For the purpose of transferring a vehicle's title, a regular smog check should be just fine; which may be obtained at any smog check station (STAR or Non-STAR, and either Test Only or Test & Repair). You do not need to visit a STAR certified smog center. The only time you may be required to obtain a STAR certified smog inspection is if the vehicle's biennial smog inspection is due and the vehicle is designated as a "directed vehicle"; meaning the DMV requires the vehicle be administered a smog inspection from a STAR certified smog center.
The DMV will be able to let you know of the type of inspection required. You may contact them at (800) 777-0133. You may use
www.NeedTags.com. They too can advise you on whether or not the vehicle is due for it's bienniel smog check, and the type of smog inspection it requires. Use their
Contact Us page to submit your inquiry. Give them your license plate number, last three of the VIN, and the zip code where you intend on registering the vehicle. They'll look up the vehicle details and reply back to you, no charge.
Note: A California smog certificate is valid for only 90 days from the date of issuance when the certificate is obtained for either registration renewal or a title transfer.
