San Francisco Smog Check
San Francisco County appears on the DMV list of counties that require a smog inspection for registration renewal, so cars in San Francisco are checked every other year. The station sets its own price and charges an $8.25 certificate fee on top.
- Once per 2 years
- a smog inspection when you renew a San Francisco car registration
- Around 30 minutes
- how long the inspection usually takes
- $8.25 + price
- the certificate fee plus whatever the station charges
- San Francisco County
- shown on the DMV list of smog counties
Is a smog check required in San Francisco?
Yes, if your car has reached the required age. The DMV includes San Francisco on the county list requiring a smog inspection at renewal, while BAR schedules inspections every other year. Gas and hybrid cars don't need the renewal check during their first eight model years; after that, they must take it. For exemptions, see the statewide Smog Check page. If you register across the bay, check Oakland or San Jose.
What a San Francisco smog check covers
- A visual check of the car's emissions control system.
- Most cars from 2000 onward get an on-board diagnostic (OBD) check.
- A tailpipe test for cars made before 2000.
If your check engine light is on, your car won't pass, so fix that first.
San Francisco smog check cost
Inspection prices aren't regulated by BAR, so prices quoted by shops differ. Each station must apply the $8.25 certificate fee and first give you an estimate to approve.
Where to find smog checks and Referee help in San Francisco
To locate stations, use the BAR Auto Shop Locator. If your notice is a STAR notice, choose STAR Inspection, then read the STAR page to learn what it means. There is no Referee center within San Francisco. The two closest listed centers are 555 Atlantic Avenue in Alameda and 3300 College Drive in San Bruno. Both share the number (800) 622-7733.
In its repair and retire options, BAR lists the Old Car Buy Back and Scrap Program, which covers the San Francisco Bay Area. Our emissions test by city list covers more cities.
San Francisco smog check questions
Is San Francisco included in the California smog check program?
Yes. When you renew in San Francisco, a smog inspection is required if your notice says so; San Francisco is on the DMV county list.
Where is the closest Smog Check Referee to San Francisco?
According to the BAR locator, centers appear in Alameda and San Bruno, but not within San Francisco itself.