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Change of Ownership Smog Check in Encinitas, CA
Selling a car in Encinitas? The seller must provide a valid smog certification, good for 90 days. Cars four model years old or newer skip the check at sale; the new owner pays DMV a smog transfer fee instead. We can test yours before you list it: walk in, book online or call (760) 753-1000.
- 4.9★ · 1,948 Google reviews
- STAR certified
- BAR-licensed station #300634
- ASE-certified technicians
- Walk-ins welcome
What to bring
- The car.
- The registration card, so we can confirm the VIN and details.
- The DMV notice or letters about the car, if you have any.
How to time it
Because the certificate expires after 90 days, the right moment is shortly before you list the car or once you have a serious buyer. Walk in or book online. We give you a written estimate, you approve it, and then we run the inspection required for the car's model year. You leave with the vehicle inspection report.
Family transfers: handing the car to a spouse, domestic partner, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent or sibling doesn't need a smog check. The catch: if a family member bought the car on your behalf without first titling it in their own name, a smog check is required.
Failed right before a sale?
Better to learn it now than after you've shaken hands on a price. We explain the report, our technicians diagnose the cause, and you get a written estimate. If your car fails and we do the repair here, the smog check fee is credited toward the repair.
$30 smog retest. One discounted retest for the same vehicle at the same station within 30 calendar days of the original paid, failed inspection. The retest is $21.75; if the vehicle passes, the $8.25 state certificate brings the total to $30. If it fails again, the retest is $21.75. A completed inspection that fails because readiness monitors are not ready counts as the retest. An inspection we abort costs nothing and does not use the retest; the 30-day window still applies. Additional retests and returns after 30 days are charged at posted regular prices. Repairs are not included.
If the car is still under the manufacturer's warranty, check the owner's manual. Some emissions repairs may be covered.
Brands we smog check
California's test doesn't care what badge is on the grille. We smog check these makes and more:
| Toyota | Honda | Ford | Nissan | Lexus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda | Jeep | Chevrolet | BMW | Subaru |
| Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai | Volkswagen | Kia | Audi |
| Acura | GMC | Dodge | MINI | Porsche |
| Land Rover | Infiniti | Volvo | Cadillac | Chrysler |
| Scion | Lincoln | Fiat | Mitsubishi | Ram |
| Buick | Maserati | Jaguar | Alfa Romeo | Aston Martin |
| Genesis | Bentley | Hummer | Lamborghini | Geely |
Not seeing yours? Give us a call at (760) 753-1000.
What Encinitas drivers say
5 out of 5 stars
“Very easy and expedited experience for a smog on my car. They also helped by adding wiper fluid for me! Much appreciated!”
5 out of 5 stars
“Found this business on a Google search. … provided fast and expert service. I would visit his business again when another emission test is needed and would highly recommend Encinitas Smog & Auto Repair to others.”
Frequently asked questions
Does the buyer or the seller get the smog check?
The seller has to give the buyer a valid smog certification.
How long does a smog certificate last?
90 days.
Do newer cars need a smog check when sold?
Not if they're four model years old or newer. In that case the new owner pays DMV a smog transfer fee.
I'm transferring the car to my brother. Does it need a smog check?
Transfers between siblings, spouses, domestic partners, parents, children, grandparents and grandchildren don't, unless a family member bought the car for you without first titling it in their own name.
If it fails, can you repair it before the sale?
Yes, once you approve a written estimate. If your car fails and we do the repair here, the smog check fee is credited toward the repair.
Visit the shop
| 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 |
Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair
310 Encinitas Blvd #B, Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 753-1000
Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair · 310 Encinitas Blvd #B, Encinitas, CA 92024 · BAR license #300634 · (760) 753-1000
For holidays, check our Google Business Profile; that's where our hours are kept current. There's a waiting room with Wi-Fi, and se habla español. Payment: cash, major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Sellers come to our station from Leucadia, Olivenhain, Solana Beach and Carlsbad.
Get the certificate in hand
Book a time that fits the sale, or walk in.