Choi smog star station test-only - difference between regular smog station and STAR station

Sep 15, 2026

Upload by Violet

Explains the difference between a regular smog station and a STAR-certified smog station monitored by California’s Bureau of Automotive Repairs (BAR). Covers the two STAR station types: STAR Test Only centers that perform smog inspections without repairs, and STAR Test & Repair centers that can inspect, repair, and certify vehicles. Describes how vehicles are selected for STAR checks, typical STAR test duties, additional oversight, costs, and expected timelines, plus which vehicles may require STAR testing.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

What is the difference between a regular smog station and a STAR smog station?

STAR station types: Test Only vs Test & Repair

How vehicles are selected for STAR smog checks

STAR smog check cost and testing time

STAR testing requirements and eligibility

# Choi smog star station test-only What is the difference with a regular smog station and a STAR smog station?You received your DMV renewal notice and discovered it says "Smog Certification Required at a STAR Station".NNo need to panic.All this means is that the DMV has chosen your vehicle to be inspected at a STAR certified smog station which is monitored closely by the BAR and must conform to high standards established by the Bureau of Automotive Repairs.SomeSTAR stations are only authorized to perform smog inspections.These stations are known as STAR Test Onlystations.Other STAR certified smog centers can perform smog inspections as well as smog check repairs.Thesesmog stations are known as STAR Test &Repair stations.Both STAR stations are allowed to perform regular and STAR smog checks.STAR Test Only Centers are only authorized to perform smog inspections and are not allowed to perform smog check repairs.STAR Test&Repair Stations are authorized to perform STAR smog inspections,as well as repair and certify all vehicles.If the DMV is asking for "Smog Certificate Required at a STAR station"you can visit either of these smog test center types.STAR certified smog station dutiesand responsibilities STAR Test Only Center-Smog test only centers are authorized by the State of California to perform both Regular and Test Only smog inspections.They are not allowed to perform any smog repairs.A Test Only center's main obligation is to perform a non-bias and accurate smog inspection.They are certified to inspect all DMV required vehicles.STAR Test &Repair(CAP)-STAR Test &Repair stationsare authorized by the Bureau of Automotive Repairs to perform,along with smog check repairs,regular smog inspections and test only smog checks.A STAR Test &Repair station is the only type of smogcheck center which can inspect,repair and certify any and all vehicles.These stations are participants of the State's Consumer Assistance Program and are inspected by the State of California monthly.STARTest&Repair stations may also perform smog repairs on veehicles participating in the Consumer Assistance Program.How are vehicles selected for STAR smog check?The State of Californiauses the following three strategies to determine whether a vehicle is STAR station designated or not:Gross polluters(vehicles which have failed a previous smog inspection with very high emission readings)High Emitter Profile vehicles.These are vehicle types designated by the Bureau of Automotive Repair as having high chances of failing the smog inspection.A random sample of all vehicles registered in California and being driven on public roadways.If your vehicle has been selected to undergo a STAR smog check don't be alarmed.Simply locate a convenient STAR certified smog station and proceed with the inspection.The smog technician conducting the test can inform you of any serious issues.There are several hundered STAR smog stations throughout California and you can find one in your area using our STAR Smog Station Locator.How much does a STAR smog check cost?STAR smog stations,as with all smog stations,are independently owned and operated businesses.The owners of these smog test centers or test &repair stations have toright to choose the amount they will charge consumers for their services.Except for an $8.25 State Certificate fee,STAR Test Only centers and STAR Test &Repair stations will have different prices,typically between $29.95 and $59.95 plus state fee.Find a STAR station by using our smog station and coupon search tool.Select "STAR Smog Station"from the drop down list,enter your zipcode and go.TheSTAR Program,overseen by California's Bureau of Automotive Repair(BAR),licenses repair stations to conduct smog tests and repairs.STAR smog stations are authorized testing centers that can perform all the tests required to certify your vehicle.They are subject to additional oversight and review by the BAR and conduct more comprehensivee and strenuous smog testing

FAQs

What does “Smog Certification Required at a STAR Station” mean?

It means the DMV selected the vehicle for inspection at a BAR-monitored STAR-certified smog station. The station must follow high testing standards set by the Bureau of Automotive Repairs.

What’s the difference between STAR Test Only and STAR Test & Repair stations?

STAR Test Only centers perform smog inspections only and cannot do repairs. STAR Test & Repair stations can perform both STAR smog inspections and smog check repairs, and they can certify vehicles.

How does California select vehicles for STAR smog checks?

California uses strategies including identifying gross polluters, high-emitter profile vehicles, and a random sample of registered vehicles driven on public roadways. If selected, a STAR station can be located using the STAR smog station locator.

Sep 15, 2026

Upload by Violet