STAR Certified · Test-Only
STAR certified smog checks, directed or not.
If your DMV notice says a STAR station is required, you’re in the right place — and if it doesn’t, we can still handle your smog check. Test-only, so the result is impartial.
What it means
What “STAR certified” means for you.
STAR stations meet higher performance standards set by the Bureau of Automotive Repair, and they’re the only stations allowed to certify vehicles the DMV specifically directs for a STAR inspection. We’re STAR certified — so whether or not your renewal notice singles out a STAR station, you can be certified here.
Do you need one?
How to tell if you need a STAR check.
Check your DMV notice
If it says “Smog Certification Required — STAR Station,” the DMV has directed your vehicle to a STAR station. Bring it here.
It’s nothing to worry about
The DMV directs a share of vehicles to STAR stations for added oversight each year — it doesn’t mean anything is wrong with your car.
Same test, certified station
The inspection is identical to a standard smog check. STAR refers to the station’s certification, not a different test.
Straight to the DMV
When you pass, we transmit the certificate to the DMV electronically — usually within minutes — so you can renew right away.
Test-Only
An impartial result — no upsell.
We’re licensed specifically as a Smog Station – Test Only (BAR license #312441). That means we inspect and certify but don’t perform repairs, so we have nothing riding on whether your vehicle passes. If it needs work, you take it to any repair shop you choose and bring it back to us for the retest and certificate.
What you can expect from us
Our services
Smog Check Victor Valley
Fast, STAR-certified smog checks for Victorville and the High Desert. Most vehicles are in and out in about ten minutes.
Smog Test Only
As a licensed test-only station we inspect and certify but never repair — so there’s no upsell and no reason to fail you.
Regular Smog Test
The standard smog inspection for registration renewal on most cars and light trucks, filed to the DMV the moment you pass.
Diesel Smog Inspection
Diesel smog testing for pickups, vans and light-duty diesels — vehicles many stations turn away. Priced at the counter.
Hybrid Smog Test
Hybrids need a smog check just like gas cars. We test them all, from compact hybrids to hybrid SUVs.
Smog Inspection For Out-of-State Vehicles
Registering an out-of-state vehicle in California? We provide the smog certification the DMV requires to complete it.
Change of Ownership Smog Check
Selling or transferring a vehicle? We handle the change-of-ownership smog certification while you wait.
Free Electronic Transfer of the Smog Certificate to the DMV
Pass, and we send your certificate to the DMV electronically at no extra charge — usually within minutes, so you can renew online.
Emission Testing for All Vehicles
Cars, hybrids, SUVs, trucks, diesels, motorhomes and RVs — if it needs a smog check, we test it.
Discount Smog Coupon
Save with our $39.75 smog check coupon, plus the $8.25 state certificate fee. Show it on your phone or print it.
SUV Smog Testing
Smog inspections for SUVs and crossovers, gas or hybrid, with the same quick turnaround.
Truck Smog Inspection
Smog testing for pickups and light trucks. Heavy-duty diesels over 14,000 lbs are covered by our Clean Truck Check.
DMV Smog Inspection
Directed by the DMV for a smog check or a STAR inspection? Bring your renewal notice — we’re STAR certified and can certify it.
Quick Smog Check
Most smog checks take about ten minutes, and we’re open seven days a week — no appointment needed.
Gross polluter certification
Only a test-only station can certify a gross polluter after repair. Bring it back and we’ll finish it out.
STAR & Test-Only FAQ
Questions we hear at the counter.
What is a STAR smog station?
STAR stations meet higher performance standards set by the Bureau of Automotive Repair and are the only stations allowed to certify vehicles the DMV specifically directs for a STAR inspection. We’re STAR certified.
Is Victor Valley Smog Center STAR certified?
Yes. That means we can inspect and certify both STAR-directed vehicles and vehicles that aren’t specifically directed — everything the DMV might ask for.
How do I know if my vehicle requires a STAR smog check?
Your DMV registration renewal notice will say something like “Smog Certification Required — STAR Station.” If you see that wording, bring it here; we’re STAR certified and can handle it.
Why does my DMV notice say a STAR station is required?
The DMV directs a share of vehicles to STAR stations for added oversight each year — it doesn’t mean anything is wrong with your car. Any STAR station can perform it, including ours.
What is the difference between a STAR smog check and a regular smog check?
The inspection itself is the same. STAR refers to the station’s certification level and oversight — a STAR station can certify DMV-directed vehicles that a non-STAR station cannot.
Can Victor Valley Smog Center inspect vehicles that are not STAR-directed?
Yes. Whether or not your notice specifies a STAR station, we can perform your smog check and file the result with the DMV.
What is a Test-Only smog station?
A Test-Only station is licensed to inspect and certify vehicles but not to repair them. Because we don’t sell repairs, we have nothing riding on the outcome — just an honest result.
Does a Test-Only smog station perform repairs?
No. California licenses us specifically as a Smog Station – Test Only (BAR license #312441). If your vehicle needs work to pass, you’re free to use any repair shop you like.
What happens if my vehicle fails at a Test-Only station?
We’ll show you the results, you have the repairs done wherever you prefer, and then you bring the vehicle back to us for the retest and certificate.
Does the STAR smog result go directly to the DMV?
Yes. When your vehicle passes, we transmit the certificate to the DMV electronically — usually within minutes — so you can renew right away.
Why choose a Test-Only STAR station?
You get the station level the DMV trusts for directed vehicles, with none of the upsell pressure of a repair shop. The inspection stands on its own.