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
GT

Get Tags & Smog - DMV SAN DIEGO

4.9 · 490 reviews
Department of motor vehicles · 6082 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92115

Get Tags & Smog - DMV SAN DIEGO offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. View hours an...

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

A STREET AUTO SERVICE

4.9 · 251 reviews
Auto repair shop · 1263 State St, San Diego, CA 92101

A STREET AUTO SERVICE offers reliable smog check and vehicle inspection services in San Diego, California. View hours an...

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

North Park Auto Repair

4.9 · 238 reviews
Auto repair shop · 4194 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

North Park Auto Repair offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. View hours and details...

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

L2 Smog

4.9 · 179 reviews
Smog inspection station · 3850 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92105

L2 Smog offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. View hours and details for vehicle in...

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

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

Excel Smog

4.9 · 489 reviews
Smog inspection station · 3914 Wabash Ave, San Diego, CA 92104

Excel 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
SS

Star Station Smog Check (Murphy Canyon)

4.9 · 405 reviews
Smog inspection station · 3690 Murphy Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92123

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

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

College Smog Check

4.9 · 250 reviews
Smog inspection station · 4622 College Ave, San Diego, CA 92115

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

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

Smog Check

4.9 · 2,995 reviews
Smog inspection station · 3060 Carmel Valley Rd Unit C, San Diego, CA 92130

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

smog check Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
7S

7Stars Smog Test Only

4.9 · 111 reviews
Smog inspection station · 4464 Convoy St suite a, San Diego, CA 92111

7Stars Smog Test Only offers smog check and vehicle inspection services in San Diego, California. View hours and details...

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

Standard Smog Test Only

4.8 · 280 reviews
Smog inspection station · 8660 Miramar Rd N, San Diego, CA 92126

Standard Smog Test Only provides emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. View hours and deta...

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.

Can't find what you're looking for? Contact our customer support team