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Out-of-State Vehicle Smog Check in Carlsbad, CA
Just moved to Carlsbad? A vehicle registered in California for the first time needs a smog check, whether you bought it in another state or it was registered there. Bring it to our STAR-certified station in Suite 115 at 2509 Palomar Airport Rd, near I-5, any day of the week.
Some vehicles are exempt. For newer models, call us to confirm what your vehicle needs.
- 4.9★ · 538 Google reviews
- STAR certified
- BAR-licensed station #311178
- Walk-ins welcome
- Open seven days
What to bring
- The car. Out-of-state plates are fine.
- Its current registration or title from the other state.
- Any documents DMV sent you about registering here.
How it works
Book or walk in
Not sure your car needs it? Call (760) 814-2021 first.
Approve the estimate
in writing before the inspection.
Inspection
for your car's model year.
Your report,
the vehicle inspection report, in hand when you leave.
Who's exempt: fully electric vehicles, motorcycles, and gasoline vehicles from 1975 and older.
If it fails California's test
We explain the report line by line. The vehicle then needs emissions work at a licensed station you choose. BAR's Auto Shop Locator lists licensed stations that do emissions work, so you can pick one you trust. After that, the $30 smog retest applies within 30 calendar days of the paid, failed inspection: $21.75, plus the $8.25 certificate on a pass.
Check engine light on? The vehicle won't pass with it lit.
Makes we inspect
Our bay sees every make. Ford, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen and Mazda turn up most often in our job photos, and the full brand list is on our vehicles we smog check page.
Drivers on Google
5 out of 5 stars
“Quick friendly professional service from the folks at this location. They do the state mandated emissions inspections. They also do this for cars from out of state too! … This place is super convenient. Highly recommend this spot!!”
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a smog check to register my car from another state?
Yes. A smog check is required for a vehicle's first California registration, whether it was bought in another state or registered there before.
My out-of-state car is a recent model. Is it exempt?
Call us to confirm what your vehicle needs.
Which vehicles are exempt?
Fully electric vehicles, motorcycles, and gasoline vehicles from 1975 and older.
I'm in the military. Am I exempt?
No. Military members and veterans are not exempt.
Do I have to use a STAR station?
Not unless you're directed to one, but anyone can choose a STAR station. We are STAR certified.
Hours and location
Carlsbad STAR Smog Check
2509 Palomar Airport Rd, Suite 115, Carlsbad, CA 92011
(760) 814-2021
| 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 | 9 AM–4 PM |
Holiday hours: see our Google Business Profile. Wi-Fi in the waiting room. Hablamos español. Cash, major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted.
Newcomers find us from Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista and Solana Beach.
Get your out-of-state smog check
Bring your car and its out-of-state registration. Open Saturday and Sunday too.
2509 Palomar Airport Rd, Suite 115, Carlsbad, CA 92011 · BAR license #311178 · (760) 814-2021