Always fast, professional and convenient. Just remember to print out the $30 coupon and you are good to go!

Went in yesterday morning. No wait. Guy helping us was friendly and quick. Also pointed out my daughter left the sunroof open (expecting huge downpour later). I had a coupon for $30 off. $89.75 regular price. $59.75 + 8.25 for certificate. Definitely would go back here. read more

Star Smog Depot - Price list 12/23/2025 - Smog Check Stations Near Me - El Cerrito, California

First time here and was happy. I came in with no appointment, and a coupon from their website and there was one person ahead of me so I had to wait about 20 minutes, as expected. They also have another sister location further south on San Pablo sort of across from the Mr. Pickle's sandwich place but it's called a slightly different name with "Smog" in it. I will be back here in two years for another smog check. read more

Great service overall! I went at a not so busy time, I was able to get service very quickly and ease fully. Thank you!

Great experience! Called got same day appointment at 4:30 pm. Drove in, checked in, waited at be 15 minutes maximum, and the car passed reasonable fee. Great service! read more

It pains me to write this review, however I have to say something. The employee that now works at Smog Depot was so stoic and uninviting. He was purposely rude and dismissive. He even said, I just work here I'm not the owner. I asked where the usual technician was, he stated, "he works at another location". I'm not the owner!? The technician, almost appeared racist noticing that he treated another customer of different ethnic background, much nicer and replied to her in complete sentences yet treated me and my family extremely dismissive barely speaking. The technician that I worked with for several years prior was always very helpful and kind. This guy actually said because my car was idling that he was scared. Although my car did not pass the review. I'd so we drove the car around for while with no more idling . We took the car back same attitude and to no avail he alleged the same thing without even turning the machine on or whatever mechanism they used to do the test. This was a gift for my 16-year-old nephew and I could see his heart was breaking . That night, I called one of my good friends and told him what happened as he was familiar with cars because, he owned a car service. He also knew my truck and said let take it over to my mechanic. The next day he and I took the car; this place was state of the art as they service his fleet of limousines and tour buses etc...I was so relieved, It passed with . I did notice that all of the service machines were state-of-the-art and there were swarms of customers in there. They even had a nice sitting room with coffee and all kinds of stuff. I was like where am I. I'm thinking maybe the first place has old equipment. Needless to say, they lost a repeat customer, but hey, I'm sure he doesn't care; he's not the OWNER!!! read more

Hello all. I second the review made by Kenneth O., please see below. I called the shop in advance to ensure I could come by for a Smog Check. They said yes - cool, much appreciated. I arrived in person - the male at the front desk was cold, stoic, uninviting, with a poor demeanor. This is a BUSINESS. I work for and with the public. I do not expect the red carpet to be laid out. However, I am a paying customer, arriving for a simple service. It would be basic to have the minimum respect and courtesy. The man working the front desk was simply rude and aloof. I said hello and asked about the price. I was surprised at the price and questioned it. Yes, personnel has the right to stand by their price. However, his response was unprofessional, rude, and snarky. Maybe he was having a bad day. And I acknowledge that life is hard, for all of us. BUT this is a job and profession - come on front desk personnel. There are far TOO MANY star smog locations to accept this treatment. I kindly (and quickly) decided to take my leave. I thanked him, wished him a nice day, and took my money, reviews, and business elsewhere. I quickly located an alternate shop that did the job quickly, politely, and just fine. read more

I've been coming here for the past 3 years and love their service. Friendly and quick service. Impeccable work and dedication. Was done with test in less than 10 minutes and best part is that they send the results to DMV so I don't have to do the paperwork!! Yay! I'm definitely coming back again. read more

Star Smog Depot - Smog Depot Test only - Smog Check Stations Near Me - El Cerrito, California

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I have been coming here for many years. The same person has worked here - no nonsense, he just gets down to business and have you on your way. I also have had a car fail the test. He gave helpful & logical advice, eventually passed when I can back for retest. This place now has DMV service such as paying for your auto registration. They have the ability to get your stickers immediately (as long as you pass smog obviously). The fees are clearly listed. read more

