Search 5,991 licensed smog check and repair stations across the state. Every listing comes from official Bureau of Automotive Repair licensing data.
A Smog Check is California's vehicle emissions inspection. Most gasoline vehicles more than eight model-years old need a smog inspection every two years as part of DMV registration renewal, and most vehicles need one when sold or when first registered in California.
If your DMV renewal notice says your Smog Check must be performed at a STAR station, you must use a station certified in the state's STAR program. STAR stations meet higher performance standards set by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. Look for the ★ STAR Certified badge on our listings, or filter for STAR stations in search results.
Some stations only perform inspections, while others can both test your vehicle and repair it if it fails. Listings marked Smog Repair are licensed for smog-related repairs.
Prices are set by each station, not the state, and typically range from about $30 to $90 depending on your area and vehicle. There is also a state certificate fee of $8.25. It pays to call ahead and compare a few nearby stations.
Most vehicles need an inspection every two years for registration renewal. Your DMV renewal notice will say whether a Smog Check is required. Vehicles eight model-years old or newer are generally exempt from the renewal test and pay a smog abatement fee instead; vehicles four model-years old or newer are separately exempt from testing at a change of ownership. See our requirements guide for the full breakdown.
Gasoline vehicles 1975 and older, diesel vehicles 1997 and older or over 14,000 lbs GVWR, electric vehicles, and motorcycles are permanently exempt from Smog Check. Newer vehicles get a temporary exemption tied to model year instead — see our exemptions guide for every category and exact cutoffs.
You can have it repaired and retested. If you qualify, the state's Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) may help with repair costs or offer to retire the vehicle. Test-and-repair stations can handle both the fix and the retest in one visit. Full steps in our failed test guide.
No. Smog Check Finder is an independent directory built from the Bureau of Automotive Repair's public licensing records. For official information visit bar.ca.gov or dmv.ca.gov.
In-depth answers on cost, exemptions, STAR stations, and what to do if your car fails — browse all guides →