It took 5 visits but I passed my smog. Woohoo! No additional fee for the rechecks after getting my car fixed. Great service and fair pricing. I will be back next time! read more

Excellent! Even without an appointment I was out the door in ten minutes. Highly recommend!

I always get my smog checks here. They are professional, polite, and thorough and best of all the price is very good. You won't regret going to Marin Star Smog. read more

Excellent service: processed quickly and the person who helped me was not only efficient but also very nice. Highly recommend!

We have been coming here for the last couple of years and always had great customer service from Rodolfo. He is very professional, efficient and detailed. Last year he found evidence of rat droppings/nesting in our car which was truly appreciated. I would recommend getting your smog here. Salamat Rodolfo! read more

Friendly, quick and helpful with insights into a couple of issues needing to be addressed outside of their services.

Wow! Dropped in and waited about 10 minutes for them to finish with a car already in for testing. And then . . . from the time I pulled the car in until I was pulling out was only 11 minutes! Paid $88, and perhaps I could have found a cheaper place but this is close to my house, accepts drop-ins, provides quick and professional service and so I am happy all around! The place is a small, clean shop in a gas station (check in with the garage, not the gas clerk) and there are chairs for waiting. read more

Marin Star Smog - This is the place! - Smog Check Stations Near Me - San Rafael, California

For the past 14 years [on a two-year cycle] I stop off at Marin Star Smog just prior to re-registering my vehicle. My [5-star] rating is based on an extremely valuable factor...skilled staff! Over the many years I have yet to receive anything less than a warm welcome when I arrive, and an efficient and effective inspection of my vehicle. And if that wasn't good enough, Rodolfo Tabat [the inspector] found a tape patch on my fuel filter during yesterday's inspection that the service center I use had applied at some point, no doubt believing it would never be found. Guess again, Rodolfo not only found it but showed me a picture of it. Way to go, Rodolfo! Having a career in the California Fire Service that has ranged from entry-level firefighter through battalion chief, I understand technical expertise, and quality service. What can I say... Rodolfo is great; spending time and applying expertise required to address my needs. His eagerness to do so coupled with his substantial knowledge were key elements to a successful experience, not to mention preventing my vehicle from experiencing a potential fuel leak and fire. Props to any organization recognizing and rewarding such talent and commitment, and which supports professional growth in individuals like Rodolfo, thus fostering future successes for both Marin Star Smog and Rodolfo alike. read more

Again, a wonderful experience, getting my smog checked! He takes the time to let you know about other things in your car, even though he makes no money on that. He told me I needed a brake pads, for instance and a rat got in my engine, and he cleaned it all up and looked for damage read more

Arrived without an appointment. He just finished a vehicle and I pulled right in. There's only one bay. Very friendly and very professional. Smogged a Mazda 5 with no issues. A little high at $88, but the convenience was worth it. Two more vehicles were next. Just go into the smog station, don't bother with the gas station portion. Will definitely be back. read more

I went there a few weeks ago with my Toyota Camry 1997, and Rudy was very efficient, professional and helpful, also with some good advice. This was my second time there, 2 years apart, and both times were stellar! Highly recommended! read more

This used to be the place that had a valued customer model, would display prices on the web, and had a great discount coupon. Now they obfuscate the prices, put limits on their coupons ("a luxury" car does not qualify even though it doesn't say that anywhere on their yelp check in or business website). They want you to come in confused or time desperate and hope you pay a sucker's price. Once upon a time this was a legitimate, friendly, no nonsense test only station. Those days are gone. read more

Good people!! I do suggest you make an appointment. I went to them for years with my classic car and they were able to smog it and then one year they couldn't anymore, but they were kind enough to refer me to another place that was able to smog my ancient vehicle. VERY honest! Kind and thoughtful mechanic! read more

Fast service. Accepted my Yelp deal. Had me out in 20 minutes with a passing test. No wait, no hidden charges because I have a performance sports car. This was all one could want out of the smog experience. Pro tip: next door is the Santa Venetia Market and inside there is Rocky's Meats. Rocky's is an amazing butcher shop and they make great sandwiches. Walk next door while they smog your car and get something from Rocky's! read more

