States
California
San Rafael

Emissions Testing in San Rafael, California

Find 7 licensed smog check stations in San Rafael. Browse test-only centers, STAR-certified locations, and shops offering registration renewal inspections. Requirements in California vary by vehicle type and model year.

7 stations
San Rafael, CA
View California requirements
RM

RPM Motors

5.0 · 11 reviews
Smog inspection station · 23 Lisbon St, San Rafael, CA 94901

RPM Motors offers smog check and vehicle inspection services in San Rafael, California. View hours and details for emiss...

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

Marin Auto Care

4.8 · 40 reviews
Smog inspection station · 810 Francisco Blvd W, San Rafael, CA 94901

Marin Auto Care offers smog check and vehicle inspection in San Rafael, California. View hours and details.

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

Smog Center Marin

4.7 · 90 reviews
Smog inspection station · 108 Bellam Blvd, San Rafael, CA 94901

Smog Center Marin offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Rafael, California. View hours and details.

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

Marin Star Smog

4.6 · 113 reviews
Smog inspection station · 77 San Pablo Ave, San Rafael, CA 94903

Marin Star Smog offers emission inspection and smog check services in San Rafael, California. View hours and details.

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

Auto Repair Specialist

4.6 · 117 reviews
Auto repair shop · 1421 Francisco Blvd E Suite 1, San Rafael, CA 94901

Auto Repair Specialist offers smog check and vehicle inspection services in San Rafael, California. View hours and detai...

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

San Rafael Smog

4.4 · 143 reviews
Smog inspection station · 36 Lisbon St, San Rafael, CA 94901

San Rafael Smog offers emissions testing and smog check services in San Rafael, California. View hours and details for v...

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

Vista Test Only Center

4.3 · 42 reviews
Smog inspection station · 18a Woodland Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901

Vista Test Only Center offers smog check and vehicle inspection in San Rafael, California. View hours and details.

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

City Guide

Emissions Testing in San Rafael, California

Finding a reliable place for emissions testing or a smog check in San Rafael is easier than ever. Our directory lists 7 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 Rafael Need an Emissions Test?

Most drivers in San Rafael 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 Rafael Drivers

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

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

You can use this directory to find licensed emissions testing and smog check stations in San Rafael. 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 Rafael 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 Rafael 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 Rafael 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 Rafael. 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