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
BA

Brandon Auto Smog Repair Center

4.0 · 131 reviews
Auto repair shop · 6670 Miramar Rd, San Diego, CA 92121

Brandon Auto Smog Repair Center 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
BP

Border Pass Smog Check

3.9 · 139 reviews
Smog inspection station · 8363 Otay Mesa Rd, San Diego, CA 92154

Border Pass 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 - BRAKE AND LAMP INSPECTION

3.7 · 93 reviews
Smog inspection station · 6414 University Ave ste a, San Diego, CA 92115

SMOG CHECK - BRAKE AND LAMP INSPECTION provides emissions testing and vehicle inspection services in San Diego, Californ...

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

Smog Station

3.5 · 33 reviews
Smog inspection station · 9585 Black Mountain Rd # A, San Diego, CA 92126

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

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

Akon Auto Center

3.1 · 69 reviews
Car repair and maintenance service · 9585 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92126

Akon Auto Center offers smog check and vehicle inspection in San Diego, California. View hours and details about emissio...

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

California Smog

1.0 · 1 reviews
Smog inspection station · 4961 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105

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

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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