Where to take your vehicle for a smog check in Long Beach

Long Beach has two types of smog check stations: STAR stations (Smog Check Test and Repair) and test-only stations. STAR stations can test your vehicle and perform repairs on the spot if you fail. Test-only stations perform the inspection but do not repair vehicles — you take a failed vehicle elsewhere for fixes, then return for a retest.

To find stations near you, use the California Bureau of Automotive Repair's online station locator at bar.ca.gov. Search by your ZIP code or street address. The locator shows which stations are currently open, their hours, and whether they are STAR or test-only. Most stations in Long Beach are open Monday through Friday and some Saturday hours; call ahead to confirm weekend availability.

You do not need an appointment at most test-only stations, but STAR stations often book up during peak times (early mornings and lunch hours). Calling ahead saves a wait, especially if you are bringing a vehicle that may need repairs.

Key Takeaways

  • Long Beach smog checks are performed at STAR stations (test and repair) or test-only stations, both found through the California Bureau of Automotive Repair locator.
  • Your vehicle must be registered in California and you must bring your registration documents and a valid ID to the station.
  • The test costs between $30 and $50 depending on your vehicle type and the station; test-only stations are usually cheaper than STAR stations.
  • A passing smog check is valid for two years from the test date and is recorded in the state system, so you do not need to carry a paper certificate.
  • If you fail, you have 30 days to repair your vehicle and retest at no additional charge at the same station, or pay to retest elsewhere.

What documents and vehicle information you need to bring

Bring your vehicle registration and a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). The registration must match the vehicle you are testing — if the registration is in someone else's name, that person should accompany you or provide written permission. Some stations ask for proof of residency if your ID address does not match your registration address.

Have your vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) ready. It appears on your registration and on the driver's side dashboard. The station will use it to confirm your vehicle's model year and engine type, which determines which smog test applies to your car.

If your vehicle has had recent repairs or modifications, bring documentation. Stations need to know if you have replaced the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, or other emissions-related parts, as this affects test results and may require additional inspection.

Test costs and what affects the price

A smog check in Long Beach costs between $30 and $50 for the test itself. Test-only stations typically charge $30 to $40, while STAR stations charge $40 to $50 because they can perform repairs if needed. Prices vary by station and by vehicle type — diesel vehicles and older vehicles sometimes cost more to test.

If you fail the test, you do not pay again to retest at the same station within 30 days. If you go to a different station for the retest, you pay the full test fee again. Repairs are separate from the test fee. A STAR station will quote repair costs before starting work, and you can choose to have repairs done there or take your vehicle to an independent mechanic and return for a retest.

Some stations offer discounts for seniors or low-income vehicle owners — ask when you call. A few Long Beach stations participate in the California Smog Check information Program, which can reduce costs for may have access to households, though availability is limited.

How long the test takes and what happens during it

A smog check typically takes 15 to 30 minutes from arrival to completion. The station will connect your vehicle to a diagnostic machine that reads emissions data from your engine's onboard computer and measures tailpipe emissions. You will sit in the waiting area while this happens.

The test measures nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter. Your vehicle passes if all readings fall within California's limits for your vehicle's model year and engine type. The station will print or email your results when ready — you do not wait for lab processing.

If you pass, the test is recorded in the California Department of Motor Vehicles system within one business day. You do not need a paper certificate; the DMV can see your passing test when you renew your registration. If you fail, the station gives you a written report showing which emissions exceeded limits and typically recommends repair categories (fuel system, ignition system, catalytic converter, etc.).

What to do if your vehicle fails the smog check

You have 30 days from the test date to repair your vehicle and retest at the same station at no charge. If you miss the 30-day window, you must pay the full test fee again at any station. Keep your failure report — it shows the station and test date, which you will need to reference when you return.

At a STAR station, you can have repairs done on-site. The station will diagnose the problem and provide a repair estimate before starting work. You can accept the estimate, decline and take your vehicle elsewhere, or ask the station to perform only specific repairs. Once repairs are complete, the station retests your vehicle at no additional cost.

If you use a test-only station or choose to repair elsewhere, take your vehicle to a mechanic of your choice. Bring a copy of your failure report so the mechanic knows what to address. After repairs, return to the original station (or any station) for a retest. You will pay the test fee again if you go to a different station.

When your smog check is due based on your registration

Your smog check is due every two years when you renew your vehicle registration. The DMV will remind you by mail when your registration is about to expire. You must have a passing smog check on file before you can renew your registration online, by mail, or in person.

If your registration has already expired, you can still get a smog check and renew your registration, but you may owe late fees. The smog check itself does not expire — once you pass, it is valid for two years. If you pass your test in January, you do not need another test until January of the following odd-numbered year (or even-numbered year, depending on your registration cycle).

New vehicles (model year 2000 and newer with fewer than 6,000 miles) are exempt from smog checks for their first six years. After that, they follow the standard two-year cycle. Vehicles model year 1975 and older are also exempt. Check your registration notice to confirm whether your vehicle requires a smog check.

Special cases: diesel vehicles, out-of-state transfers, and recent repairs

Diesel vehicles use a different smog test than gasoline vehicles and cost slightly more — typically $40 to $60 depending on the station. Not all test-only stations test diesel vehicles, so confirm when you call. STAR stations almost always accommodate diesel testing.

If you recently moved to California and registered a vehicle from another state, you must pass a smog check before you can register it in California. This is a one-time requirement, not part of the regular two-year cycle. Bring your out-of-state registration and title along with your California ID and proof of residency.

If you have recently replaced emissions-related parts (catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, fuel injectors, or engine control module), bring documentation of the repair. Some stations require a receipt or work order. If the repair was done at a dealership or shop, they can provide this. The smog test may take slightly longer if the station needs to verify that parts meet California standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a smog check if my vehicle is not currently registered?

You can get a smog check, but you must have a valid registration document (even if expired) and a photo ID. If your registration has been expired for more than a year, contact the DMV first — you may need to renew your registration before the smog check is recorded in the system.

What if I fail the smog check twice?

You can retest as many times as needed. After a second failure, you have 30 days from the second test date to repair and retest again. If repairs are extensive, ask the station or a mechanic whether your vehicle is worth fixing or whether the repair cost exceeds the vehicle's value.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Most test-only stations accept walk-ins, though wait times vary. STAR stations often require appointments, especially during busy hours. Call ahead to confirm the station's policy and typical wait time. Early morning or mid-afternoon visits are usually faster than lunch hours.

Is the smog check result sent to the DMV automatically?

Yes. Once you pass, the station electronically reports the result to the California DMV within one business day. You do not need to submit anything yourself. The DMV will see the passing test when you renew your registration.

What if the station says my vehicle cannot be tested?

This is rare but can happen if your vehicle's engine is severely damaged or if the diagnostic port is broken. Ask the station for a written explanation. You may need to contact the DMV to discuss your options, which may include a referee inspection or a waiver in some cases.