States
California
San Diego

Emissions Testing in San Diego, California

Find 78 licensed smog check stations in San Diego. Browse test-only centers, STAR-certified locations, and shops offering registration renewal inspections. Requirements in California vary by vehicle type and model year.

78 stations
San Diego, CA
View California requirements
SS

Star Station Smog Check 3 PB

5.0 · 843 reviews
Smog inspection station · 2920 Damon Ave unit b, San Diego, CA 92109

Star Station Smog Check 3 PB provides emissions testing and vehicle inspection services in San Diego, California. View h...

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SD

SAN DIEGO SMOG STATION

5.0 · 124 reviews
Smog inspection station · 4642 College Ave, San Diego, CA 92115

SAN DIEGO SMOG STATION offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. View hours and details...

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TP

T P Auto Repair

5.0 · 2,751 reviews
Auto repair shop · 2426 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104

T P Auto Repair offers smog check and vehicle inspection in San Diego, California. View hours and details.

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3S

3B Smog Check Station

5.0 · 918 reviews
Smog inspection station · 4505b Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117

3B Smog Check Station offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. View hours and details.

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3S

3B Smog Check Station

5.0 · 414 reviews
Smog inspection station · 6037 Mission Gorge Rd, San Diego, CA 92120

3B Smog Check Station offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. View hours and details.

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TC

TAGS CLINIC - DMV San Diego - Auto Registration & Smog Check

5.0 · 2,052 reviews
Department of motor vehicles · 3845 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105

TAGS CLINIC offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. Check hours and details for vehic...

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MS

Miramar STAR Smog and Vehicle safety

5.0 · 167 reviews
Smog inspection station · 7645 Carroll Rd, San Diego, CA 92121

Miramar STAR Smog and Vehicle safety provides reliable emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, Californi...

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SS

STAR STATION SMOG CHECK OB

5.0 · 252 reviews
Smog inspection station · 4794 Voltaire St, San Diego, CA 92107

Star Station Smog Check OB offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection in San Diego, California. View hours and deta...

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SC

Smog Check

5.0 · 537 reviews
Smog inspection station · 2484 F St suite a, San Diego, CA 92102

Smog Check offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection in San Diego, California. View hours and details.

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LS

Le Smog

5.0 · 23 reviews
Smog inspection station · 3006 Barnett Ave UNIT B, San Diego, CA 92110

Le Smog offers smog check and vehicle inspection in San Diego, California. View hours and details.

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AS

ABC SMOG STAR CERTIFIED AND DMV REGISTRATION

4.9 · 120 reviews
Smog inspection station · 2606 Clairemont Dr, San Diego, CA 92117

ABC SMOG STAR CERTIFIED AND DMV REGISTRATION offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California....

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HS

Honest Smog

4.9 · 93 reviews
Smog inspection station · 107 S 47th St Suite A, San Diego, CA 92113

Honest Smog offers smog check and vehicle inspection in San Diego, California. View hours and details.

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

City Guide

Emissions Testing in San Diego, California

Finding a reliable place for emissions testing or a smog check in San Diego is easier than ever. Our directory lists 78 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 San Diego Need an Emissions Test?

Most drivers in San Diego 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 San Diego Drivers

Before heading to a testing center in San Diego, 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 San Diego 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 San Diego, California

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

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

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