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Change of Ownership Smog Check in Oceanside, CA
Selling a car in Oceanside? California makes the seller provide a valid smog certification, good for 90 days, unless the car is four model years old or newer. Get the inspection at our test-only STAR station at 3940 Mission Ave, open seven days; walk in, book online, or call (760) 439-8000.
- 4.8★ · 706 Google reviews
- STAR certified
- BAR-licensed station #298098
- Walk-ins welcome
- Se habla español
Selling before a move
Military families around Oceanside sell cars on tight timelines. A smog certificate is good for 90 days, so you can get the inspection done early, list the car, and still hand the buyer a valid certificate. Military members and veterans are not exempt from smog checks, so plan for one if your car needs it.
Which sales need a check
- Most sales: yes, and the seller provides it.
- Four model years old or newer: no smog check; the buyer pays DMV a smog transfer fee.
- Close family: a transfer between a spouse, domestic partner, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent or sibling doesn't need one. One catch: if a relative bought the car on your behalf and never titled it in their own name, the transfer does need a smog check.
Bring and do
- Bring the vehicle, plus your DMV renewal notice or the documents DMV sent you if you have them.
- Sign off on the written estimate first; today's price is posted on our coupon page.
- Leave with your report showing the result and any open safety recalls.
If the car fails before you sell
The sale needs a passing result. Have the emissions repair done at a test-and-repair or repair-only station of your choice (BAR's Auto Shop Locator lists licensed ones; we're test-only and don't repair), then come back for the $30 smog retest within 30 days (retest terms).
Makes we test
F-150s to Odysseys, every make: full list.
What drivers say
5 out of 5 stars
“Great experience here awesome place very honest and reliable would recommend to anyone”
Frequently asked questions
Does the buyer or seller get the smog check?
The seller has to give the buyer a valid smog certification.
How early can I get it before selling?
A smog certificate is good for 90 days.
Are military sellers exempt?
No. Military members and veterans are not exempt.
My truck is a 2023. Do I need a smog check to sell it?
Vehicles four model years old or newer don't need one when sold. The new owner pays DMV a smog transfer fee instead.
I'm signing my car over to my brother. Smog check?
A transfer to a sibling 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 | 9 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–5 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–5 PM |
Oceanside STAR Smog Check
All Smog · 3940 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92058 · BAR license #298098 · (760) 439-8000
Sellers reach us from Rancho Del Oro, Loma Alta, Vista and Camp Pendleton housing.
Pay with cash, any major credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Waiting room with Wi-Fi. English and Spanish (se habla español). Holiday hours follow our Google Business Profile.
Sell with a valid certificate
Open every day, so the inspection fits around your move.