- Bureau of Automotive Repair — the Smog Check program, STAR stations and consumer help.
- Consumer Assistance Program — repair assistance and vehicle-retirement eligibility.
- California DMV — registration renewal and title transfers.
- Verify our BAR license — White Ln Smog Check on the Department of Consumer Affairs license search.
Helpful resources
Smog check resources & repair help.
Official links for California smog checks, registration and repair assistance — plus what to do if your vehicle doesn’t pass.
If your vehicle fails
You may qualify for repair help.
California’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP), run by the Bureau of Automotive Repair, helps eligible motorists whose vehicles fail a biennial Smog Check.
Up to $500 for repairs
Eligible motorists may receive financial assistance toward emissions-related repairs.
$1,000 to retire a vehicle
Or, if it isn’t worth repairing, the state may pay eligible owners to retire a high-polluting vehicle.
We’ll explain your result
Bring us your failed result and we’ll walk you through what it means.
Official links
Straight from the source.
Resources FAQ
Common questions.
Do I qualify for repair assistance?
Eligibility is set by the state and depends on factors such as household income. Start on the Consumer Assistance Program page linked above.
How much can CAP pay?
Eligible motorists may receive up to $500 toward emissions repairs, or $1,000 to retire a qualifying vehicle.
When can I apply for CAP?
CAP is for vehicles that failed their biennial Smog Check. Apply before you have the repairs done.
How do I check my vehicle’s smog history?
The Bureau of Automotive Repair website lets you look up a vehicle’s Smog Check history by license plate or VIN.
How can I verify your license?
Use the “Verify our BAR license” link above to see our record on the Department of Consumer Affairs license search.
Where do I renew my registration?
Through the California DMV, online or in person. Once you pass, we e-file your smog certificate so the DMV has it.
What is a gross polluter?
A vehicle that fails with emissions far above the limit. The Bureau of Automotive Repair flags it so it gets repaired quickly, and it must be certified at a STAR station.