Pauls Shop

Pauls Shop holds a STAR certification that is currently suspended in the BAR registry, which means it cannot test DMV-directed vehicles until the certification is restored.

No. Pauls Shop is licensed as a Test & Repair station. This station can run your smog test and, if the vehicle fails, diagnose and repair it in the same shop.

Pauls Shop is open Monday 9 AM to 5 PM; Tuesday 9 AM to 5 PM; Wednesday 9 AM to 5 PM; Thursday 9 AM to 5 PM; Friday 9 AM to 5 PM; Saturday 9 AM to 3 PM. Closed Sunday. Hours can change on holidays, so call ahead if you are cutting it close.

Yes. Pauls Shop accepts walk-ins, so you can drive in without booking ahead.

Pauls Shop accepts Credit Card, Debit Card.

Google lists the following accessibility features at Pauls Shop: wheelchair accessible entrance.

Pauls Shop has held a BAR smog license since 1974. You can verify the license status at bar.ca.gov.

Pauls Shop has not published a price on SmogCheckDeals. The Bureau of Automotive Repair puts the statewide average at $69.16 as of August 2026, about $65 for a 2000-or-newer vehicle and $73 for 1999-or-older, plus the $8.25 certificate fee. Call (510) 526-1449 for a quote.

Pauls Shop does not take online bookings here, but walk-ins are welcome. Call (510) 526-1449 to check the wait.

Staff at Pauls Shop speak English.

Bring the car, your registration or DMV renewal notice, and a way to pay. Most smog checks take 15 to 30 minutes, and most visits are closer to 20.

Because Pauls Shop is a Test & Repair station, it can diagnose and repair the problem in the same shop, then run the free retest within 30 days. If the repair bill is steep, California's Consumer Assistance Program covers up to $1,200 of emissions repairs for qualifying owners.

The closest alternatives in El Cerrito are Smogsters and El Cerrito Star Smog (0.4 mi). Both are listed further up this page with their ratings and hours.