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Change of Ownership Smog Check in Escondido, CA
Selling a car in Escondido? The seller must give the buyer a valid smog certification, and it stays good for 90 days; cars four model years old or newer skip the check. Get yours at our test-only STAR station at 1602 East Valley Parkway. Walk in Monday through Saturday, book online, or call (760) 690-2360.
- 4.9★ · 2,430 Google reviews
- STAR certified
- BAR-licensed station #297258
- Walk-ins welcome
- Se habla español
When a sale needs a check
- Typical private or dealer sale: the seller provides the smog certification.
- Four model years old or newer: no smog check needed; the new owner pays DMV a smog transfer fee.
- Family: transfers between a spouse, domestic partner, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent or sibling don't need a smog check, except when a family member bought the car for you without first titling it in their own name. Then a check is required.
Planning around the 90 days
Because the certificate is good for 90 days, sellers often test the car before they list it. That way the certificate is ready when a buyer shows up, and there's time to deal with a failed result without holding up the sale.
What to bring and how it goes
- Bring the car and, if you have them, your DMV renewal notice or the documents DMV sent you.
- Approve the estimate before the inspection starts; see our coupon page for the current price.
- Get your report, showing the result and any open safety recalls.
If it fails first
You'll need a pass before you can hand over a certificate. We're test-only, so the emissions work goes to a licensed test-and-repair or repair-only station you pick (BAR's Auto Shop Locator helps). After the repair, our $30 smog retest applies within 30 days (see how the retest works).
Makes we test
Ford, Toyota, Audi, Lexus and every other make: see them all.
What drivers say
5 out of 5 stars
“Very quick and helpful! This will definitely be my go-to place for a smog check.”
Frequently asked questions
Whose job is the smog check in a sale?
The seller's. The seller has to give the buyer a valid smog certification.
How long does a smog certificate last?
90 days.
Does a newer car need a smog check to sell?
Vehicles four model years old or newer don't need one. The new owner pays DMV a smog transfer fee instead.
I'm transferring my car to my grandson. Does it need a check?
A transfer to a grandchild doesn't need one, unless a family member bought the car for you without first titling it in their own name.
Hours and location
| 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 |
Escondido STAR Smog Check
APEX Smog · 1602 East Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92027 · BAR license #297258 · (760) 690-2360
Sellers come to East Valley Parkway from Orange Glen, Oak Hill, Valley Center and San Marcos.
Cash, all major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted. Waiting room with Wi-Fi. English and Spanish (se habla español). Holiday hours follow our Google Business Profile.
Get it done before you list
Book online or walk in during open hours.