Emissions Testing in Oakland, California

Find 17 licensed smog check stations in Oakland. Browse test-only centers, STAR-certified locations, and shops offering registration renewal inspections. Requirements in California vary by vehicle type and model year.

17 stations

Oakland, CA

View California requirements

76 Oakland Smog

4.5 · 127 reviews

Smog inspection station · 3220 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland, CA 94610

76 Oakland Smog offers emissions testing and smog check services in Oakland, California. View hours and details.

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

Foothill Smog Test Only

4.4 · 44 reviews

Smog inspection station · 4033 Foothill Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601

Foothill Smog Test Only offers emissions testing and smog check services in Oakland, California. View hours and details.

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

HIGH ST SMOG CHECK

4.4 · 118 reviews

Smog inspection station · 4321 San Leandro St, Oakland, CA 94601

HIGH ST SMOG CHECK offers emissions testing and smog check services in Oakland, California. View hours and details.

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

Smog Check Station

4.3 · 20 reviews

Smog inspection station · 2791 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, CA 94608

Smog Check Station offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection services in Oakland, California. View hours and detai...

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

Test Only Smog Station-Star Smog Station

3.9 · 114 reviews

Smog inspection station · 5200 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609

Test Only Smog Station-Star Smog Station offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection in Oakland, California. View ho...

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

City Guide

Emissions Testing in Oakland, California

Finding a reliable place for emissions testing or a smog check in Oakland is easier than ever. Our directory lists 17 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 Oakland Need an Emissions Test?

Most drivers in Oakland 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 Oakland Drivers

Before heading to a testing center in Oakland, 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 Oakland 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 Oakland, California

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

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