What is a regular smog check?

A regular smog check is the standard California emissions inspection required to renew your vehicle registration. Most vehicles in California need a smog check every two years, and a regular smog station like ours can issue the compliance certificate for you in minutes.

If your DMV registration renewal notice says "Smog certification required" without mentioning a STAR station specifically, you can come to us for a regular smog check. (And if it does say STAR, no problem — we're STAR certified too.)

Who needs a regular smog check?

You need a smog check in California if any of these apply:

  • Your vehicle is more than 8 years old (gas-powered)
  • Your DMV registration renewal notice requires it
  • You're selling a vehicle that's more than 4 years old
  • You're registering an out-of-state vehicle in California for the first time
  • Your vehicle has a change of ownership

Vehicles generally exempt from smog checks include: gasoline vehicles 1975 and older, diesel vehicles 1997 and older or with a GVWR over 14,000 lbs, electric vehicles, motorcycles, and natural gas vehicles over 14,000 lbs GVWR.

What's tested during a smog check?

The smog check measures emissions output and inspects key components of your vehicle's emission control system. The full test includes:

  • Visual inspection — checking emission control components for tampering or missing parts
  • Functional inspection — confirming the check engine light, ignition timing, EGR system, fuel cap, and EVAP system are working
  • OBD II inspection — for 2000-and-newer vehicles, the test reads emission-related fault codes from the onboard computer
  • Tailpipe emissions test — for 1999-and-older vehicles (the dyno-based test you may remember)
Tip: Drive your car for 20 minutes before the test

A warmed-up engine produces fewer emissions than a cold one. Drive your vehicle for at least 15–20 minutes before bringing it in — your chances of passing improve significantly.

How much does it cost?

Smog check pricing varies by vehicle type. Bring our $10 OFF coupon for the best price in Simi Valley. The state-mandated certificate fee ($8.25) is added separately.

Call us at (805) 526-9716 for current pricing on your specific vehicle.

What if I fail?

You'll get a detailed report showing exactly what failed. Take it to a mechanic for repairs (we don't do repairs ourselves — that's actually a good thing, because it means we have no incentive to find problems that aren't there).

Once repaired, bring your car back to us within 30 days and we'll re-test it for free with the coupon.

Frequently asked questions

How often do I need a smog check in California?

Most vehicles need a smog check every 2 years for registration renewal. New cars get a 6-year exemption from the date of first sale. The DMV will tell you on your renewal notice whether you need one.

How long is a smog certificate valid?

A California smog certificate is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. As long as you renew your registration within 90 days, you don't need to get tested again.

Do I need an appointment?

No. Just drive in. We accept walk-ins all day, every day during business hours.

Can you check my smog if my registration is already expired?

Yes. We can smog test any vehicle, even with expired registration. We'll send the certificate to the DMV so you can renew immediately afterward.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash, all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), and debit cards.

Ready to get tested?

Drive in to 2405 Sycamore Dr — no appointment needed.

Call (805) 526-9716

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