How much does a typical smog check cost?

A standard vehicle smog check typically ranges between $30 and $70 depending on your state, county, vehicle model year, and whether a STAR-certified station is required. State certificate fees (e.g. $8.25 in California) are usually added.

What is the STAR smog certificate fee in California?

California Department of Consumer Affairs / BAR charges an official $8.25 electronic transmission and certificate fee once your vehicle passes the smog test.

Do older vehicles cost more to test?

Yes. Vehicles manufactured before 2000 often require a dynamometer tailpipe test (ASM - Acceleration Simulation Mode), which takes more technician time and incurs higher station labor charges than newer OBD-II plug-in diagnostics.

AUTOMOTIVE & EMISSIONS

Vehicle Smog Check Cost & State Inspection Fee Estimator

Estimate state vehicle smog check costs, STAR certification charges, electronic certificate fees, and re-test allowances across US states.

State

Vehicle Model Year

Fuel Type

Station Type

Estimated Inspection Cost

$58.25

Typical Range: $45.00 – $75.00

Base Inspection Fee

$50.00

State Certificate Fee

$8.25

Typical Coupon Discount

- $10.00

Understanding Vehicle Smog Inspection Pricing

Smog test pricing is generally not state-regulated; individual private inspection stations set their own labor and test rates. However, statutory state certificate fees are fixed by law.

California: State certificate fee is strictly $8.25. Vehicles older than 1999 require tailpipe sniffer tests that take twice as long.
Texas: Emisison testing combined with safety inspection typically caps around $25.50.
Nevada: DMV electronic transmission fees are around $6.00 with market testing fees of $20–$40.

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