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

Smog Oasis

4.5 · 129 reviews

Smog inspection station · Right behind Target!, 3196 Midway Dr, San Diego, CA 92110

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

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South Bay Smog Check Test Only Center Inc

4.5 · 216 reviews

Smog inspection station · 2281 Flower Ave suite d, San Diego, CA 92154

South Bay Smog Check Test Only Center Inc offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. Vie...

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Lo Sieu Smog Test Only Center

4.5 · 163 reviews

Smog inspection station · 6670 Miramar Rd #B, San Diego, CA 92121

Lo Sieu Smog Test Only Center offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. View hours and...

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Point Loma Smog

4.5 · 48 reviews

Smog inspection station · 1930 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA 92106

Point Loma Smog offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. View hours and details for ve...

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Speedy Auto Repair & Smog Check

4.5 · 883 reviews

Auto repair shop · 2950 Kurtz St Suite F, San Diego, CA 92110

Speedy Auto Repair & Smog Check offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection in San Diego, California. View hours and...

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A & P SMOG TEST ONLY STAR CERTIFIED

4.5 · 158 reviews

Smog inspection station · 7835 Armour St, San Diego, CA 92111

A & P SMOG TEST ONLY STAR CERTIFIED provides emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. View ho...

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Gas Depot Auto Repair (ARCO Service Station)

4.3 · 48 reviews

Auto repair shop · 1619 G St, San Diego, CA 92101

Gas Depot Auto Repair offers emissions testing, vehicle inspection and smog check services in San Diego, California. Vie...

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V & T Smog Test Only

4.3 · 159 reviews

Smog inspection station · 9545 Kearny Villa Rd UNIT 104, San Diego, CA 92126

V & T Smog Test Only offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. View hours and details.

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California Smog Test Station

4.2 · 118 reviews

Smog inspection station · 1425 Lincoln Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

California Smog Test Station offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. View hours and d...

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Instant Smog Check And Repairs

4.2 · 123 reviews

Smog inspection station · 1905 Grand Ave, San Diego, CA 92109

Instant Smog Check And Repairs provides emissions testing and smog check services in San Diego, California. View hours a...

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Smog Specialist

4.1 · 66 reviews

Smog inspection station · 4440 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115

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

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Star Station

4.1 · 18 reviews

Smog inspection station · 8025 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Suite # 20, San Diego, CA 92111

Star Station offers smog check and vehicle inspection services in San Diego, California. View hours and details for emis...

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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