Pricing Guide

How Much Does a Smog Check Cost in Sacramento?

Smog check pricing in California varies by vehicle type and what kind of test your registration requires. Here's what actually drives the price.

If you're renewing California vehicle registration, DMV tells you whether your car needs a regular smog check or a STAR-directed smog check based on your vehicle's history and emissions profile. That distinction, plus your vehicle type, is the biggest factor in what you'll pay.

What affects the price

• Regular vs. STAR-directed testing — directed tests are required for vehicles DMV has flagged (often after a prior failure or as part of the STAR program) and are performed only at STAR-certified stations like ours.
• Vehicle type — standard passenger cars, hybrids, diesels, and gross polluters each follow different inspection requirements, which affects testing time and equipment used.
• Out-of-state vehicles — cars being registered in California for the first time need a specific out-of-state inspection.
• Larger vehicles — RVs, trucks, and minivans are tested too, and size can affect bay time.

What's included at a STAR station

We test STAR Smog Check, Out-of-State Vehicles, Hybrid & Diesel vehicles, Gross Polluter, and RVs, Trucks & Minivans. Most standard smog checks take about 20–30 minutes; gross-polluter and directed testing can take a bit longer.

If your vehicle fails

Car wouldn't pass the first time? No worries. We provide a free retest within 30 days for 1996 and newer vehicles. That free-retest window is worth knowing before you budget for repairs — get an estimate on the fix, but you won't pay twice for the retest itself if you're within the window.

Get an exact price

Because pricing depends on your specific vehicle and test type, the fastest way to get an exact number is a quick call. Walk-ins are also welcome during business hours (Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM–5:30 PM, Sat: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, Sun: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM).