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Change of Ownership Smog Check in Escondido, CA
Selling a car in Escondido? The seller has to give the buyer a valid smog certification, which is good for 90 days; vehicles four model years old or newer are exempt from the sale check. Smog Check Escondido does it at its downtown-adjacent STAR station, 750 North Escondido Blvd, Unit C. Walk in, book online, or call (760) 975-3178.
- 4.9★ · 1,428 Google reviews
- STAR certified
- BAR-licensed station #293160
- Walk-ins welcome
- Se habla español
The rules for a sale
- Seller's responsibility: the seller provides a valid smog certification.
- 90-day window: a smog certificate is good for 90 days.
- Newer vehicles: four model years old or newer, no smog check needed when sold; the new owner pays DMV a smog transfer fee.
- Family transfers: a spouse, domestic partner, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent or sibling transfer doesn't need a smog check. The exception: a relative who bought the car for you without titling it in their own name first means a smog check is required.
What to bring
- The car.
- Any documents DMV sent you for the car.
- Unsure whether your situation needs a check? Call (760) 975-3178 before you come in.
At the station
Walk in or book online
We're open until 5:30 PM on weekdays.
Approve the written estimate
first. Pricing is posted on our coupon page.
Inspection
under the state procedure for the model year.
Report
with the result and any open safety recalls.
If it fails before the sale
The certificate requires a pass. We're test-only, so a licensed test-and-repair or repair-only station you select does the emissions work (BAR's Auto Shop Locator lists them). When it's done, our $30 smog retest applies within 30 days (how our retest works).
Makes we test
Jeeps, Nissans, Volvos and every other make: the list.
What drivers say
5 out of 5 stars
“I needed to get a smog check and this place was great. I got a coupon online before arriving … The owner was very friendly and helpful and I got done what I needed with ease. I will come back here when I need my next smog.”
Frequently asked questions
Who has to get the smog check when a car is sold?
The seller has to give the buyer a valid smog certification.
Is the certificate good for long?
A smog certificate is good for 90 days.
My car is a 2024. Does it need a smog check to sell?
Vehicles four model years old or newer don't need one when sold. The new owner pays DMV a smog transfer fee instead.
My mom is giving me her car. Smog check?
A transfer from a parent 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–5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Smog Check Escondido
Smog Check Escondido · 750 North Escondido Blvd Unit C, Escondido, CA 92025 · BAR license #293160 · (760) 975-3178
Sellers bring cars to Unit C from Old Escondido, Westside, Reidy Creek and San Marcos.
Accepted here: cash, major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay. Waiting room with Wi-Fi. English and Spanish (se habla español). Holiday hours follow our Google Business Profile.
Certificate in hand before the buyer arrives
Book a time or walk in.