Star Smog Depot - Prices / fees - Smog Check Stations Near Me - El Cerrito, California

We have been coming to this shop for smog check needs over 30 years. Excellent services and speedily done (35 mins). They mail out $20 off coupon to our address all the time and after the coupon, it is $78. Not bad. read more

Polite, nice, helpful. Heater in waiting room Easy parking. Good pricing. Starbucks next door, to kill a little time. read more

Star Smog Depot - Heat in waiting room! - Smog Check Stations Near Me - El Cerrito, California

I went and had a smog check done at this location. The staff was friendly and had me out the door in a timely manner. Thank you again.

thank you for the amazing service. Consistently the best. Kind, efficient and no nonsense. I appreciate the safe, quiet space to wait as well. read more

I have been going to Smog Depot for so many years and until now JARRED never change. He is always the person that helps and extends his arms all the way no matter what the situation may be. I've known him since he still has his White Honda Civic. He is very Knowledgeable, Kind, and professional. I will always recommend his Shop and Workmanship to all my friends. Thanks a lot for all your help and professional services JARRED. read more

I came here back in August to get a smog test done for DMV registration. The service was very fast and precise. The guy working there was nice enough to explain what needed to be done. Embarrassingly enough, I had no idea what I needed because my dad usually takes care of everything car related for me (Thanks dad) LOL... Anyways, I believe it took about 15 minutes to get everything done and for my car to pass smog, etc. I would recommend this service to others. read more

I've been going here for years, excellent place to take your car for smog test. Go online and get the discount coupon, when you get there check-in through Yelp to get the discount. Great customer service! read more

This place is awesome. I was scared my car would not pass but I was reassured it should not have a problem. I was in and out fast would definitely recommend read more

Fast and professional, and he does a great job at explaining details when needed. Smog checks are complete usually within 20 minutes and Starbucks and Home Depot are next door so I usually shop or have a coffee and return. I bring all of our cars here and will return. read more

I had a smooth and easy time getting my smog checked here with Ty, super simple and fast.

I have an '88 Vanagon. First off, it was a bit more expensive than the competition. Secondly, they were going to charge me $30 to retest after a fail. Others do it for free. But most importantly they failed me for a gas cap functional test. As it turns out, this model is exempt for that. As it turns out, it is not exempt from a visual inspection. They are supposed to look at the gas cap and make sure the seal is OK. My gas cap passed that. But it IS exempt from the functional test which they failed me for. I even called back to ask them about it, and they insisted that it wasn't exempt. And so, instead of going and buying a new gas cap (it turns out, it's kind of speedy for my model, they all seem to need a key), I just went to another smog facility. It was $28 cheaper than the initial price at Star Smog Depot, and if I failed, it was free to retest. I am SO lucky I got some advice from my mechanic that seemed to know the regulations better than this smog place. I think knowing the exemptions inside and out is very important. If the smog place steers you wrong, it can cost you a bundle. read more

Quick, reasonable priced and wonderful experience!! Happy to use them again in the future.

Jarred is a gem!! Give this man a raise already!! I came here at the end of the day, expecting to be turned away. But Jarred was super nice, even though he was at the end of a busy day, and got everything done in record time. He even processed my registration which saved me a bunch of hassle. He was straightforward with any questions I had and the process was FAST. This is my go-to smog place from now on. The negative reviews are ridiculous - ignore them. It's crazy what people complain about - this place runs like clockwork and Jarred knows his stuff. Come to Smog Depot if you want things done right, quickly, and with awesome customer service. read more

I've been bringing me a car here for years and I love it. Fast and efficient. Professional all the way. And next to Starbucks for a beverage. read more

Did test in my Subaru and it passed just fine. Called to make appointment for another car and guy was very short and rude. Not sure if I caught them on bad day, but life is too short to deal with rude providers. Took my car to shop in El Sobrante when they acted polite and competent. Won't be returning to Star Smog Depot even with discount coupon. read more

Ty gave really great customer service. It didn't take very long. And I will definitely be back next time

