# Smog Check in California

AppointAuto lists 9 smog check stations in 8 California cities, 9 of them STAR-certified. Pick your city to see addresses, phone numbers and listed prices. California adds an $8.25 certificate fee to every passing test.

## Choose your city

- [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

## Smog check prices

| Service | Listed price | Typical time |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Regular Smog Check (State Inspection) | $49.75 | 20 min |
| STAR Certified Smog Check | $59.75 | 25 min |

## Guides

- [How much does a California smog check cost?](https://appointauto.com/guides/california-smog-check-cost/)
- [STAR vs regular smog check: which do you need?](https://appointauto.com/guides/star-vs-regular-smog-check/)

## 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.

### Do I need a STAR station?

Your DMV renewal notice tells you. If it says "Smog Certification Required at STAR Station", only a STAR-certified station can certify the car. If it does not mention STAR, any licensed smog check station can test it, and STAR stations can do regular checks too.

### How long does a smog check take?

Usually 20 to 30 minutes for a car built in 2000 or later, where the test reads the on-board diagnostics (OBD) system. Older vehicles get a tailpipe test that can take longer.

### 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.

### 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.

### 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.

### Will a check engine light make me fail?

Yes. A lit check engine light is an automatic fail in California. Fix the cause first, and do not disconnect the battery or clear codes right before the test: the car needs to complete its readiness monitors through normal driving.

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Source: https://appointauto.com/smog-check/ · 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.