Emissions Testing in Palm Desert, California

Find 13 licensed smog check stations in Palm Desert. Browse test-only centers, STAR-certified locations, and shops offering registration renewal inspections. Requirements in California vary by vehicle type and model year.

13 stations

Palm Desert, CA

View California requirements

Desert Smog

5.0 · 2 reviews

Smog inspection station · 74725 Joni Dr Ste. B, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Desert Smog offers smog check and vehicle inspection in Palm Desert, California. View hours and details.

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Smog Dogs

5.0 · 102 reviews

Smog inspection station · 75450 Gerald Ford Dr ste 310, Palm Desert, CA 92211

Smog Dogs offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection in Palm Desert, California. View hours and details.

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Cam Stone's Automotive

4.9 · 333 reviews

Auto repair shop · 74867 Velie Way, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Cam Stone's Automotive offers smog check and vehicle inspection in Palm Desert, California. View hours and details.

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Smog Check

4.9 · 11 reviews

Smog inspection station · 77920 Ave Of The States, Palm Desert, CA 92211

Smog Check offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection in Palm Desert, California. View hours and details.

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All Star Smogs, Powered by Ozzies Automotive

4.9 · 20 reviews

Smog inspection station · 74894 Lennon Pl f2, Palm Desert, CA 92260

All Star Smogs, Powered by Ozzies Automotive offers emissions testing and smog check services in Palm Desert, California...

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Smog Stop

4.9 · 75 reviews

Smog inspection station · 74991 Joni Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Smog Stop offers emissions testing and smog check services in Palm Desert, California. View hours and details.

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Ozone Smog

4.9 · 44 reviews

Smog inspection station · 74817 Joni Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Ozone Smog offers smog check and vehicle inspection in Palm Desert, California. View hours and details.

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Palms To Pines Automotive

4.9 · 236 reviews

Auto repair shop · 74-725 Joni Dr D, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Palms To Pines Automotive offers reliable smog check and vehicle inspection services in Palm Desert, California. View ho...

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Mike's Smog Check #2

4.8 · 83 reviews

Smog inspection station · 74725 Joni Dr Ste. B, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Mike's Smog Check #2 offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection in Palm Desert, California. View hours and details.

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Next Level Smog

4.8 · 32 reviews

Smog inspection station · 75015 Sheryl Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92211

Next Level Smog offers smog check and vehicle inspection services in Palm Desert, California. View hours and details abo...

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Smog Dog Palm Desert

4.7 · 223 reviews

Smog inspection station · 41700 Corporate Way STE B, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Smog Dog Palm Desert offers emissions testing and smog check services in Palm Desert, California. View hours and details...

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Palm Desert Smog

4.7 · 120 reviews

Smog inspection station · 41-910 Boardwalk a5, Palm Desert, CA 92211

Palm Desert Smog offers emissions testing and smog check services in Palm Desert, California. View hours and details on...

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City Guide

Emissions Testing in Palm Desert, California

Finding a reliable place for emissions testing or a smog check in Palm Desert is easier than ever. Our directory lists 13 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 Palm Desert Need an Emissions Test?

Most drivers in Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert Drivers

Before heading to a testing center in Palm Desert, 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 Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert, California

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

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