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STAR Certified Test Station

If your vehicle registration renewal notice says you must go to a STAR station don't worry, Smog 805 can smog your car. Smog 805 is a STAR Certified Smog Station, and we can test and CERTIFY any vehicle on the road. 

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Vehicle Registration Questions

  • Can I pay my registration fees before getting a smog inspection?

    • Yes! We know sometimes life gets in the way and you can't find time to get your smog inspection done before your registration is due, but don't worry. You can pay your registration fees without getting a smog inspection to avoid late fees.  

  • How can I pay my registration fees?

    • The easiest way to pay your fees is online at DMV's website. 

    • You can send a check with your renewal slip to DMV and deposit into the mail. 

    • You can also pay by check by depositing your envelope at drop boxes located in the DMV office. That way your check can't get lost in the mail. 

    • And you can pay by phone with DMV at 1-800-777-0133

  • I can't renew my registration online. What do I do? 

    • There are some instances where you can't renew online. 

    • One case is when your vehicle has an open safety or emissions recall. You can only renew in person at DMV or by mailing in a check and your completed recall notice to DMV. 

    • Call DMV for more questions if you cannot renew online. DMV: 1-800-777-0133

FAQ and Smog Check help

  • Is an appointment required?

    • A majority of the vehicles we smog do not require an appointment. The short list of vehicles that do include RVs, full-size vans (Chevrolet Express, Ford E Series, Dodge Ram Vans), and certain vehicles like the Porsche Boxster/Cayman which require engine cover removal. 

    • We do not require appointments for all other vehicles.

    • Walk in-s are always welcome. 

  • How long does a smog test take?

    • If your car is a 2000 or newer you can be in and out in 20 minutes or less! Older cars need more time because they have to tested on a dynamometer and the fuel vapor containment system (EVAP) must also be tested.  DON'T BE FOOLED by places that claim to be express or super-fast. Inspections always take between 15 to 20 minutes, so if someone does it in less time, they must be doing something wrong. 

  • Why do some places charge more than others for the same Smog Check?

    • The Smog Check program is supposed to be a non-profit program. Some places use gimmicks to attract more customers, but at the end, the price is very close to one another. The more customers one business attracts, the more cars they will have to smog, therefore the longer the wait for the customer. 

  • My vehicle failed, what do I do now?

    • First, we offer one FREE re-test within 30 days, you just pay for the smog certificate once it passes.

    • If your vehicle fails, we can provide you with a repair estimate upon request, since we are a CERTIFIED smog repair station, or if you prefer, we can provide you with a list of CERTIFIED smog repair shops in the area where you can take your car to get repaired. 

    • You can also visit the Bureau of Auto Repair's website to see a list of shops in your area.

  • What are incomplete monitors?

    • Modern vehicles (1996 and newer) have onboard diagnostics which monitor the emission systems. When there is a fault you get a check engine light, but that only happens after the computer runs self-tests, called monitors. If those monitors don't run, your vehicle can still fail a smog test. Common reasons your vehicle may have incomplete monitors are the following:

    • Your vehicle recently had to be jump started. 

    • The battery was changed. 

    • You recently had a Check Engine light repaired but have not driven very much. 

  • What do I do if I have incomplete monitors?

    • The most common fix for incomplete monitors is just driving the vehicle. 

    • We recommend driving 200 to 300 miles spread out over at least a week.

  • Should I drive it any differently? 

    • Most vehicle manufacturers recommend that you drive no faster than 65 MPH, and include several constant stints around that speed. 

    • Keep your gas above 1/4 of a tank, and below 3/4 while trying to complete monitors. 

    • If you have a weak battery get it diagnosed and repaired if bad. Anytime the vehicle has to be jump started the computer's memory can be cleared and you're back to square one. 

 

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