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Forum > Out of State Vehicle > Question

Smog Check in Riverside County instead of San Mateo County?

Hi. My vehicle is registered in San Mateo, CA (94403). I'm currently in Phoenix, AZ for personal family reasons. My vehicle registration is due and I'm required to get a smog check for renewal. Can I have the smog check done in nearest Califoria county which is Riverside (Blythe, CA - 92225)? Smog Exemption Form is not an option for me as my renewal is due in less than a week and it might take a few weeks before I can get a response from CA DMV about the exemption. Thanks for your help.
Answer:

Yes, you may obtain a smog check in Riverside County as it is also part of California Enhanced Smog Check Program similar to that of San Mateo. We highly recommend contacting the smog station you plan of visiting first to ensure they have the equipment necessary to smog check your vehicle. Pay particular attention to whether your vehicle requires a STAR smog inspection or regular, and mention this to the smog station. If your renewal notice say Smog Certificate required at a STAR Smog Station, or makes any mention of STAR, you'll need to ensure the station you visit is STAR certified. If there is no mention of STAR on your renewal notice, then any certified smog check inspection station in an enhanced smog check program area, such as Riverside County, may inspect your vehicle and electronically send the inspection results to the DMV. As mentioned, please contact the station you plan on visiting before making to the trip. posted by SmogTips Support

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