4:40pm , 9/10/18: do NOT come here Horrible attitude Horrible service Horrible attitude & service Came here for a smog- had r misfortune of being greeted by the worst/unhappy/miserly/surly employee ever. I don't even care what his name is because an employee is a representation of the entire culture of a business. He was brusque and ride when he asked me for vehicle registration. Absolutely no facial expressions or tone Inflections. Quite abrasive when he let me know it would take an hour and rough when ha doing paperwork- as if he wanted you to know he was another work life (possibly his birth) and everything else. He prints the receipt for $78 service - after which i relapsed I should show him the copy of of the coupon online for $38 - would save me $40! With a blank stare he tells me it needs to be printed (honor code much? I mean isn't this 2018 ? Aren't we trying to save me environment? Why does it matter if a screenshot has been clip on code??!). He said you can stay for 1 hour and pay $78 or return for $38. Clearly I need a smog check but I'd rather go down the street - pay $90+ than give jus business my money. I don't care if they're the cheapest And No... hell no im not returning another day read more

Went in for a smog test and the employees were extremely helpful! They got me in and out quickly and efficiently.

Ty, was helpful in providing service to get my car smogged. Fast and efficient, also provides DMV services for a fee.

Second time for me at Smog Depot. Very fast and friendly. I sat inside the office to wait, instead of going to McDonnald's or Starbucks. The space heater was cozy and the tv was on a good channel. Wait time flew by. What I thought would be a real inconvenience, was actually pleasant. read more

Went in This morning for a Smog Check was Helped by Jarred I had a very Pleasant and Professional experience. Based on my Experience I would highly Recommend this Place of Business. read more

service was fast and staff was nice and accommodating to my needs. When I asked about the registration services they offer with the DMV, he gave straight answers and even gave an alternative provider if I wasn't satisfied with his work. read more

First time having to smog my car and it was a very pleasant experience at the Star Smog Depot in El Cerrito. I would highly recommend this location. read more

Outstanding service. The technician here is classically trained and that's important. Rules have changed in the last few years to make becoming a tech much easier. The unfortunate result is modern techs don't understand engines as well meaning the failure rate can be much higher. Especially with older cars. I'll be coming here from now on. read more

I brought my car down to re smog test they got right to it and my car passed ! He was nice enough to also show me where there is a reserve water leak and where it needs to be fixed. Which we will get to it next now having smog test behind us. Fast polite, professional help. I would recommend this location to anyone in need of smog check. read more

Best service you could ask for when getting your car smog tested. The tech, J, was incredibly helpful, respectful and straight forward with the entire process. He handled multiple customers with poise and professionalism to ensure everyone who walked through the door was taken care of. If you need your car smog tested, and want a VERY good price, bring your car here and you won't be disappointed. Also it's close to Starbucks, so get yourself a treat and your car will be finished in no time. read more

I take my car here every year that the DMV requires me to have a smog test. Convenient. Starbucks and Home Depot next door. Quick and efficient. Nice owner, too. This year I was pleased to learn that for a $35.00 fee the paperwork is instantly processed with the DMV and I was given renewal stickers on the spot!!!! It's optional--you can choose to take your paperwork and renew online yourself and wait until the tags are mailed to you from the DMV. It was worth it to me to pay the $35.00 fee. Waiting room is nice--has a tv. Highly recommend. read more

My older vehicle has required a STAR Smog Certification from the DMV for past several years now and this place (Jared) has helped me through the certification process each time. They are straight forward and professional which is good when you are needing to get your Smog checked and certified. I will be back in two years. read more

i had been using this facility way over 10 years, know 「Jay」since he's a very young gentleman, he's always super professional also very friendly, he done great jobs smog all my cars, it's because of him, i bypassed all discount offers, coupons which could spend less money, but i trusted him, so i kept going to this Smog Depot, to Jay, 100% recommended. read more

Star Smog Depot - Smog Check Stations Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Went on Friday afternoon. They were busy. I was able too get my smog check done in 20 minutes. They were very friendly and courteous. I have been using them for the last 7 years. I think they are under new ownership. They are still the best. read more

Very fast and professional. I was in and out within 40 minutes. This is the 2nd time I have come and very good service