Emissions Testing in Costa Mesa, California

Find 15 licensed smog check stations in Costa Mesa. Browse test-only centers, STAR-certified locations, and shops offering registration renewal inspections. Requirements in California vary by vehicle type and model year.

15 stations
Costa Mesa, CA
View California requirements
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DNA SMOGS

5.0 · 44 reviews
Smog inspection station · 746 W 17th St #G, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

DNA SMOGS provides emissions testing and smog check services in Costa Mesa, California. View hours and details.

smog check Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
FS

Fast Smog

4.9 · 100 reviews
Smog inspection station · 2148 Newport Blvd c, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Fast Smog offers emissions testing and smog check services in Costa Mesa, California. View hours, location, and details.

smog check Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
SS

Soco Smog Test - Smog Check Station in Costa Mesa, CA

4.9 · 304 reviews
Smog inspection station · 3013 Enterprise St Unit B, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Soco Smog Test provides emissions testing and smog check services in Costa Mesa, California. View hours and details.

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ZS

Zee's Smog Test Only Station

4.9 · 560 reviews
Smog inspection station · 1606 Placentia Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Zee's Smog Test Only Station offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection in Costa Mesa, California. View hours and d...

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NS

Newport Smog & Auto Registration

4.8 · 372 reviews
Smog inspection station · 375 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Newport Smog & Auto Registration offers emissions testing and smog check services in Costa Mesa, California. View hours...

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CM

Costa Mesa Smog Test Only

4.8 · 268 reviews
Smog inspection station · 178 Wells Pl, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Costa Mesa Smog Test Only offers emissions testing and smog check services in Costa Mesa, California. View hours and det...

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EA

ExperTec Automotive Costa Mesa

4.8 · 500 reviews
Auto repair shop · 1934 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

ExperTec Automotive in Costa Mesa, California offers reliable smog check and emissions testing services. View hours and...

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FA

Fitzgeralds Auto Care Center

4.7 · 167 reviews
Auto repair shop · 2066 Placentia Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Fitzgeralds Auto Care Center offers smog check and vehicle inspection services in Costa Mesa, California. View hours and...

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AI

All Import Cars Smog Check

4.6 · 62 reviews
Smog inspection station · 3006 Enterprise St # B, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

All Import Cars Smog Check offers emissions and vehicle inspection services in Costa Mesa, California. View hours and de...

smog check Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
EA

Expert Auto Care

4.5 · 43 reviews
Auto repair shop · 2991 Grace Ln #4, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Expert Auto Care offers smog check and vehicle inspection in Costa Mesa, California. View hours and details.

smog check Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
SS

Superior Smog Center Inc

4.4 · 34 reviews
Smog inspection station · 2050 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Superior Smog Center Inc offers emissions testing and smog check services in Costa Mesa, California. View hours and deta...

smog check Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
MS

Mesa Smog

4.3 · 84 reviews
Smog inspection station · 609 W 19th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Mesa Smog offers emissions testing and smog check services in Costa Mesa, California. View hours and details for vehicle...

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City Guide

Emissions Testing in Costa Mesa, California

Finding a reliable place for emissions testing or a smog check in Costa Mesa is easier than ever. Our directory lists 15 licensed and verified emissions testing stations in the city, including STAR-certified and test-only centers where required. Whether you're renewing your registration or completing an out-of-state transfer, this page helps you quickly locate nearby inspection facilities and understand what applies in California.

Do Vehicles in Costa Mesa Need an Emissions Test?

Most drivers in Costa Mesa follow the same rules set by California. Requirements vary based on vehicle age, fuel type, and county. If you're unsure whether your ZIP code or vehicle model year requires a test, use this directory to browse local stations or review our state-specific testing requirements.

Types of Smog Check Services Available

  • Standard emissions tests for gasoline vehicles
  • OBD-II inspections for 1996+ model years
  • Tailpipe testing for older vehicles where required
  • Diesel emissions testing
  • Hybrid and electric vehicle smog checks
  • Registration renewal support
  • Test-only or STAR-certified inspections (state dependent)

Each listing includes the station's address, contact information, operating hours, and service notes to help you choose the right location.

Smog Check Tips for Costa Mesa Drivers

Before heading to a testing center in Costa Mesa, make sure:

  • Your check engine light is off
  • Your vehicle has completed recent drive cycles
  • The gas cap is properly sealed
  • The engine is fully warmed up
  • You have your registration and ID

Following these steps greatly increases the chance of passing on the first attempt.

Why Use This Directory?

Drivers in Costa Mesa rely on this directory because it provides a complete list of verified emissions testing stations, map-based navigation for quick lookup, accurate state-updated requirements, support for gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles, and clear explanations of exemptions and frequency rules.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emissions Testing in Costa Mesa, California

Get answers to common questions about smog checks, testing requirements, and finding the right station in Costa Mesa.

You can use this directory to find licensed emissions testing and smog check stations in Costa Mesa. Browse the listings above to see addresses, contact details, and services offered, then choose the station that's most convenient for your part of the city.
It depends on California's emissions testing program, your registration ZIP code, and your vehicle's model year and fuel type. Some areas of California require testing, while others do not. Check your California state page in this directory or your DMV's website to see if your address in Costa Mesa is in a testing area.
Most emissions programs require testing every one or two years, usually tied to registration renewal. Some vehicles are tested more frequently, and others are exempt for the first few model years. Use the California state page to see the current 2025 schedule for your vehicle type and registration area.
Prices vary by station and vehicle, but most emissions tests in Costa Mesa fall within the typical range for California. Many stations list pricing by phone or on their website, and some offer coupons or discounts. Use the listings above to contact a station directly for current pricing.
Requirements depend on vehicle type (gasoline, diesel, hybrid, electric), model year, and weight, as well as where your vehicle is registered in California. In many states, fully electric vehicles are exempt, newer vehicles are temporarily exempt, and certain older or specialty vehicles may have different rules. Check the California state page for the latest 2025 requirements.
Most stations in Costa Mesa ask you to bring your current registration or renewal notice, a valid photo ID, and proof of insurance if required by California. Make sure your vehicle is warmed up and the check engine light is off before you arrive.
If your vehicle fails, the station will provide a report showing the reason for failure (such as stored OBD-II codes or high tailpipe readings). In most programs, you must complete repairs and pass a retest before renewing your registration. Some states offer repair assistance, cost caps, or waivers. Details are listed on the California page in this directory.
In some states, certain vehicles are directed to specific station types (such as STAR or test-only centers). Unless your renewal notice or DMV instructions say otherwise, you can usually choose any licensed station in Costa Mesa. If you're unsure, ask the station when you call or check the instructions on your renewal notice.

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