Emissions Testing in Lake Forest, California

Find 10 licensed smog check stations in Lake Forest. Browse test-only centers, STAR-certified locations, and shops offering registration renewal inspections. Requirements in California vary by vehicle type and model year.

10 stations
Lake Forest, CA
View California requirements
PA

Purrfect Auto Service, Lake Forest #17

4.8 · 806 reviews
Auto repair shop · 20732 Lake Forest Dr suit b1, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Purrfect Auto Service in Lake Forest, California offers professional emissions testing and smog check services. View hou...

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

AK Auto Repair and Smog

4.7 · 52 reviews
Smog inspection station · 23141 Orange Ave Unit C & D, Lake Forest, CA 92630

AK Auto Repair and Smog offers reliable emissions testing and smog check services in Lake Forest, California. View hours...

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

L & M Automotive Service Center

4.7 · 355 reviews
Auto repair shop · 20622 Pascal Way Suite A, Lake Forest, CA 92630

L & M Automotive Service Center offers reliable smog check and vehicle inspection services in Lake Forest, California. V...

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

Bake Auto Care

4.5 · 61 reviews
Auto repair shop · 20771 Bake Pkwy H, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Bake Auto Care offers emissions testing, vehicle inspection, and smog check services in Lake Forest, California. View ho...

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

AA Smog Test Only

4.4 · 42 reviews
Smog inspection station · 23141 Orange Ave, Lake Forest, CA 92630

AA Smog Test Only offers emissions testing and smog check services in Lake Forest, California. View hours and details.

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

Car Test Only center

4.4 · 9 reviews
Smog inspection station · 23141 Orange Ave E, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Car Test Only center provides smog check and vehicle inspection services in Lake Forest, California. View hours and deta...

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

Promax Auto Services

4.3 · 57 reviews
Smog inspection station · 20742 Lake Forest Dr c2, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Promax Auto Services offers emissions testing and smog check services in Lake Forest, California. View hours and details...

smog check Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
2A

26.75 Auto Star Smog Check & Repair

4.0 · 112 reviews
Smog inspection station · 23211 Cherry Ave STE C, Lake Forest, CA 92630

26.75 Auto Star Smog Check & Repair offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection in Lake Forest, California. View hou...

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

US Smog

3.3 · 138 reviews
Smog inspection station · 20732 Lake Forest Dr #B4, 20732 Lake Forest Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630

US Smog offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection in Lake Forest, CA. View hours and details.

emissions testing Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
LF

Lake Forest Advantage Smog Test

3.1 · 99 reviews
Smog inspection station · 21721 Lake Forest Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Lake Forest Advantage Smog Test provides emissions testing and smog check services in Lake Forest, California. View hour...

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

City Guide

Emissions Testing in Lake Forest, California

Finding a reliable place for emissions testing or a smog check in Lake Forest is easier than ever. Our directory lists 10 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 Lake Forest Need an Emissions Test?

Most drivers in Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest Drivers

Before heading to a testing center in Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest, California

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

You can use this directory to find licensed emissions testing and smog check stations in Lake Forest. 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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest. 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