Smog Check Information, Questions, and Answers

Smog Check Pros Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who needs a smog check?
A. There are three reasons to get a smog check: 1) Registration Renewal: Every two years, on most vehicles, you are required to get a smog check to renew your registration with the DMV. *Gasoline vehicles newer than six years old, hybrids, motorcycles, gasoline vehicles 1975 or older, and diesel vehicles 1997 and older are exempt from this requirement. 2) Change of Ownership: Most vehicles need a smog check when they are bought or sold. It is the seller's responsibility to have the vehicle inspected within 90 days of the transaction. If the vehicle is not registered within 90 days of being smogged, it will need to be inspected again.
*Gasoline vehicles newer than four years old, hybrids, motorcycles, gasoline vehicles 1975 or older, and diesel vehicles 1997 and older are exempt from this requirement. Also, the transfer of title between certain family members does not require a smog check.
3) Bringing in a car from out of state: Most cars coming from out of state seeking registration in California need to be smogged.
Hybrids, motorcycles, gasoline vehicles 1975 or older, and diesel vehicles 1997 and older are exempt from this requirement.
Q. When a car is sold, who is responsible for the smog check inspection?
A. The seller is required to provide the buyer with a valid smog inspection certification at the time of the sale or transfer. Smog certifications are good for 90 days from the date of issuance.
The inspection is not required on a transfer if a biennial smog certification was submitted to the DMV within 90 days prior to the vehicle transfer date (a vehicle inspection report may be required for proof of certification).
NOTE: Smog certifications are not required for transfers that occur for a gasoline-powered motor vehicle that is four or fewer model years old. (Determine the oldest-qualifying year model by subtracting three from the current year.) The four or less model years old rule does not apply to diesel-powered vehicles. A smog transfer fee will be collected from the new owner. Click here for the smog transfer fee calculator.
Q. Do I need to smog my diesel vehicle?
A. Maybe. Diesel vehicles 1997 and older are smog exempt. Diesel vehicles with a gross vehicle weight over 14,500 lbs. are also exempt from the smog inspection.
Q. Can you smog my all-wheel drive vehicle?
A. Yes. All-wheel drive vehicles are smogged doing a two-speed idle test rather than being tested on a dynamometer.
Q. Can you smog my full-sized motorhome?
A. Yes.
Q. My renewal notice doesn't specify that I need to go to a STAR-certified smog check station. Can you still smog it?
A. Yes. We can perform a smog test on your car whether or not it has been directed to a STAR-certified smog check station.
Q. Can you send my smog check results to the DMV if I don't have my renewal form with me?
A. Yes. We use the Vehicle Identification Number that is imprinted on the vehicle itself to identify the vehicle with the DMV.
Q. Will my car pass the smog check with the check engine light on?
A. No. However, you may still want to have your car smogged anyway, so you can take advantage of the Consumer Assistance Program to help pay for repairs.
Q. Will my car pass with an aftermarket air intake or other modifications?
A. Aftermarket parts such as air intakes need a sticker with an OE# affixed to the vehicle to prove that those parts are legal for street use in California. If you have specific questions about specific parts on your car, ask us before we start the smog check, not after we start.

STAR-Certified Smog Check Stations

STAR stations are smog check stations that meet higher performance standards established by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. Some STAR stations are licensed to perform test-only inspections, while others are licensed to perform smog checks and smog check repairs. Please visit the STAR Station Information page of our website for more information.

Quick, Honest Smog Check at the Best Price

We are your Official STAR-certified smog check station in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, CA. Smog Check Pros is California's leading STAR smog check and test-only station in Los Angeles, CA. We are friendly, local, and fairly priced. Our courteous and friendly techs will smog your vehicle in about 15 minutes.
No Appointment Needed
Smog check coupons up to 20% off available at Smog Check Pros in Van Nuys, Greater Los Angeles, CA. We are an official STAR-certified California smog check station.
We Value Our Customers
At Smog Check Pros, we offer our customers honesty, efficiency, and a clean facility located in the heart of Van Nuys for your convenience. While waiting, customers have the opportunity to surf the web with our free Wi-Fi or stroll to nearby shops on Sherman Way and Sepulveda to have lunch/dinner, coffee, or go shopping.
Smog Check Pros uses the latest, most accurate equipment to test your vehicle. We can certify for all tests required by the DMV, including the STAR smog check, regular smog check inspection, gross polluters, out-of-state registrations, and renewals.

#1 STAR-Certified Smog Check Station

Established in 2001, we are California's leading STAR smog check station in Los Angeles, CA, serving Van Nuys, Balboa Lakes, North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Valley Village, Valley Glen, Encino, North Hills, Panorama City, Pacoima, Reseda, Tarzana, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Granada Hills and Mission Hills. We offer excellent customer service, a clean facility, and competitive prices. Come and see for yourself why Smog Check Pros is the #1 smog check station in Los Angeles.
Contact
Thank you for your interest. For questions or comments, please use the information listed here. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
15237 Sherman Way, Unit 2Van Nuys, CA 91405(Corner of Sherman Way & Sepulveda Blvd)
Monday, Thursday, Friday, 8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.Tuesday, Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Serving Van Nuys, Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Balboa Lakes, Northridge, Reseda, Chatsworth, Canoga Park, Mission Hills, North Hills, Granada Hills, Pacoima, Studio City, Tarzana, Panorama City, North Hollywood, Valley Village, Valley Glen, & Surrounding LA Communities
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