All Pro Smog is a smog check station, not a repair shop or government agency

All Pro Smog is a privately owned smog check testing facility. They test your vehicle's emissions to see whether it meets California's standards, but they do not repair vehicles and they are not part of the state government. If your car fails the test, All Pro Smog will give you the results, but you will need to take your vehicle to a repair shop separately.

California requires smog checks on most vehicles every two years, or every year for vehicles older than 1975. All Pro Smog performs the actual test — the part where your car is connected to equipment that measures what comes out of the tailpipe. The test itself takes about 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

All Pro Smog operates multiple locations across California. You can find the nearest one and check hours on their website or by calling ahead. You will need your vehicle registration and proof of ownership to take the test.

Key Takeaways

  • All Pro Smog tests whether your vehicle's emissions meet California standards, but does not repair vehicles or issue state certifications.
  • The smog check itself takes about 30 minutes, and you receive results the same day.
  • If your vehicle fails, you must take it to a separate repair shop, then return to a smog check station (not necessarily All Pro) for a retest.
  • You will need your vehicle registration and proof of ownership when you arrive for the test.
  • All Pro Smog charges a testing fee, which varies by location but is set by the state for the basic test.

What happens during the smog check test

When you arrive at All Pro Smog, staff will ask for your registration and ownership proof. They will then connect your vehicle to an emissions testing machine. The test measures the levels of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants in your exhaust. The machine compares those readings to the standards for your vehicle's year, make, and model.

The test does not require you to leave your vehicle. You stay in the car while it is connected to the equipment. The whole process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the station is and whether any issues come up during the test.

Once the test is complete, All Pro Smog will print your results. If your vehicle passes, you receive a certificate that shows your vehicle meets emissions standards. If it fails, the report will show which pollutants exceeded the limit and by how much. You can take that report to a repair shop to help them understand what needs to be fixed.

What to do if your vehicle fails the smog check

A failed smog check does not mean your vehicle is unsafe to drive. It means the emissions are above California's limits. You have options for what to do next, and the right choice depends on your vehicle's age and condition.

For most vehicles, the next step is to take the car to a repair shop and have the technician diagnose and fix the problem. Common issues include a faulty oxygen sensor, a loose gas cap, or a problem with the catalytic converter. Once repairs are made, you return to any smog check station — not necessarily All Pro — for a retest. The retest costs the same as the original test.

If your vehicle is older and the repairs would be very expensive, you may be able to use the Smog Check Referee Program. This is a state program that allows you to appeal a failed test. A referee station (a different kind of smog check facility) can review your vehicle and may issue a waiver if the repairs would cost more than a certain amount. The threshold varies by vehicle age and type. You can search for a referee station on the California Bureau of Automotive Repair website.

Smog check fees and what they cover

All Pro Smog charges a testing fee for the smog check itself. California sets a maximum fee for the basic test, though the exact amount varies slightly by location. As of recent years, the fee is typically between $30 and $50 for a standard test, but you should call ahead or check All Pro Smog's website for the current price at your nearest location.

The testing fee covers only the emissions test and the certificate or report. It does not cover any repairs. If your vehicle fails and you need repairs, those costs are separate and depend on what is wrong with your vehicle and which repair shop you choose.

Some All Pro Smog locations may offer additional services like pre-inspection or diagnostic help, but these are optional and may cost extra. Ask when you call or arrive whether these services are available and what they cost.

When you need a smog check and how often

California requires a smog check every two years for most vehicles registered in the state. Vehicles older than 1975 need a smog check every year. Vehicles registered outside California do not need a California smog check unless you move to California and register the vehicle here.

Your vehicle registration notice will tell you when your next smog check is due. You can also check the California Bureau of Automotive Repair website to look up your vehicle's smog check history and due date. Some vehicles are exempt from smog checks, including electric vehicles, vehicles with less than 6,000 miles, and vehicles that are less than four model years old.

You must have a passing smog check before you can renew your vehicle registration. If your registration expires before you pass the smog check, you cannot legally drive the vehicle.

How to find All Pro Smog locations and make an appointment

All Pro Smog operates multiple locations throughout California. You can find the nearest one by searching their name online or calling their main number. Most locations accept walk-ins, but wait times can be long during peak hours. Some locations may allow you to schedule an appointment in advance, which can save you time.

When you contact All Pro Smog, ask about their current hours, whether they have availability that day, and what documents you need to bring. Bring your vehicle registration and proof of ownership. If your vehicle has been recently repaired, bring documentation of the repairs — this can help if there are any questions about the test results.

If All Pro Smog's nearest location is too far away or too busy, you can use any smog check station in California. All stations perform the same test and issue the same certificate. You do not have to return to the same station for a retest after repairs.

Understanding your smog check results

A passing smog check result shows that your vehicle's emissions are at or below California's standards. The certificate is valid for two years (or one year for vehicles older than 1975). You can use this certificate to renew your vehicle registration with the DMV.

A failing result shows which pollutants exceeded the limit and by how much. The report will list the specific measurements and the standards your vehicle should meet. Take this report to a repair shop — the technician can use it to narrow down what might be wrong. Common causes of failure include a faulty check engine light sensor, a problem with the fuel system, or an issue with the catalytic converter.

If you disagree with the test results, you can request a retest at the same station or at a different smog check station. There is usually a fee for a retest, but it is the same as the original test fee. If you believe the test was performed incorrectly, you can also contact the California Bureau of Automotive Repair to file a complaint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a smog check waiver if my vehicle keeps failing?

Yes, through the Smog Check Referee Program. If repairs would cost more than a certain threshold (which varies by vehicle age), a referee station can issue a waiver that allows you to renew your registration without a passing smog check. You must first fail a regular smog check, then take your vehicle to a referee station. The referee will inspect it and decide whether a waiver is appropriate.

What if I just bought a used car and it needs a smog check?

If you recently bought a used car in California, you have 90 days from the purchase date to get a smog check before you can renew the registration. The seller should have provided a smog check certificate with the sale, but if they did not, you will need to get one yourself. Any smog check station, including All Pro Smog, can perform the test.

Do I need to make an appointment at All Pro Smog or can I just walk in?

Most All Pro Smog locations accept walk-ins, but you may have to wait. Calling ahead or checking their website to see current wait times can help you decide whether to make an appointment or come back at a less busy time. Some locations may offer online scheduling.

What documents do I need to bring to the smog check?

Bring your vehicle registration and proof of ownership. If your vehicle has been recently repaired, bring the repair receipt or documentation. You will also need a valid form of identification. Call All Pro Smog ahead of time to confirm what they need at your specific location.

Can All Pro Smog help me fix my vehicle if it fails?

No. All Pro Smog only tests emissions; they do not repair vehicles. If your vehicle fails, you will need to take it to a separate repair shop. The repair shop will diagnose the problem and fix it, then you return to any smog check station for a retest.