States
California
Palo Alto

Emissions Testing in Palo Alto, California

Find 6 licensed smog check stations in Palo Alto. Browse test-only centers, STAR-certified locations, and shops offering registration renewal inspections. Requirements in California vary by vehicle type and model year.

6 stations
Palo Alto, CA
View California requirements
SC

Smog Check Network - Appointments Only

4.6 · 12 reviews
Vehicle inspection service · 2200 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Smog Check Network in Palo Alto, California offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection services. View hours and det...

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

SmogCheckNetwork - Book Online and Save

4.6 · 161 reviews
Vehicle inspection service · 669 San Antonio Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306

SmogCheckNetwork offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection services in Palo Alto, California. View hours and detai...

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

Palo Alto Shell Gas/C Store 24/7/Auto Repair M To F 8am To 530 Sat 8am To 2pm

4.6 · 71 reviews
Auto repair shop · 2200 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Palo Alto Shell Gas offers reliable emissions testing and smog check services in Palo Alto, California. View hours and d...

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

Arco Smog Pros

4.3 · 25 reviews
Smog inspection station · 840 San Antonio Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Arco Smog Pros offers emissions testing and smog check services in Palo Alto, California. View hours and details.

smog check Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
4L

4 Less Smog Check of Palo Alto - STAR Station

4.1 · 435 reviews
Smog inspection station · 3508 El Camino Real Unit B, Palo Alto, CA 94306

4 Less Smog Check of Palo Alto offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection services in Palo Alto, California. View h...

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

PALO ALTO SMOG STATION

4.0 · 1 reviews
Smog inspection station · 699 San Antonio Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306

PALO ALTO SMOG STATION offers smog check and vehicle inspection in Palo Alto, California. View hours and details.

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

City Guide

Emissions Testing in Palo Alto, California

Finding a reliable place for emissions testing or a smog check in Palo Alto is easier than ever. Our directory lists 6 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 Palo Alto Need an Emissions Test?

Most drivers in Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto Drivers

Before heading to a testing center in Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto, California

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

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

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