- [18] Smog Check consumer information (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Smog Check: When you need one and what's required - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
The inspection usually takes about 30 minutes.
- [19] Smog Check consumer information (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Smog Check: When you need one and what's required - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
The cost of a Smog Check inspection varies by station.
- [20] Smog Check consumer information (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Smog Check: When you need one and what's required - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Inspection prices are not regulated by BAR.
- [21] Smog Check consumer information (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Smog Check: When you need one and what's required - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
The station must give you an estimate. You must authorize the estimate before the station can begin the inspection.
- [22] Smog Check consumer information (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Smog Check: When you need one and what's required - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
The station will issue a smog certificate. The certificate is electronically sent to DMV and is valid for 90 days. The next steps depend on the purpose of the Smog Check. Here's what to do:
- [23] Smog Check consumer information (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Smog Check: When you need one and what's required - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
A station may not have the equipment necessary to inspect your vehicle. Find a different station and call ahead to make sure it can inspect your vehicle.
- [24] Smog Check consumer information (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Smog Check: When you need one and what's required - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
The station must charge a $8.25 Smog Check certificate fee.
- [25] Bureau of Automotive Repair (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Home page - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Bureau of Automotive Repair 10949 North Mather Blvd. Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
- [26] Bureau of Automotive Repair (opens in a new tab)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair · Home page - Bureau of Automotive Repair — exact named programme, linked resource or published condition
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Hours of Operation Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm