Station data: California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Auto Shop Locator, retrieved September 18, 2026. Not affiliated with BAR.
BAR’s Auto Shop Locator lists 8 licensed smog check stations in Palo Alto. 3 are STAR stations, 2 are test-only stations that inspect vehicles but do not make emissions repairs, and 6 are test-and-repair stations. Each listing shows the station’s address, phone number and BAR license number. BAR does not publish prices or opening hours, so call before you go, or use our free quote form and let stations come to you.
Most of these stations are in ZIP codes 94306 (5), 94303 (3).
Smog check stations in Palo Alto, CA
STAR stations are listed first, then alphabetically. Showing 8 of 8.
| Station | Address | Phone | Type | BAR license |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto Shell | 2200 EL Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306 | (650) 857-1313 | STARTest & repair | #205503 |
| Smog Pros Arco | 840 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303 | (650) 494-9894 | STARTest only | #220972 |
| Smogcheckpaloalto.com | 3508 EL Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306 | (650) 383-7664 | STARTest only | #278931 |
| Anderson Honda | 1766 Embarcadero RD, Palo Alto, CA 94303 | (650) 856-6000 | Test & repair | #208932 |
| Barron Park Shell | 3601 EL Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306 | (650) 493-1250 | Test & repair | #213383 |
| Magnussen Toyota/scion of Palo Alt | 690 San Antonio RD, Palo Alto, CA 94306 | (650) 494-2200 | Test & repair | #153930 |
| Mercedes Benz of Palo Alto | 1700 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303 | (503) 454-3251 | Test & repair | #311145 |
| Palo Alto Auto Care LLC | 699 San Antonio RD, Palo Alto, CA 94306 | (650) 494-1303 | Test & repair | #307550 |
Get Free Quotes in Palo Alto
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Get Free Quotes →Smog check questions in Palo Alto
How much does a smog check cost in Palo Alto?
BAR does not regulate smog check prices, so each station in Palo Alto sets its own. The station must give you an estimate that you approve before the inspection starts, and it must charge the $8.25 Smog Check certificate fee. Call two or three stations before you go. Our cost guide explains what moves the price.
How long does a smog check take in Palo Alto?
BAR says an inspection usually takes about 30 minutes. Time spent waiting depends on the station, so call ahead. More in our guide to smog check times.
Do I need a STAR station in Palo Alto?
Only if your DMV registration renewal notice says "Smog Certification Required at a STAR station". Otherwise you can use any station licensed to do smog checks. 3 of the 8 stations listed above are STAR stations. See what STAR means.
Do I need a smog check in Palo Alto?
If your DMV registration renewal notice says a smog certification is required, yes. Most gasoline, hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles from model year 1976 on need a smog check every other year, with exceptions listed in our requirements guide.
STAR, test-only or test-and-repair?
BAR describes three kinds of stations that can perform an inspection. A test-and-repair station performs smog checks and emissions repairs. A test-only station performs smog checks but does not make emissions repairs. A STAR station meets higher performance standards and can inspect all vehicles, including high-polluting ones. Read the full comparison in our test-only vs test-and-repair guide.
Other cities in Santa Clara County
San Jose, Mountain View, Milpitas, Sunnyvale, Gilroy, Morgan Hill. See the Santa Clara County page for the rest of the county.