Frequently asked questions
Your smog check questions, answered.
Everything drivers across the High Desert ask us — pricing, STAR and test-only, Clean Truck Check, the DMV, and getting your vehicle to pass. Still stuck? Give us a call.
Pricing & the coupon
What a smog check costs here.
How much is a smog check at Victor Valley Smog Center?
It’s $39.75 with our coupon, plus the $8.25 state certificate fee that’s collected only when your vehicle passes — $48.00 total for most cars and light trucks.
Is the certificate fee included in the coupon price?
No — the $8.25 certificate is a separate state charge added when your vehicle passes, so the all-in total is $48.00.
How do I use the coupon?
There’s nothing to activate — show it on your phone or bring a printout when you arrive and the coupon price applies.
Is a STAR-directed vehicle more expensive?
No. Whether or not the DMV directed you to a STAR station, the coupon price is the same.
Appointments & your visit
Walking in and waiting.
Do I need an appointment?
No — walk-ins are welcome, and most smog checks take about ten minutes. You’re welcome to call ahead if you’d rather line up a time.
How long does a smog check take?
For most vehicles, roughly ten minutes. Clean Truck Check inspections on heavy-duty diesels take a little longer.
Are you open on weekends?
Yes — we’re open seven days a week, including weekends. You’ll find our current hours in the header and footer of every page.
Can I wait while my vehicle is tested?
Yes — most customers wait on-site, since the inspection is quick.
STAR & test-only
Certification and impartial results.
Are you a STAR station?
Yes — we’re STAR certified, so we can certify both DMV-directed vehicles and standard registration-renewal vehicles.
How do I know if my vehicle needs a STAR check?
Your DMV renewal notice will say something like ‘Smog Certification Required — STAR Station.’ If you see that wording, you’re in the right place.
What is a test-only station?
One licensed to inspect and certify but not repair. Because we don’t sell repairs, we have no reason to fail you — just an honest result.
What happens if my vehicle fails?
We’ll show you the results, you have the work done at any repair shop you choose, and then you bring it back to us for the retest and certificate.
Vehicles we test
Cars, diesels & heavy-duty.
What vehicles do you test?
Cars, light trucks, SUVs, hybrids, diesels, motorhomes and heavy-duty vehicles — including many that other stations turn away.
Do you do Clean Truck Check for heavy-duty diesels?
Yes — we’re a licensed Clean Truck Check testing center for diesel vehicles over 14,000 lbs. It’s CARB’s program for heavy-duty trucks, separate from the DMV smog program for cars.
Do you offer mobile Clean Truck Check?
Yes — we can bring the inspection to your yard or roadside so your trucks don’t lose a day. Call us to arrange a visit for one truck or a whole fleet.
Do hybrids need a smog check?
Yes — hybrids are inspected just like gasoline cars, and we test them all, from compact hybrids to hybrid SUVs.
Certificates & the DMV
Filing, transfers & exemptions.
Do you send the certificate to the DMV?
Yes — free electronic transfer to the DMV is included, usually within minutes, so you can renew online.
Can you smog an out-of-state vehicle?
Yes — we provide the smog certification required to register an out-of-state vehicle in California.
Do you handle change-of-ownership smog checks?
Yes — we can certify a vehicle for a change of ownership while you wait.
Can you certify a gross polluter?
Yes — certifying a gross polluter after repair is something only a test-only station can do.
Which vehicles are exempt from smog checks in California?
Gasoline vehicles from 1975 and older, diesels from 1997 and older or rated over 14,000 lbs, plus electric vehicles and motorcycles. Vehicles eight model years old and newer pay an abatement fee instead of testing.
Finding us & the High Desert
Where we are and who we serve.
Where are you located?
14810 Seventh St, Unit A, Victorville, CA 92395 — central to the High Desert and an easy drive from across the Victor Valley.
Do you serve Hesperia, Apple Valley and Adelanto?
Yes — drivers come to us from across the Victor Valley, including Hesperia, Apple Valley, Adelanto, Oak Hills and Spring Valley Lake.
Do you accept walk-ins?
Yes — just drive up. Most smog checks take only about ten minutes.
Where can I get a smog check near me in 92395?
We’re located in 92395 on Seventh Street in Victorville, convenient whether you’re coming from central Victorville or a nearby community.
Passing your smog check
Give your car the best shot.
Why do vehicles fail the smog check?
The most common reasons are an illuminated check engine light, incomplete readiness monitors, a worn catalytic converter, or tampered emissions equipment.
Does driving before the test help?
Yes — a warm engine and hot catalytic converter burn cleaner. Drive 15–20 minutes first so everything is up to temperature.
Will clearing the check engine light help me pass?
No — clearing codes resets the readiness monitors, which itself causes a fail until they complete. Fix the underlying issue instead.
How soon can I retest after repairs?
As soon as the repair is done and the readiness monitors are complete. Bring it back and we’ll retest.