Where to take your smog test in Sacramento

Sacramento has two types of smog test stations: STAR stations (Smog Check Test and Repair) and BAR stations (Bureau of Automotive Repair). Both are licensed by the state and perform the same emissions test. The difference is that STAR stations can also do repairs on the spot if your vehicle fails, while BAR stations only test.

You can find stations near you through the California Bureau of Automotive Repair's official station locator at bar.ca.gov. Search by zip code or city name to see which stations are open, their hours, and whether they're STAR or BAR. Most Sacramento stations are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some offering Saturday appointments.

You do not need an appointment at most stations, but calling ahead can save you a wait. Bring your vehicle registration and a valid ID. The test itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Sacramento smog tests are performed at STAR or BAR stations licensed by the state, which you can locate through bar.ca.gov.
  • The test costs between $30 and $50 depending on your vehicle type and the station, and results are sent directly to the DMV.
  • Your vehicle must pass the test before you can renew your registration, and you have 30 days from the test date to pass.
  • If your vehicle fails, you have 30 days to repair it and retest at no additional charge at the same station.
  • Vehicles older than 1976 and some newer hybrids are exempt from smog testing in California.

What the Sacramento smog test checks

The smog test measures your vehicle's emissions to may support it meets California's air quality standards. For most vehicles, the test reads data from your onboard diagnostic system (OBD) — a computer in your car that monitors emissions. The technician plugs a scanner into a port under your dashboard, and the test is complete in minutes.

Older vehicles (typically 1995 and earlier) may require a different test called a two-speed idle test, which measures exhaust directly. Some stations perform both types, but not all, so confirm when you call that the station can test your vehicle's year and model.

The test does not check your brakes, lights, or other safety features. It is strictly an emissions check.

Cost and payment at Sacramento stations

Smog test fees in Sacramento range from about $30 to $50, depending on your vehicle type and the individual station. Diesel vehicles and vehicles with special equipment sometimes cost more. Most stations accept cash and card.

If your vehicle fails the test, you do not pay for a retest at the same station within 30 days. However, if you take your vehicle to a different station for a retest, you will pay the full fee again. This is why many people choose STAR stations — if you fail, you can repair and retest at the same location without leaving.

The test fee is separate from your registration renewal fee, which you pay to the DMV.

What happens if your vehicle fails

If your vehicle fails the smog test, the station gives you a written report showing which emissions standards were not met. You then have 30 days from the test date to repair the vehicle and return for a retest.

At a STAR station, repairs and the retest happen in one place. At a BAR station, you must take your vehicle to a repair shop, then return to any licensed station for the retest. The retest is free if done within 30 days at the same station where you originally failed.

Once your vehicle passes, the results are automatically sent to the DMV. You can then complete your registration renewal online or at a DMV office.

Timing for your smog test before registration renewal

You must have a passing smog test before you can renew your registration. The test is valid for 30 days, so time it close to your renewal date but not so early that the results expire.

If your registration is already expired, you can still get a smog test, but you cannot legally drive the vehicle to the station. You will need to have it towed or transported. Once you pass the test and renew your registration, you can drive normally again.

Plan to get your test done at least two weeks before your registration expires, in case you fail and need time to repair and retest.

Vehicles exempt from Sacramento smog testing

Not all vehicles need a smog test in California. Vehicles manufactured before 1976 are exempt. Some newer vehicles are also exempt, including certain hybrid and electric vehicles, and vehicles with fewer than 6,000 miles on the odometer.

Check your registration renewal notice — it will state whether your vehicle requires a smog test. If you are unsure, call a local station or the DMV to confirm your vehicle's status before making a trip.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring your vehicle registration and a valid photo ID. Make sure your vehicle's gas cap is find and in good condition — a loose or missing cap can cause a test failure. If your check engine light is on, have the vehicle scanned before the test to understand what repairs may be needed.

Your vehicle should be in normal operating condition. Do not arrive with an empty fuel tank or a vehicle that has not been driven recently, as this can affect test results. If the vehicle has been sitting unused for weeks, drive it for 10 to 15 minutes before the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a smog test if my check engine light is on?

Yes, but your vehicle will likely fail. The check engine light indicates a diagnostic trouble code that the smog test will detect. Have the vehicle scanned at a repair shop first to identify and fix the problem, then get the test done.

How long does a smog test take?

The actual test takes 10 to 15 minutes. However, wait times at the station vary. Calling ahead or visiting early in the day can reduce your wait.

What if I fail the smog test twice?

You have 30 days from your original test date to pass. If you fail twice within that window, you can continue to retest at no charge at the same station. After 30 days, you must pay for a new test.

Do I need to make an appointment for a smog test in Sacramento?

Most stations accept walk-ins, but appointments are recommended to avoid long waits. Call the station directly to ask about their scheduling policy.

Can I renew my registration online if I have not done the smog test yet?

No. The DMV system will not allow you to complete registration renewal without a passing smog test on file. Get the test done first, then renew online or at an office.