How Much Does a Smog Check Cost in California?
Updated: 5 days ago
At Joe's Drive Thru Smog Check™ Star Station in North Hollywood, a smog check is $60 out the door. That is $51.75 for the inspection plus the $8.25 state certificate fee. The certificate and electronic DMV transfer are included. There are no card fees. You can pay with all major cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Statewide, California smog check prices are not set by the state. Each station sets its own price. For August 2026, the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) reported a statewide average inspection cost of about $69.16. STAR test-only stations averaged about $63.34. When a vehicle passes, stations also charge an $8.25 state certificate fee that is often left out of advertised prices. Sources: BAR Smog Check FAQ and the BAR Smog Check Executive Summary, August 2026.
Joe's is a STAR test-only drive-thru station at 10909 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, on the north side of Burbank Blvd one block east of Vineland next to Cleon Ave, across from Berkley Pet Hospital and the Group Repertory Theatre. Walk in, no appointments. Coming from Burbank? Our page on a smog check in Burbank has the quick drive over. Line wait varies with the day. Once you are at the bay, the test usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. We test 2000 to 2026 gasoline or hybrid light-duty vehicles only. No diesel. Hybrids that qualify as light-duty gasoline hybrids are in the same $60 out-the-door price.
California average smog check cost (2026)
BAR publishes monthly averages from station-reported data. Those numbers can include discounts and are capped in the report, so treat them as a guide, not a promise at every shop.
August 2026 BAR averages (inspection cost):
Statewide overall: about $69.16
STAR test-only: about $63.34
Non-STAR test-only: about $58.97
STAR test-and-repair: about $71.03
Non-STAR test-and-repair: about $74.36
BAR also says prices are not regulated and you should shop around and get an estimate before the test. Some newer vehicles pay a smog abatement fee at renewal instead of a smog inspection. Check BAR or your DMV renewal notice for your vehicle. Do not guess from a blog post.
Does the quoted price include the $8.25 certificate?
Often, no. Many ads and coupon deals quote a low inspection price and add the $8.25 state certificate when you pass. BAR confirms that when a vehicle passes, every station charges that certificate fee, and it is usually not baked into the teaser price you saw online.
At Joe's, the $8.25 is already inside the $60. You are not surprised at the window.
Joe's price: $60 out the door
Here is the simple math:
Inspection: $51.75
State certificate: $8.25
Total out the door: $60
Included: the certificate and electronic transmission to the DMV. No shop fees. No card fees.
Stay in your car for Joe's drive thru smog check. For how long the visit usually takes once you reach the bay, see How long does a smog check take?. For what happens after you pass and when DMV shows the result, see After your smog check. Full service details are on Services. More answers live on the FAQ.
What vehicles we test
Gasoline or hybrid cars, trucks, SUVs, and passenger vans from model years 2000 to 2026, light duty only. No diesel. If you are not sure your vehicle fits, call (818) 760-0703 before you drive over.
STAR stations vs regular stations (price)
STAR stations meet higher BAR performance standards and can test vehicles that the DMV directs to a STAR station. In August 2026, BAR's average for STAR test-only inspections was about $63.34, versus about $58.97 for non-STAR test-only. Test-and-repair shops averaged higher still.
Joe's is a STAR test-only station. We do not do repairs and we do not refer you to a repair shop. That matters for price honesty: a test-only shop is not selling you parts after the result. We are not claiming to be the cheapest shop in California every day. We are claiming a clear, all-in price you can compare before you leave the house, with the certificate already counted.
Coupons and "cheap" ads
A low coupon number can look great until the certificate and other fees show up. For the longer take on teaser pricing, read The truth about cheap smog check coupons. Joe's current offer page is Discount Coupon / $60 out the door. At Joe's you do not need a paper coupon for the posted $60 total.
What if you do not pass?
Joe's runs on PASS OR DON'T PAY®. If your vehicle does not pass this test, you do not pay for that test. If it passes, you pay the posted $60 out-the-door price. Full details are on the No Pass, No Pay® page.
After you pay
When you pass, the certificate goes to the DMV electronically. BAR says a passing smog certificate is generally valid for 90 days. Timing for when your DMV record updates (online, in person, or kiosk) is covered on After your smog check.
FAQ
How much does a smog check cost in California?
In California, smog check prices are set by each station, not by the state. For August 2026, BAR reported a statewide average inspection cost of about $69.16 (STAR test-only about $63.34). When a vehicle passes, stations also charge an $8.25 state certificate fee that is often not included in advertised prices. At Joe's Drive Thru Smog Check™ Star Station in North Hollywood, the price is $60 out the door ($51.75 + $8.25), with the certificate and electronic DMV transfer included and no card fees, for 2000 to 2026 gasoline or hybrid light-duty vehicles.
How much is a smog check at Joe's?
$60 out the door: $51.75 inspection + $8.25 state certificate. Certificate and electronic DMV transfer included. No card fees.
Is the $8.25 certificate included?
Yes. It is already inside the $60. Electronic DMV transfer is included too.
How much is a STAR smog check?
BAR's August 2026 average for STAR test-only inspections was about $63.34 before you add anything left out of an ad. At Joe's, a STAR test is still the same $60 out-the-door total for qualifying vehicles.
Do you charge card fees?
No. All major cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, with no card fees.
What if I fail?
PASS OR DON'T PAY®. If you do not pass this test, you do not pay for that test. Details: No Pass, No Pay®.
Do you test diesels or older cars?
No diesel. Gasoline or hybrid light-duty vehicles from 2000 to 2026 only. Older than 2000, or diesel, is outside what we test.
Is a hybrid smog check more expensive at Joe's?
No. Qualifying gasoline or hybrid light-duty vehicles are the same $60 out the door.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Walk in. First come, first served. Check Google or Yelp for holiday hours before you leave.
Ready when you are
Joe's Drive Thru Smog Check™ Star Station
10909 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 760-0703
Mon to Fri 9 to 6, Sat 9 to 2, closed Sunday
For holiday hours, check Google or Yelp.
Walk in. No appointment needed.
Joe, your friendly smog guy at Joe's Smog Check Star Station
