States
California
El Cajon

Emissions Testing in El Cajon, California

Find 15 licensed smog check stations in El Cajon. 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
El Cajon, CA
View California requirements
EC

El Cajon City Smog Repair Center & Auto Registration

5.0 · 224 reviews
Smog inspection station · 243 N Marshall Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020

El Cajon City Smog Repair Center & Auto Registration offers reliable smog check and vehicle inspection services in El Ca...

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7S

76 Smog Test Only Station

4.9 · 76 reviews
Smog inspection station · 640 Garfield Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020

76 Smog Test Only Station offers emissions testing and smog check services in El Cajon, California. View hours and detai...

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

Elite Smog and Auto

4.9 · 106 reviews
Auto repair shop · 1253 N 2nd St, El Cajon, CA 92021

Elite Smog and Auto offers emissions testing and smog check services in El Cajon, California. View hours and details for...

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

A Qwik Smog

4.9 · 53 reviews
Smog inspection station · 580 El Cajon Blvd a, El Cajon, CA 92020

A Qwik Smog offers emissions testing and smog check services in El Cajon, California. View hours and details for vehicle...

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BS

Broadway Smog Test Only Star Certified Station

4.8 · 270 reviews
Smog inspection station · 1214 Broadway, El Cajon, CA 92021

Broadway Smog Test Only Star Certified Station offers emissions testing and smog check services in El Cajon, California....

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GA

Greg's Automotive

4.8 · 326 reviews
Auto repair shop · 1641 Magnolia Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020

Greg's Automotive offers reliable smog check and vehicle inspection services in El Cajon, California. View hours and det...

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TA

Trust Auto Repair/Smog El Cajon

4.8 · 166 reviews
Auto repair shop · 537 W Main St, El Cajon, CA 92020

Trust Auto Repair/Smog El Cajon offers smog check and vehicle inspection in El Cajon, California. View hours and details...

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LA

Legacy Auto Care

4.7 · 137 reviews
Auto repair shop · 661 El Cajon Blvd, El Cajon, CA 92020

Legacy Auto Care offers smog check and vehicle inspection services in El Cajon, California. View hours and details.

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AC

All Cars Smog Test Only

4.7 · 256 reviews
Smog inspection station · 710 N 2nd St, El Cajon, CA 92021

All Cars Smog Test Only provides smog check and vehicle inspection services in El Cajon, California. View hours and deta...

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

On the Mark Smog & Auto

4.6 · 46 reviews
Smog inspection station · 1243 Greenfield Dr # C, El Cajon, CA 92021

On the Mark Smog & Auto offers smog check and vehicle inspection services in El Cajon, California. View hours and detail...

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

Smog Check Pros

4.6 · 254 reviews
Smog inspection station · 1410 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92021

Smog Check Pros offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection in El Cajon, California. View hours and details.

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

West El Cajon Automotive & Transmission

4.6 · 502 reviews
Auto repair shop · 844 N Johnson Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020

West El Cajon Automotive & Transmission offers smog check and vehicle inspection in El Cajon, California. View hours and...

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

City Guide

Emissions Testing in El Cajon, California

Finding a reliable place for emissions testing or a smog check in El Cajon 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 El Cajon Need an Emissions Test?

Most drivers in El Cajon 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 El Cajon Drivers

Before heading to a testing center in El Cajon, 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 El Cajon 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.

View California Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions About Emissions Testing in El Cajon, California

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

You can use this directory to find licensed emissions testing and smog check stations in El Cajon. 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 El Cajon 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 El Cajon 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 El Cajon 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 El Cajon. If you're unsure, ask the station when you call or check the instructions on your renewal notice.

Can't find what you're looking for? Contact our customer support team