Emissions Testing in Richmond, California

Find 14 licensed smog check stations in Richmond. Browse test-only centers, STAR-certified locations, and shops offering registration renewal inspections. Requirements in California vary by vehicle type and model year.

14 stations
Richmond, CA
View California requirements
FA

Foreign Auto Center

5.0 · 4 reviews
Smog inspection station · 12967 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805

Foreign Auto Center offers reliable smog check and vehicle inspection services in Richmond, California. View hours and d...

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

Los Primos Smog

5.0 · 1 reviews
Smog inspection station · 1011 13th St, Richmond, CA 94801

Los Primos Smog offers smog check and vehicle inspection in Richmond, California. View hours and details.

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

El Primo Smog

5.0 · 6 reviews
Smog inspection station · 610 23rd St, Richmond, CA 94804

El Primo Smog offers emissions testing and smog check services in Richmond, California. Find hours and details for vehic...

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

Richmond Star Smog

5.0 · 244 reviews
Smog inspection station · 12267 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805

Richmond Star Smog offers smog check and vehicle inspection in Richmond, California. View hours and details.

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

North Cal Smog

4.9 · 61 reviews
Smog inspection station · 610 23rd St, Richmond, CA 94804

North Cal Smog offers smog check and vehicle inspection in Richmond, California. View hours and details.

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

STAR SMOG EXPRESS

4.8 · 298 reviews
Smog inspection station · 997 23rd St, Richmond, CA 94804

Star Smog Express offers efficient emissions testing and a reliable smog check in Richmond, California. View hours and d...

smog check vehicle inspection OBD-II diagnostics check engine light diagnosis
SE

Smog Express

4.8 · 629 reviews
Smog inspection station · 12440 San Pablo Ave Unit A, Richmond, CA 94805

Smog Express offers emissions testing, smog check, and vehicle inspection services in Richmond, California. View hours a...

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

Richmond Smog

4.6 · 64 reviews
Smog inspection station · 12923 San Pablo Ave Garage A, Richmond, CA 94805

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

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

Advanced Smog

4.6 · 54 reviews
Smog inspection station · 12569 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805

Advanced Smog offers emissions testing and smog check services in Richmond, California. View hours and details.

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

Superior Smog & Registration Services

4.6 · 75 reviews
Smog inspection station · 401 23rd St, Richmond, CA 94804

Superior Smog & Registration Services offers smog check and vehicle inspection in Richmond, California. View hours and d...

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

Sam Auto Express

4.4 · 24 reviews
Smog inspection station · 100 S 23rd St, Richmond, CA 94804

Sam Auto Express offers emissions testing and smog check services in Richmond, California. View hours and details for ve...

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

Abe's Smog Station

4.3 · 9 reviews
Smog inspection station · 997 23rd St, Richmond, CA 94804

Abe's Smog Station offers emissions testing and smog check services in Richmond, California. View hours and details.

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

City Guide

Emissions Testing in Richmond, California

Finding a reliable place for emissions testing or a smog check in Richmond is easier than ever. Our directory lists 14 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 Richmond Need an Emissions Test?

Most drivers in Richmond 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 Richmond Drivers

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

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

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