Home / Services / Change of Ownership
Change of Ownership Smog Check in Carlsbad, CA
Selling a car in California? The seller must give the buyer a valid smog certification, good for 90 days. Cars four model years old or newer are exempt at sale (the new owner pays DMV a smog transfer fee). Get yours tested at our STAR-certified Carlsbad station first: walk in, book online or call (760) 814-2021.
- STAR certified
- BAR-licensed station #311178
- ASE-certified technicians
- Written estimate before any work
- Walk-ins welcome
What to bring
- The car you're selling.
- Its registration card, so the vehicle details match.
- Your DMV renewal notice or the documents DMV sent you, if you have them on hand.
How it works
Before the test, you get a written estimate and approve it. Then we run the inspection your model year calls for and hand you the vehicle inspection report. Because the certificate is good for 90 days, time it close to the sale: test too early and a slow sale can outlast it.
If you're the buyer, ask the seller for the certification. When buying from a private party, it's reasonable to ask to see it before money changes hands.
If the car fails before the sale
Better to find out now than after you've agreed on a price. We explain the report, diagnose the cause and put the repair on a written estimate. You decide. 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.
Some emissions repairs may be covered by the manufacturer's warranty, so check the owner's manual.
Makes we smog test
Every brand gets the same state test. Makes we smog test include:
- 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
Driving something rarer? Call (760) 814-2021 and ask before you come.
From our Google reviews
5 out of 5 stars
“Super efficient. I would recommend this to anyone. I came here with both of my cars …”
5 out of 5 stars
“I stopped by for a smog check. The two gentlemen staffing the shop were very cordial and very professional. … It's good to have them right there in the neighborhood [next to Lowe's and to various eateries].”
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for the smog check when a car is sold?
The seller. California law puts that on the seller, who must hand the buyer a valid smog certification.
How long is a smog certificate good for?
90 days.
My car is three years old. 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.
I'm giving the car to my daughter. Is a smog check needed?
A transfer between a spouse, domestic partner, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent or sibling doesn't need a smog check. One exception: if a family member bought the car for you without first titling it in their own name, a smog check is required.
What if it fails?
We can diagnose and repair it here with your approval. If your car fails and we do the repair here, the smog check fee is credited toward the repair.
Hours and directions
| 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 |
Carlsbad Auto Repair & Smog
2509 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011
(760) 814-2021
Carlsbad Auto Repair & Smog · 2509 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011 · BAR license #311178 · (760) 814-2021
Holiday hours follow our Google Business Profile. Waiting room with Wi-Fi. Se habla español. At the counter we accept cash, major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Sellers bring cars to our Carlsbad station from Aviara, Olde Carlsbad, Oceanside and Encinitas.
Get it tested before you list it
Book a time or walk in. For the current smog price, use the coupon link below.