Emissions Testing in Santa Monica, California

Find 6 licensed smog check stations in Santa Monica. Browse test-only centers, STAR-certified locations, and shops offering registration renewal inspections. Requirements in California vary by vehicle type and model year.

6 stations
Santa Monica, CA
View California requirements
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Bully’s Smog

5.0 · 2 reviews
Smog inspection station · 2700 Lincoln Blvd suite 7, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Bully's Smog provides emissions testing and smog check services in Santa Monica California. View hours and details.

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

4.9 · 1,553 reviews
Smog inspection station · 2318 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Santa Monica Motors offers emissions testing and smog check services in Santa Monica, California. View hours and details...

smog check Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
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Santa Monica Smog Check STAR Certified

4.9 · 1,160 reviews
Smog inspection station · 2328 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Santa Monica Smog Check STAR Certified offers emissions testing and smog check services in Santa Monica, California. Vie...

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

Pacific Smog Check STAR certified station

4.8 · 200 reviews
Smog inspection station · 2420 Lincoln Blvd Unit A, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Pacific Smog Check STAR certified station offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection in Santa Monica, California. V...

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

Smogs Just Smogs

4.6 · 79 reviews
Smog inspection station · 813 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Smogs Just Smogs offers emissions testing and smog check services in Santa Monica, California. View hours and details fo...

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

Smogs just Smogs VIII

4.0 · 15 reviews
Smog inspection station · 1944 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Smogs just Smogs VIII offers smog check and vehicle inspection in Santa Monica, California. View hours and details.

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

City Guide

Emissions Testing in Santa Monica, California

Finding a reliable place for emissions testing or a smog check in Santa Monica is easier than ever. Our directory lists 6 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 Monica Need an Emissions Test?

Most drivers in Santa Monica 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 Monica Drivers

Before heading to a testing center in Santa Monica, 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 Monica 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 Monica, California

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

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

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