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Out-of-State Vehicle Smog Check in Garden Grove, CA
New to California? A car registered here for the first time needs a smog check, whether you bought it in another state or it was registered there. Bring it to Garden Grove STAR Smog Check at 13501 Magnolia St, Monday through Saturday. Walk in or book online; for newer models, call first.
Rules for newer vehicles can differ, so call us to confirm what your vehicle needs.
- 4.9★ · 115 Google reviews
- STAR certified
- BAR-licensed station #314076
- Walk-ins welcome
- Se habla español
What to bring
- The car.
- The documents DMV sent you or gave you at the field office, if you've started registration.
- Unsure whether your car needs the smog check? Call (657) 206-2767 before you drive over.
Vehicles that skip the check
Some vehicles are exempt from California smog checks altogether:
- Fully electric vehicles.
- Motorcycles.
- Gasoline vehicles from 1975 and older.
- Diesels from 1997 and older, and diesels with a GVWR over 14,000 lb.
For anything newer, call us to confirm what your vehicle needs.
How it works
Walk in or book online
Approve the estimate
before the inspection starts.
We inspect the car
using the California procedure for its model year.
You get a vehicle inspection report
with the result, plus any open safety recalls on the vehicle.
If it doesn't pass
Cars that spent years under another state's rules sometimes need work before they meet California's. Repairs are done at a test-and-repair or repair-only station of your choice; BAR's Auto Shop Locator lists licensed ones. Then bring the car back within 30 calendar days for the $30 smog retest: $21.75, plus the $8.25 certificate on a pass. If the battery was disconnected or codes were cleared during the repair, drive normally for a week or two first so the readiness monitors reset.
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
Highly recommend to come here and have your smogged checked!”
5 out of 5 stars
“Fast quick and easy!
5 out of 5 stars
— Thomas N., Google review
5 out of 5 stars
“Great customer service! …Definitely will be coming back for my smog check needs!”
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a smog check to register my car in California?
Yes. A smog check is required to register a car from another state in California for the first time, whether it was bought there or registered there before.
My car is only a year or two old. Does it still need a check?
Rules for newer out-of-state vehicles can differ. Call us at (657) 206-2767 to confirm what your vehicle needs.
Is my electric car exempt?
Yes. Fully electric vehicles are exempt.
Do I need a STAR station?
Not unless DMV directs you to one, but anyone can choose a STAR station. Your DMV renewal notice may require a STAR station. We are STAR certified.
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.
Newcomers reach us from Anaheim, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach and Garden Grove.
Smog it before you register
Walk in, book a time, or call first if you have questions about your vehicle.
Garden Grove STAR Smog Check · 13501 Magnolia St, Garden Grove, CA 92844 · BAR license #314076 · (657) 206-2767