Studio City Smog Check for Buying or Selling a Car

Selling or buying a car in Studio City?

A Change of Ownership smog check at Joe's is the same quick drive thru test, $60 out the door if it passes, with the certificate sent electronically to the DMV. If it doesn't pass, you don't pay for that inspection. Ventura Blvd already has enough extras. You stay in the car. We do the official test.

Where can I get a smog check near Studio City?

At Joe's Drive Thru Smog Check™ Star Station, 10909 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601, which serves Studio City drivers from this one location. It is a walk in, test only drive thru lane, open Monday to Friday 9 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 9 AM to 2 PM, with no appointments.

Driving in from Studio City

Most Studio City drivers can skip the freeway. Vineland Avenue runs north from the 101 area straight up to Burbank Boulevard; turn right there, go one block, and we are on the left at Cleon Ave. Laurel Canyon Boulevard north works too: turn right on Burbank and ride east past Lankershim and Vineland. Selling a car? California wants the seller to hand over a valid smog certificate, so a Change of Ownership test here makes sense. It is $60 out the door, the certificate is included, and you do not pay unless the car passes.

Which cars can you test?

Any 2000 to 2026 gasoline or hybrid light duty vehicle up to 7 feet tall. Joe's runs Star, Regular, Change of Ownership, Hybrid, and Out of State tests, and does not test diesel.

Studio City smog check FAQ

I'm buying or selling a car in Studio City. Do you do Change of Ownership smog checks?

Yes. Change of Ownership smog checks are $60 out the door if the car passes, with the certificate sent electronically to the DMV.

How much is a smog check for Studio City drivers?

$60 out the door if your car passes: $51.75 for the inspection plus $8.25 for the certificate. That includes the electronic transfer to the DMV. There are no extra credit card fees.

Do I need an appointment?

No. Joe's is a walk in drive thru with no appointments. Pull in during open hours: Monday to Friday 9 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 2 PM, closed Sunday.

What if my car doesn't pass?

You don't pay. Customers pay only when the car passes. That's why we say PASS OR DON'T PAY®.

I am selling my car in Studio City. Do I need a smog check?

In most cases, yes. California requires the seller to give the buyer a valid smog certification. Cars less than four years old are the exception; the buyer pays a smog transfer fee instead. We do Change of Ownership tests on a walk in basis, about 10 minutes.

What is the easiest way to get to Joe's from Studio City?

Take Vineland Avenue north to Burbank Boulevard and turn right. We are one block east on the north side of the street, at Cleon Ave, at 10909 Burbank Blvd.

Buying or selling in STUDIO CITY?

Change of ownership and out of state inspections are welcome when the vehicle fits. Same STAR test. Same $0 if it fails.

Do I need an appointment from Studio City?

No. Drive-thru Smog™ only. First come, first served. Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 9am–2pm, Sunday Joe is closed and theoretically sleeping.

What happens if your car fails

From Joe's blog

• Drive Thru page: The main near-me landing pad.

• Change of ownership smog check articles: Everything I’ve written about the smog check when a car is bought or sold.

• What makes a drive thru smog check a true drive thru: You simply pull up, stay in your vehicle, and let Joe, a certified smog tech, handle the rest.

• A day in the life of your car’s least favorite errand: If cars could talk, they’d probably complain about Smog Check Day. This is my slightly dramatic but very real guide to getting through it with your sanity intact.

Nearby areas Joe's serves

• Smog check for Toluca Lake drivers

• Smog check for Sherman Oaks drivers

• Smog check for North Hollywood drivers

• Smog check for Valley Village drivers

Want the details? See Joe's services and price, how to find Joe's and Joe's FAQ.

See all service areas | Back to Joe's home page

Visit Joe's Drive Thru Smog Check™

Joe's Drive Thru Smog Check™ Star Station
10909 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 760-0703
Monday to Friday 9 AM to 6 PM
Saturday 9 AM to 2 PM
Sunday closed
Walk in, no appointment. Stay in your car.

Achieving clear skies for the next generation, one car at a time™