Do I need a STAR smog check?

If your DMV renewal notice says "Smog certification required at a STAR station," you must use a STAR-certified station. Corona Express Smog is STAR certified and can perform that inspection.

What is the difference between STAR and regular smog?

A STAR station has been certified by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) for meeting higher accuracy and reliability standards. Some vehicles are directed to STAR-only stations by the DMV.

How long does a smog check take in Corona?

Most smog checks at Corona Express Smog are completed in about 15 minutes. No appointment is needed and walk-ins are welcome during business hours.

Do you accept walk-ins?

Yes. No appointment is necessary at our Corona location. Drive in any time during business hours and we will smog your vehicle, usually in 15 minutes or less.

Do you send the smog certificate to the DMV?

Yes. Once your vehicle passes, we electronically transmit your smog certificate directly to the California DMV, so you do not need to mail anything.

What happens if my car fails the smog check?

If your vehicle fails, we will provide you with a detailed report explaining the reason for the failure. You will need to get the issue repaired before retesting. Note: Corona Express Smog is a test-only station and does not perform repairs.

STAR Station — Certified Smog Inspections in Corona

Corona Express Smog is a trusted STAR station licensed by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). As a certified STAR station, we meet the state’s highest standards for smog inspection accuracy and reliability. We have maintained our STAR station certification since the program was introduced.

What Is a STAR Station?

A STAR station is a smog check facility that has been certified by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) for consistently meeting higher performance standards. STAR stands for Smog Test and Repair. Not every smog shop qualifies as a STAR station — facilities earn and keep this certification by maintaining low failure-rate discrepancies and passing ongoing state audits.

The STAR station program was created to give California drivers confidence that their emissions test results are accurate. When you visit a STAR station, you know the equipment is properly calibrated and the technicians have demonstrated a strong track record of reliable inspections.

Do You Need a STAR Station?

Check your DMV renewal notice. If it says “Smog certification required at a STAR station” or “STAR directed,” you are required to visit a STAR station like Corona Express Smog. The California DMV typically directs vehicles to a STAR station if they:

Previously failed a smog check
Are flagged as gross polluters
Were randomly selected by the DMV for a STAR station test

Even if your notice does not require a STAR station, you are always welcome to use one. Many drivers choose a STAR station for the added confidence that their inspection is thorough and accurate.

Our STAR Station Services

Corona Express Smog is a test-only STAR station. We perform emissions inspections but do not do repairs. This means there is no incentive for us to find problems that do not exist — our only job is to test your vehicle accurately. Our STAR station services include:

STAR-directed smog inspections
Regular DMV renewal smog checks
Diesel vehicle smog testing
Change of ownership certifications
Out-of-state vehicle inspections
Gross polluter certification

Benefits of Choosing a STAR Station

Choosing a STAR station like Corona Express Smog gives you several advantages. First, our equipment is regularly audited by the state to ensure accurate results. Second, as a test-only STAR station, we have no financial incentive to recommend unnecessary repairs. Third, if your vehicle passes at our STAR station, you can be confident the results are legitimate and will be accepted by the DMV without question.

We have been operating as a STAR station in Corona since 2003, serving thousands of drivers throughout the Inland Empire. Our technicians are experienced with all vehicle types and emissions systems.

Visit Our STAR Station

Corona Express Smog
625 W 6th St, Corona, CA 92882
Phone: (951) 736-6095

Walk-ins welcome at our STAR station. Most inspections take about 15 minutes. Save with our discount smog coupon — just $36.75 for 2000-and-newer vehicles. Contact us if you have questions about whether you need a STAR station inspection.