Sam Auto Express

Yes. Sam Auto Express is STAR certified with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair, so it can test vehicles the DMV directs to a STAR station, including gross polluters.

Yes. Sam Auto Express is licensed as a Test Only smog station. This station performs the smog test and issues the certificate. It does not do repairs, so a failed vehicle has to be fixed elsewhere and brought back.

Sam Auto Express is open Monday 9 AM to 5:30 PM; Tuesday 9 AM to 5:30 PM; Wednesday 9 AM to 5:30 PM; Thursday 9 AM to 5:30 PM; Friday 9 AM to 5:30 PM; Saturday 9 AM to 4 PM. Closed Sunday. Hours can change on holidays, so call ahead if you are cutting it close.

Yes. Sam Auto Express accepts walk-ins, so you can drive in without booking ahead.

Sam Auto Express accepts Cash, Credit Card.

Sam Auto Express has held a BAR smog license since 2011. You can verify the license status at bar.ca.gov.

Sam Auto Express 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) 215-1037 for a quote.

Sam Auto Express does not take online bookings here, but walk-ins are welcome. Call (510) 215-1037 to check the wait.

Staff at Sam Auto Express 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.

Sam Auto Express is a Test Only station, so it cannot do the repair. You would have the work done at a repair shop, then come back for the free retest within 30 days. California's Consumer Assistance Program covers up to $1,200 of emissions repairs for qualifying owners.

The closest alternatives in Richmond are Superior Smog (0.4 mi) and Khos Auto Repair (0.5 mi). Both are listed further up this page with their ratings and hours.