STAR station · Modesto

Your STAR-certified smog station in Modesto.

If your DMV renewal notice says certification is required at a STAR station, you’re in the right place. AZ Tech Smog Check is licensed to inspect and certify DMV-directed vehicles — at the same low $49.75 price.

(209) 577-1644 Get directions

What STAR means

Held to a higher standard.

STAR is the California Bureau of Automotive Repair’s top tier for smog stations. STAR-certified stations must meet stricter accuracy standards and are monitored far more closely than a regular station.

Directed by the DMV

The DMV flags a share of vehicles each cycle for certification at a STAR station. When yours is one, only a STAR station can issue the certificate — and we can.

Test-only & independent

We inspect and certify but never sell repairs, so there’s no reason to fail you unfairly. Your STAR result is impartial, every time.

Every DMV smog reason

Registration renewal, out-of-state, change-of-ownership and gross-polluter certification — all to BAR standards, for cars and diesels alike.

Regular vs STAR

The difference in plain terms.

Every licensed station can perform a standard Smog Check. But only a STAR-certified station can issue a certificate of compliance to a vehicle the DMV has specifically directed to a STAR station. Take a directed vehicle to a regular shop and you’ll simply be sent somewhere like us to finish the job.

How do you know if you’re affected? Check your DMV registration renewal notice. If it includes wording such as “this vehicle must be inspected at a STAR station,” bring it to us and we’ll take care of exactly what the state is asking for — no guesswork, no second stop. Se habla español.

It costs nothing extra here: a STAR smog is the same $49.75 for most 2000-and-newer cars, plus the $8.25 certificate on a pass. When you pass, we e-file the certificate so the DMV can renew your registration. Ready to come in? Grab the $49.75 coupon first, or see everything we test on our services page.

STAR FAQ

STAR station questions.

How do I know if I need a STAR station?

Check your DMV renewal notice. If it says certification must be done at a STAR station, bring it to us — that’s exactly what we are.

Is a STAR smog check more expensive?

No. Our STAR smog check is $49.75 for most 2000-and-newer cars, plus the $8.25 certificate on a pass — the same low price as any other car.

What is a test-only station?

A station licensed only to inspect and certify, not to repair. Because we can’t sell repairs, there’s no upsell — just an honest test. We can certify gross polluters here too.

Why did the DMV send my car to a STAR station?

The DMV directs a share of vehicles to STAR stations each cycle for registration renewal. It’s routine — and only a STAR station can certify those vehicles.

What vehicles can you certify?

Cars, hybrids and diesels, for registration renewal, out-of-state, change-of-ownership and gross-polluter certification.

Do I need an appointment?

No — walk in Monday through Friday. See the header and footer for current hours.

What if my STAR smog fails?

We’ll explain what to repair. After the fix, bring it back for a retest — and you may qualify for repair help through the Consumer Assistance Program.

$49.75 smog check in Modesto. Se habla español.

1324 N CARPENTER RD · STAR STATION · TEST-ONLY

(209) 577-1644