I called Marin Star Smog for the first time on Monday. My boss needed a smog test for his truck. Eric answered the phone and was friendly. When we got to the shop we were promptly taken care of and Eric was just as friendly as he was on the phone. I highly recommend Marin Star Smog. Friendly and great customer service. Thank you, Eric! read more

I really love this place. It's on the side of a gas station near the Civic Center. I've come here twice over the years and it's been the same guy both times. He is super nice and friendly and very quick. I was only there like 5 minutes or so. The seating area is comfy and open air (for COVID safety) but you'll likely be in and out so quickly you won't even have to sit there. Def come here for your smog check needs! read more

Marin Star Smog - Seating area - Smog Check Stations Near Me - San Rafael, California

Awesome service. In and out in no time at all. The guy there was courteous, very polite, and welcoming. Decent price too. Would definitely recommend If you need to smog your vehicle. read more

Perfect and quick smog star certified. I went at 4:20 and he helped me out right away. For my Honda accord it was $78!

The representative that helped me today was very pleasant and courteous. He had the smog completed very quickly and had me on my way. The service was a great value for the money spent. read more

Easy peasy. Just drove up, asked for the discount and 15 minutes later, voila, all done. Very nice guy who was there running the shop.

The employee that helped me here was super friendly and helpful. I drove in without an appt. and he was able to get to my car within 10 minutes. The location was great, in a not so crowded part of San Rafael. The whole process of having my car smog checked was made easy here. The great attitude of the employee and this shop made it even better. read more

Quick friendly service. Didn't need an appointment. Discount offered from website makes it the least expensive place I could find in Marin. Comfortable seating area in open air. read more

Professional, quick and kind. Found peanut shells in my engine bay and gave good advice to be on alert for rats/squirrels.

I really had a great experience .The owner so helpful and kind. He good taking care for my car and Me .I would recommend Marin star for anyone. read more

Quickly assessed my vehicle and I was in and out before I could finish my lunch! Definitely recommend for smog check.

Great service with a big smile. He took care of my car right away. I complained that it was very expensive compared to where I'm from & he gave me a discount, which was nice if him. read more

I have been going to MSS with my family's cars for a few years , but I will be looking for another smog testing shop since my last trip there. The guy was not able to drive a the clutch equipped car without riding it unnecessarily, did not understand disengaging Traction Control to run the car on the dyno, and last , the high price ( even when reminded that I am a repeat customer with several cars, all smogged at his shop) . In short , not too happy and not returning as a customer read more

Real 5 stars, with a smile and super fast work. That's all there is to say. Keep up the good work. Will come back soon.

Money back please!!! I received no smog service due to my computer not reset after getting it back from the dealership. But i got charged $60 anyway and told to drive 80 miles and come back and ONLY pay another $38.75. An honest person would say drive around come back and we'll do it agin or do a free retest. If you can call it a retest he didn't even run his machines. So no i would never request this SCAM of a place. And i would like my money back because i am very dissatisfied with the service i never received. I will be taking my service elsewhere as i have another place that will do the whole service for $4 less then this guy wants for a retest which is really a first test. read more

Marin Star Smog - Another Scam website says satisfaction is guaranteed or money back. Not come give us more money after we did nothing - Smog Check Stations Near Me - San Rafael, California

Marin Smog is very easy to work with. It's a convenient location and they have a good price. Call before you go in and the owner can let you know how busy he is. When I went in, I was able to drive right up and was done within about 10 minutes from start to finish. Easy peasy! read more

Dropped in after work for a smog check. I didn't get his name but he was super friendly and got to work on my car right away. Might have been the fastest smog check I've ever had. Will be coming back here for all my smogs! read more

