Checking hours… 323 Woodside Road, Redwood CityDirections
Redwood City SmogSTAR Certified · Test Only (650) 365-7664

What it costs

Two prices, and both of them are the number you actually pay. No fee added at the counter, because the state certificate is already in it.

Smog check price
Inspection, 2000 and newer$50.00
California certificate feeincluded
Retest within 30 daysincluded
Filing with the DMVincluded
You pay$50.00

The shop down the road: $49.75 advertised, $58.00 at the counter.

What's in that price

  • The $8.25 state certificate fee
  • STAR station certification
  • Electronic filing straight to the DMV
  • One free retest within 30 days if you don't pass
2000 and newer
$50
Out the door · Gas, hybrid and most diesel
OBD-II computer scan

Cars built from 2000 on carry a standardized onboard computer. We read it directly, so there's no tailpipe probe and no dynamometer.

1996 – 1999
$100
Out the door · Tailpipe test required
Tailpipe test on the dyno

The state requires these to be run on a dynamometer with a tailpipe probe. It takes longer and uses more equipment, which is why it costs more.

The fine print nobody mentions

Why our $50 beats their $49.75.

Why our $50 beats their $49.75

Every passing smog check carries an $8.25 certificate fee set by the state. It is not optional. The only question is whether the shop quotes it to you up front.

The shop down the road$49.75 advertised, plus the fee
$58.00
Us$50.00 advertised, and that's it
$50.00

Advertised prices at a competing Redwood City STAR station, August 2026.

Same test, same certificate, same state database. $8 back in your pocket, and no surprise at the counter.

Everything else

Older cars, and what we turn away.

1976 – 1995

These still need testing in California, and we can usually do them, but the price depends on the vehicle. Call before you drive over. price for 1976-1995 vehicles

What we don't test

  • RVs and motorhomes
  • Exotic vehicles
  • Heavy-duty commercial diesel
  • Vehicles with aftermarket emissions parts
Coupon

Mention it or print it.

You don't have to bring anything. Telling us at the counter is enough.

Present or mention at purchase
$50 Total
Vehicles 2000 and newer
  • Free state certificate
  • Free STAR station certification
  • Free retest within 30 days
1996–1999 vehicles $100 total

Not valid with other coupons or offers. Excludes RVs, exotics, heavy-duty commercial diesel and vehicles with aftermarket emissions parts.

Redwood City Smog323 Woodside Road, Redwood City
(650) 365-7664
Questions

On price.

Why does my 1998 cost more than my 2004?

Different test. Cars from 2000 on have a standard onboard computer we can read directly. 1996–1999 cars have to be run on a dynamometer with a probe in the tailpipe, which takes longer and uses more equipment.

Do you take cards?

Cash and credit cards, both fine.

What don't you test?

RVs and motorhomes, exotics, heavy-duty commercial diesel, and vehicles with aftermarket emissions parts. If you're unsure, call and ask before you drive over.

Know what you'll pay before you go.

If your car is unusual, call and ask. We'd rather tell you on the phone than have you drive over for nothing.