# How Much Does a California Smog Check Cost? (2026)

A California smog check costs whatever the station charges for the test, plus a fixed $8.25 state certificate fee when the car passes. On AppointAuto, listed prices are $49.75 for a regular check and $59.75 at a STAR station. Ask whether the $8.25 is included before you go.

## What you pay

| Item | Who sets it | Amount |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Smog test | The station | Listed on AppointAuto: $49.75 regular, $59.75 STAR |
| Smog certificate | State of California | $8.25, only when the vehicle passes |
| Retest after a fail | The station | Varies; some stations offer a free or discounted retest |

## What changes the price

- **STAR or regular.** STAR stations usually charge more. You only need one if your DMV notice says so ([how to tell](https://appointauto.com/guides/star-vs-regular-smog-check/)).
- **Vehicle age.** Cars from 2000 or newer get a quick test of the on-board diagnostics (OBD) system. Older cars get a tailpipe test, which takes longer and often costs more.
- **Diesel.** Diesel vehicles from 1998 or newer up to 14,000 lbs GVWR need a smog check and some stations price them separately.

## Who needs a smog check

Most gasoline vehicles need one every two years at registration renewal, and when they are sold. Gasoline vehicles 8 model years old or newer skip the biennial check and pay a smog abatement fee instead. Electric vehicles and motorcycles are exempt.

## Find a station

- [Smog check in San Jose](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/san-jose/) — 2 listings
- [Smog check in Anaheim](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/anaheim/) — 1 listing
- [Smog check in Los Angeles](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/los-angeles/) — 1 listing
- [Smog check in Sacramento](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/sacramento/) — 1 listing
- [Smog check in San Diego](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/san-diego/) — 1 listing
- [Smog check in San Francisco](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/san-francisco/) — 1 listing
- [Smog check in Santa Clara](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/santa-clara/) — 1 listing
- [Smog check in Sunnyvale](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/sunnyvale/) — 1 listing

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does a smog check cost in California?

Each station sets its own test price. Listed prices on AppointAuto are $49.75 for a regular smog check and $59.75 for a STAR smog check. California also charges an $8.25 state certificate fee for every vehicle that passes; ask the station whether its price already includes it.

### Which vehicles are exempt from the California smog check?

Gasoline vehicles 8 model years old or newer skip the biennial smog check and pay a smog abatement fee instead. Electric vehicles, motorcycles and gasoline vehicles from 1975 or earlier are exempt. Diesel vehicles from 1998 or newer with a gross vehicle weight rating up to 14,000 lbs do need a smog check.

### How long is a smog certificate valid?

A passing smog certificate is valid for 90 days, so get the test within 90 days of your registration renewal or sale.

### What happens if my car fails the smog check?

The station gives you a report showing why it failed. Have the car repaired at a licensed smog repair station and retest it. California's Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) can help eligible owners with repair costs or with retiring the vehicle.

[Find a shop near you](https://appointauto.com/)

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Source: https://appointauto.com/guides/california-smog-check-cost/ · Last updated 2026-10-23. Station details are compiled from public listings and can change; call the shop to confirm hours and prices before you go.