I really can't imagine anyone wanting much more than was offered at Marin Smog. Still, to each his/her own. My quick phone survey yielded prices from $40-$82. A drive-by of two places was just that - a drive-by. The waiting rooms were filthy, hot and full of folks. Marin Smog is what it is...a converted service station. The 'service' side has the testing gear and the 'waiting' side has a desk, a coupla mags and some plastic chairs. Bro was friendly and it was $40. By the time I went next door to buy an energy drink, we were halfway complete. Less than 11 minutes later, I had the hardcopy of the report in my hand (for those waiting until the VERY last minute) and the e-notification went to the DMV that day to appear the following. To me, some things should simply be 'slam dunks' and Marin Smog was the Dr. J of smog checks!!! read more

You know, its quick and easy. In 20 mins they check all the essentials including CO, O, NO. You can sit in the shed while they are testing your car, drop off your car, or grab some groceries next door at the Santa Venetia market where the checkers are hot! Oh and Rocky's next door also makes a great sandwich but the butchers' are not so hot unless you are into young men. read more

Marin Star Smog - Smog Check Stations Near Me - San Rafael, California

See all

Hmmm. Funny how John K. gave himself a 5 star review.... Smog check was fine. Don't let the $30 off coupon fool you. The posted price for the smog check was $49 and change. When I mentioned the $30 off coupon he said the $49 cost already factored in the coupon amount. In my experience the posted price is the full price -- then you subtract the coupon amount. Anyways, plan on paying around $60 for the smog + certificate. There is no coupon. read more

The biggest plus here: They're open all day Saturday and Sunday. Not true for some other smog check centers in the neighborhood. Yes, the $30 coupon is a come-on; you don't need it, everybody gets the discount. I paid $60. Nice guy, no waiting on the Saturday I went, in and out in about 20 minutes. read more

I visited this smog place when one of my trucks needed to be checked. The prices were reasonable, it was quick and super easy! If you are a person that does not have too much time visit Marin Star Smog... Smog checks, registrations are all annoying, this Marin Star takes care of it in matter of minutes... read more

Called them and got a recoding stating cars prior to 1996 will be $53, a special. I could not get a person to answer so I drove to the location. Once I got there a man came out to greet me. The man: Can I help you? (chewing on his lunch) Me: Do you do smog on this car (pointing to my car) The man: Is it a manual? Me: Yes The Man: I don't do manuals. Me: Why? The Man: I just DON'T DO MANUALS (food coming out of his mouth) Me: I heard you over the chewing, but I'm curious as to why? The man: Like I said, I just don't do Manuals (he said walking back into the room in the back so he could finish his lunch.) So, clearly the man is either lazy or just does not know how to drive and test a a manual. A very first for a 25 year old car. Suggestions : 1. Put that on the message so we don't drive there or 2. Learn how to test manuals and 3. Don't talk with your mouth full of #$&@ food, it only adds to your lack of professionalism. read more

This place is a class act and is the cheapest smog check in town. You don't have to come with coupon or groupon or reference a special. Everyone gets the same low price $43 for a regular smog check or $53 for a 1995 and before car. Its convenient right off the freeway. The staff are really pleasant to everyone. If you have to wait you can go for a walk around the Civic Center or go across the street for a manicure. Now here's how I found out this place is a class act. it happens I left my wallet after my smog check and did not realize it until after the shop was closed. I called, left a message a 8 PM on a Saturday. Within 15 minutes the owner called me back and said they found it and had it locked in a drawer. When I picked it up the next morning everything was there including a large amount of cash. A shout out to Marin Smog for their honesty and caring about their customers!! read more

I had been taking my cars there for a few years and originally gave them 4 stars. A few months ago I went there two days in a row after 5:30 to get a car smogged. Both times the place was closed even though the official closing time was 6 pm. I therefore down-graded my rating to 2 stars. The owner just contacted me with a sincere apology, so I decided to bring my rating back up to 4 stars. read more

Believe the positive reviews. Immediate service and attention, straightforward pricing and an extremely efficient process. There's not much more you can ask for when it comes to this kind of service. read more