Smog Check locations and hours in Burbank
Burbank has roughly a dozen smog check stations, most of them independent repair shops that perform the test as part of their business. You do not need to go to a dealership or a specific chain — any California-licensed smog check station will do. The test itself takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs between $30 and $50, depending on the station.
To find stations near you, search "smog check Burbank" on Google Maps or visit the Bureau of Automotive Repair's station locator at bar.ca.gov. Enter your ZIP code (91501, 91502, 91503, or 91505 for Burbank) and filter by "Smog Check Station." The results show hours, phone numbers, and whether each station handles your vehicle type — some test only light-duty cars, while others also handle trucks or motorcycles.
Many stations are open Monday through Friday during business hours and Saturday mornings. A few stay open until 6 or 7 p.m. Call ahead if you need an evening or weekend slot, because popular stations may have a wait or require an appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Any licensed smog check station in Burbank will perform the test; you do not need to return to where you bought the car or use a dealership.
- The test costs $30 to $50 and takes 10 to 15 minutes, and results are uploaded to the state within one business day.
- You can find station addresses, hours, and phone numbers through the Bureau of Automotive Repair's online locator at bar.ca.gov.
- Bring your vehicle registration and proof of current insurance; the station will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to run the test.
- If your vehicle fails, you have 30 days to repair it and retest at any station, and the retest fee is usually waived or reduced.
What documents and information you need to bring
Bring your vehicle registration and proof of current insurance. The station will ask for your VIN (vehicle identification number), which is on your registration and on the driver's side dashboard. Have your driver's license handy as well, though the station may not ask for it.
If your vehicle has had recent work done — especially emissions-related repairs — bring the receipt. This is not required, but it can help if the station has questions about your vehicle's condition. If you are retesting after a repair, bring proof that you had the work done, because some stations waive the retest fee for vehicles that failed and were repaired.
How the test works and what happens if you pass
The smog check measures your vehicle's exhaust emissions. The technician connects a probe to your tailpipe and runs the test while your engine is idling and then at a higher RPM. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. You will see the results on a screen at the station — pass or fail — before you leave.
If you pass, the station uploads your results to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within one business day. You do not need to do anything else. Your vehicle registration will be cleared, and you can renew your registration online or at the DMV without a second smog check for another two years (or one year if your vehicle is older than 1975).
The station gives you a printed receipt showing your test results. Keep this for your records, though you do not need to submit it anywhere — the DMV receives the results electronically.
What to do if your vehicle fails the smog check
If you fail, the station will give you a printed report showing which emissions standards your vehicle did not meet. This report is yours to keep and take to a repair shop. You have 30 days from the test date to have your vehicle repaired and retested.
The most common failures are a faulty oxygen sensor, a loose or missing gas cap, or a problem with the catalytic converter. A repair shop can diagnose the issue and give you an estimate. Some repairs cost $100 to $300; others can run higher depending on what needs to be fixed.
After repairs, return to any smog check station for a retest. Many stations waive or reduce the retest fee if you show them proof of repair. The retest takes the same 10 to 15 minutes. If you pass the second time, the results go to the DMV, and your registration is cleared.
Smog check requirements for Burbank vehicles
California requires a smog check every two years when you renew your vehicle registration, with a few exceptions. Vehicles model year 1975 and older, and vehicles model year 1976 and newer that are less than four model years old, do not need a smog check. Electric vehicles and vehicles registered as exempt do not need one either.
If your vehicle is between four and seven model years old, you need a smog check every two years. If it is eight model years old or older, you need one every year. The DMV will tell you when your smog check is due based on your registration renewal date.
Burbank is in Los Angeles County, which has stricter emissions standards than some other parts of California. This means your vehicle must meet the Enhanced Emissions Standards (LEV II or LEV III, depending on model year). Most vehicles pass these standards, but older or high-mileage vehicles are more likely to fail.
Retesting after a repair and timeline for results
Once you have had repairs done, you can retest at any smog check station — you do not have to return to the same one. Bring your repair receipt to the retest station; they may waive the retest fee or charge a reduced rate if you show proof of work.
The retest takes the same 10 to 15 minutes as the initial test. Results are uploaded to the DMV within one business day. If you pass, your registration is cleared and you can renew online or at the DMV. If you fail again, you have another 30 days to repair and retest.
If you are close to your registration renewal important date and your vehicle fails, contact the DMV to ask about a registration extension. Some counties grant a brief extension to allow time for repairs, though this varies. Call the Burbank DMV office at the number on your registration renewal notice to ask.
Common reasons vehicles fail smog check in California
The most common failure reasons are a faulty oxygen sensor (which costs $150 to $300 to replace), a loose or missing gas cap (which costs $10 to $30), and a problem with the catalytic converter (which can cost $400 to $1,200). Other common issues include a malfunctioning EGR valve, a bad air filter, or a check engine light that is on.
If your check engine light is on, the vehicle will fail the smog check. Have the light diagnosed before you test. Many repair shops will read the code for free or for a small fee ($20 to $50). Once you know what the code means, you can decide whether to repair it before testing or to test first and then repair if you fail.
Vehicles with very high mileage or that have not been maintained regularly are more likely to fail. If your vehicle is due for an oil change, new spark plugs, or an air filter replacement, consider doing that maintenance before the smog check. These small repairs can sometimes help a borderline vehicle pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a smog check the same day I schedule it?
Some stations accept walk-ins and can test you within an hour, but popular stations may have a wait of several hours or may be fully booked. Call ahead to ask about wait times or whether the station takes appointments. If you are in a hurry, try calling stations early in the morning or on a weekday, when traffic is usually lighter.
What if I fail the smog check and cannot afford the repair right away?
You have 30 days to repair and retest. If you cannot afford the repair before your registration expires, contact the DMV to ask about a registration extension. Some counties grant a 30-day extension to allow time for repairs, though this is not may provide. You will need to show proof that you have scheduled the repair or that you are waiting for parts.
Do I need to go back to the same station for a retest?
No. You can retest at any licensed smog check station in California. If you want to use a different station, that is fine. Bring your original failure report and your repair receipt to the new station.
How long does it take for the DMV to receive my smog check results?
Results are uploaded to the DMV within one business day of the test. You do not need to submit anything yourself — the station handles it. You can renew your registration online or at the DMV as soon as the results are in the system, usually the next day.
What if my vehicle is registered in another state but I live in Burbank?
If your vehicle is registered out of state, you do not need a California smog check unless you are transferring the registration to California. If you are moving to California and need to register your vehicle here, you will need a smog check as part of the registration process. Contact the Burbank DMV office for details on what you need to bring.