Smog check questions

Your DMV renewal notice tells you. Lathrop is in San Joaquin County, where the DMV requires smog checks at renewal for most vehicles.

Usually exempt: gasoline vehicles 1975 and older, diesel vehicles 1997 and older or over 14,000 lbs, and electric vehicles. Gasoline vehicles less than eight model years old pay a smog abatement fee instead of testing.

Yes. Lathrop Quick Smog is STAR-certified. You can check our status on the Bureau of Automotive Repair station report.

90 days. The station sends it to the DMV electronically, so there’s no paper certificate to carry or mail.

Make sure the check engine light is off. If it’s on, get it repaired before the smog check. If you recently replaced the battery or had repairs, drive normally for a week or two first so the car’s onboard monitors are ready.

You get the inspection report showing what failed. We’re a test-only station, so repairs are done at a repair shop, then the vehicle is retested. The state’s Consumer Assistance Program may help with repair costs or vehicle retirement if you qualify.

The seller. California requires the seller to give the buyer a valid smog certification. If the vehicle is less than four years old, no smog check is needed for the sale. The new owner pays a smog transfer fee instead.

Usually, yes. The DMV requires a smog certification from a California station for most out-of-state vehicles: gasoline 1976 and newer, diesel 1998 and newer.

$39.75 for most cars 2000 and newer, plus the $8.25 state certificate fee: $48 total. Trucks, SUVs and vans add $8 ($56 total).

Other vehicles, plus the certificate fee:

• Trucks, SUVs and vans: add $8
• 1996–1999 vehicles: $89.75
• 1995 and older: $99.75

The state sets the $8.25 certificate fee, and it’s charged when the vehicle passes.

Using the Smog Check Coupon? Show it before we start the test.

Usually about 30 minutes.

No. Walk-ins are welcome. Booking ahead holds a time for you.

No. Lathrop Quick Smog is a private, STAR-certified smog check station licensed by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. We’re not a government agency or a DMV office. When your vehicle passes, we send the smog certificate to the DMV electronically.