Emissions Testing in San Mateo, California

Find 9 licensed smog check stations in San Mateo. Browse test-only centers, STAR-certified locations, and shops offering registration renewal inspections. Requirements in California vary by vehicle type and model year.

9 stations

San Mateo, CA

View California requirements

101 Test Express

5.0 · 28 reviews

Smog inspection station · 110 S Claremont St S, San Mateo, CA 94401

101 Test Express offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Mateo, California. View hours and details.

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Star Smog Central

4.9 · 149 reviews

Smog inspection station · 2107 Palm Ave Unit B, San Mateo, CA 94403

Star Smog Central offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Mateo, California. View hours and details.

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Smog Check Network

4.9 · 15 reviews

Vehicle inspection service · 110 S Claremont St, San Mateo, CA 94401

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

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Quik Smog

4.8 · 100 reviews

Smog inspection station · 1028 S Claremont St, San Mateo, CA 94402

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

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Bayside Auto Care

4.5 · 27 reviews

Smog inspection station · 1890 S Norfolk St, San Mateo, CA 94403

Bayside Auto Care offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Mateo, California. View hours and details.

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Star Smog San Mateo

4.5 · 137 reviews

Smog inspection station · 1626 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94402

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

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Jiffy Lube

4.3 · 227 reviews

Oil change service · 2517 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94403

Jiffy Lube offers emissions testing, vehicle inspection, and smog check services in San Mateo, California. View hours an...

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21ST Avenue Smog Test Only

3.9 · 53 reviews

Smog inspection station · 71 21st Ave Suite B, San Mateo, CA 94403

21ST Avenue Smog Test Only offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Mateo, California. View hours and det...

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4 Less Smog Check

3.7 · 172 reviews

Smog inspection station · 3925 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94403

4 Less Smog Check offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Mateo, California. View hours and details for...

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City Guide

Emissions Testing in San Mateo, California

Finding a reliable place for emissions testing or a smog check in San Mateo is easier than ever. Our directory lists 9 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 Mateo Need an Emissions Test?

Most drivers in San Mateo 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 Mateo Drivers

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

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

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

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