Emissions Testing in Santa Clara, California

Find 14 licensed smog check stations in Santa Clara. Browse test-only centers, STAR-certified locations, and shops offering registration renewal inspections. Requirements in California vary by vehicle type and model year.

14 stations
Santa Clara, CA
View California requirements
MS

M&C Smog Test Only

5.0 · 3 reviews
Smog inspection station · 2756 Scott Blvd #2, Santa Clara, CA 95050

M&C Smog Test Only offers emissions testing and smog check services in Santa Clara, California. View hours and details.

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KI

Keep It Runnin Smog & Repair - Santa Clara

5.0 · 36 reviews
Smog inspection station · 3751 Lafayette St, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Keep It Runnin Smog & Repair offers smog check and vehicle inspection in Santa Clara, California. View hours and details...

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

Santa Clara Smog Check

5.0 · 2 reviews
Smog inspection station · 1051 Richard Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Santa Clara Smog Check provides emissions testing and smog check services in Santa Clara, California. View hours and det...

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

Fresh California Smog

4.8 · 21 reviews
Smog inspection station · 2491 De La Cruz Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Fresh California Smog offers emissions testing and smog check services in Santa Clara, California. View hours and detail...

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FS

Friendly Smog

4.8 · 69 reviews
Smog inspection station · 3610 Bassett St, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Friendly Smog offers smog check and vehicle inspection services in Santa Clara, California. View hours and details.

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

Saratoga Smog Check Center

4.8 · 67 reviews
Smog inspection station · 298 Saratoga Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Saratoga Smog Check Center offers emissions testing and smog check services in Santa Clara, California. View hours and d...

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

Speedy Smog Test Only

4.7 · 283 reviews
Smog inspection station · 3467 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Speedy Smog Test Only provides reliable emissions testing and smog check services in Santa Clara, California. View hours...

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

SMOG CHECK I SMOG TEST I AUTO REPAIR I SMOG PRO I

4.5 · 52 reviews
Smog inspection station · 2967 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051

SMOG CHECK I SMOG TEST I AUTO REPAIR I SMOG PRO I offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection services in Santa Clar...

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SQ

SMOG QUEEN Star Station at Santa Clara

4.3 · 337 reviews
Smog inspection station · 2517 El Camino Real C, Santa Clara, CA 95051

SMOG QUEEN Star Station offers smog check and vehicle inspection services in Santa Clara, California. View hours and det...

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

SC CITY TEST ONLY

4.3 · 101 reviews
Smog inspection station · 3295 El Camino Real Suite E, Santa Clara, CA 95051

SC CITY TEST ONLY offers reliable smog check and vehicle inspection services in Santa Clara, California. Check hours and...

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

AAA Valero Test Only Smog

4.1 · 28 reviews
Smog inspection station · 36 Washington St, Santa Clara, CA 95050

AAA Valero Test Only Smog offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection in Santa Clara, California. View hours and det...

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

Star Smog Check Santa Clara

3.9 · 149 reviews
Smog inspection station · 3170 El Camino Real unit k, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Star Smog Check Santa Clara offers emissions testing and smog check services in Santa Clara, California. View hours and...

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City Guide

Emissions Testing in Santa Clara, California

Finding a reliable place for emissions testing or a smog check in Santa Clara is easier than ever. Our directory lists 14 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 Santa Clara Need an Emissions Test?

Most drivers in Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara Drivers

Before heading to a testing center in Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emissions Testing in Santa Clara, California

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

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

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