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

MID-CITY SMOG CHECK CENTER

4.8 · 227 reviews

Smog inspection station · 3085 Madison Ave #B, San Diego, CA 92116

MID-CITY SMOG CHECK CENTER offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. View hours and det...

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California Smog Inspection

4.8 · 227 reviews

Smog inspection station · 494 S Meadowbrook Dr, San Diego, CA 92114

California Smog Inspection offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. View hours and det...

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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...

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South Cal Smog STAR Test Only Station

4.8 · 207 reviews

Smog inspection station · 4645 Ruffner St Suite E, San Diego, CA 92111

South Cal Smog STAR Test Only Station offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. View ho...

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Quick Smog

4.8 · 191 reviews

Smog inspection station · 1741 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109

Quick Smog offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. View hours and details about their...

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The Boulevard Smog Test Center

4.8 · 50 reviews

Smog inspection station · 4310 McClintock St #A, San Diego, CA 92105

The Boulevard Smog Test Center offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. View hours and...

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North Park Smog Test Only

4.8 · 235 reviews

Smog inspection station · 3827 Bancroft St, San Diego, CA 92104

North Park Smog Test Only offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. View hours and deta...

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Dragonfly Automotive

4.8 · 1,150 reviews

Auto repair shop · 4055 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92110

Dragonfly Automotive offers smog check and vehicle inspection services in San Diego, California. View hours and details.

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Tune Craft Auto Center Inc.

4.8 · 143 reviews

Auto repair shop · 3904 Clairemont Dr, San Diego, CA 92117

Tune Craft Auto Center Inc. offers smog check and vehicle inspection in San Diego, California. View hours and details.

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SMOG CHECK STATION & AUTO REGISTRATION - DMV SAN DIEGO

4.8 · 48 reviews

Smog inspection station · 3845 University Ave ste c, San Diego, CA 92115

SMOG CHECK STATION & AUTO REGISTRATION in San Diego, California offers reliable emissions testing and vehicle inspection...

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Smog Clinic

4.7 · 95 reviews

Smog inspection station · 4191 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111

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

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Smog check STAR Station _ KG Smog Test Only

4.7 · 139 reviews

Smog inspection station · 3424 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104

Smog check services in San Diego, California. Find emissions testing and vehicle inspection details at Smog check STAR S...

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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