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Change of Ownership Smog Check in Garden Grove, CA
Selling a car in Garden Grove? California makes the seller give the buyer a valid smog certification, good for 90 days. Bring the car to Garden Grove STAR Smog Check at 13501 Magnolia St, Monday through Saturday; walk in or book online and you'll leave with the inspection report.
- 4.9★ · 115 Google reviews
- STAR certified
- BAR-licensed station #314076
- Walk-ins welcome
- Se habla español
Who needs a check when a car changes hands
- Most sales: the seller provides the smog certification.
- Newer cars: vehicles four model years old or newer don't need a smog check when sold. The new owner pays DMV a smog transfer fee.
- Family transfers: a transfer between a spouse, domestic partner, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent or sibling doesn't need a smog check. There's a catch if a relative bought the car for you and never put the title in their own name: then the check is required.
What to bring
- The car. Sellers usually bring it in before listing or before meeting the buyer.
- Any DMV letters about the car, if you have them.
- Not sure whether your sale needs a check? Call us first at (657) 206-2767.
How it works
Arrive or book
Walk-ins are welcome, or reserve a time online.
Approve the estimate
before the inspection starts. The current price is on our coupon page.
The inspection
runs the state procedure for the car's model year.
Your report
shows the result. A smog certificate is good for 90 days, so time the test with your sale in mind.
If it fails before the sale
The car can't be certified until it passes. The emissions repair is done at a test-and-repair or repair-only station of your choice (BAR's Auto Shop Locator lists licensed ones), and then the car comes back here. Within 30 calendar days the $30 smog retest is $21.75, plus the $8.25 certificate if it passes. We're a test-only station and don't do repairs.
Makes we test
Lexus, Toyota and Honda top our Magnolia St job photos, but every make gets the same state test. See the brand list on our vehicles we smog check page.
What drivers say
5 out of 5 stars
“Very professional and personal staff quick Service totally satisfied definitely come here”
Frequently asked questions
Who pays for the smog check when a car is sold?
California puts it on the seller: the seller has to give the buyer a valid smog certification.
How long is a smog certificate good for?
90 days.
My car is three years old. Does it need a smog check to sell?
Vehicles four model years old or newer don't need a smog check when sold. The new owner pays DMV a smog transfer fee instead.
I'm giving my car to my daughter. Does she need a smog check?
A transfer to a child doesn't need one, unless the car was bought for you by a family member who never titled it in their name.
Can I buy a car and get it tested myself?
Yes, anyone can bring a car in. Under California rules, though, providing the certificate is the seller's job.
Hours and location
Garden Grove STAR Smog Check
13501 Magnolia St, Garden Grove, CA 92844
Call (657) 206-2767
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Pay by cash, credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Waiting room with Wi-Fi. English and Spanish (se habla español). Holiday hours follow our Google Business Profile.
Sellers come in from Garden Grove Village, Westminster, Fountain Valley and Cypress.
Get the certificate before the sale
Book a time that fits your listing, or walk in during open hours.
Garden Grove STAR Smog Check · 13501 Magnolia St, Garden Grove, CA 92844 · BAR license #314076 · (657) 206-2767