Home / Services / Out-of-State Vehicles
Out-of-State Vehicle Smog Check in Escondido, CA
New to California with a car from another state? It needs a smog check before its first California registration. Escondido STAR Smog Check inspects out-of-state vehicles at 1602 East Valley Parkway; for a newer car, call us to confirm what your vehicle needs. 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
Who's exempt
These vehicles don't need a California smog check at all:
- Fully electric vehicles.
- Motorcycles.
- Gasoline vehicles from 1975 and older.
- Diesels from 1997 and older, and diesels over 14,000 lb GVWR.
For a newer car or truck, call us to confirm what your vehicle needs.
What to bring
- The vehicle.
- The documents DMV sent you, if you've already started the registration.
- Questions about your specific car? Call (760) 690-2360 first.
How it goes
Walk in or book online
Approve the estimate
before the inspection starts.
Inspection
under California's procedure for the model year.
Your vehicle inspection report
shows the result and any open safety recalls.
If it doesn't pass
Some cars need emissions work before they meet California's standards. A licensed test-and-repair or repair-only station of your choice handles that (BAR's Auto Shop Locator can help). Once it's done, our $30 smog retest applies within 30 days (see how the retest works). After a battery disconnect or cleared codes, give the car a week or two of normal driving before returning.
Makes we test
Ford, Toyota, Audi, Lexus and every other make: see them all.
What drivers say
5 out of 5 stars
“Fantastic help, quick and easy, amazing service ! Would recommend to anyone and everyone!”
5 out of 5 stars
“Very prompt and courteous. Very profesional. I would highly recommend. I am a repeat customer.”
Frequently asked questions
Does my car from another state need a California smog check?
Yes. Its first California registration requires one, whether it was bought or registered out of state.
What if it's a nearly new car?
Call us at (760) 690-2360 to confirm what your vehicle needs.
I brought a motorcycle. Does it need a check?
No. Motorcycles are exempt.
Do I need a STAR station?
If your DMV notice says so. Your DMV renewal notice may require a STAR station. We are STAR certified.
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
New arrivals reach us from Lehner Valley, Orange Glen, 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 your out-of-state smog check
Walk in, book a time, or call first about your vehicle.