CALIFORNIA SMOG CHECK PROGRAM & PROCESS

Getting A Smog Check - Step 1: Do I need a Smog Check?

Not all vehicles must get a smog check. Additionally, some vehicles only need a passing smog check when they are being sold or being registered in California after previously being registered in another state. Whether or not a vehicle needs a smog check depends on the type of vehicle, the model-year, and the area in which the vehicle is registered.

Under California vehicle emissions control laws and regulations, you must get a smog check for your car in the following cases. Click the link that fits your case to move to the next step.

1) My Registration Renewal Notice says “Smog Certification Required”

Most vehicles registered in California are required to pass a smog check every two years. Your annual Registration Renewal Notice lets you know when you need to get a smog check.

2) I am selling my car

When you sell a vehicle in California, the seller is responsible for getting a smog certifcate prior to completing the sale.

3) I am bringing a car into California to be registered.

When you bring a vehicle into California to be registered, you are required to get a smog certifcate prior to registration.

Some vehicles are not required to obtain a smog check inspection for registration purposes.

Vehicles that are six or less model-years old are abated from the biennial smog check inspection requirement. For vehicles with registration renewals due in the 2008 calendar year, the abated years include 2003 through 2008.

Vehicles that are four or less model-years old are abated from the smog check inspection requirement upon change of ownership and transfer of title transactions with the Department of Motor Vehicles. In 2008, the abated years are 2005 through 2008.

As of April 1, 2005, the 30 year rolling exemption was repealed. 1976 and newer vehicles are now required to have smog check inspections for biennial registration renewals, change of ownership transactions and initial registration in California.

Vehicles being inititally registered in California that were previously registered in another state are exempt from the biennial smog check inspection requirements if the vehicle is a 1975 or older model. All 1976 to current year vehicles are required to obtain a smog check certificate of compliance prior to initial registration in California.

Step 2: Where do I get a Smog Check?

To know where to get a smog check, you must first know why you need a smog check.

Not all vehicles must get a smog check. Additionally, some vehicles only need a smog check when they are being sold or being registered in California after previously being registered in another state. Whether or not a vehicle needs a smog check depends on the type of vehicle, the model year, and the area in which the vehicle is registered.

Under California vehicle emissions control laws and regulations, you must get a smog check for your car in the following cases. Click the link that fits your case to move to the next step.

1) My Registration Renewal Notice says “Smog Certification Required”

Most vehicles registered in California are required to pass a smog check every two years. Your annual Registration Renewal Notice lets you know when you need to get a Smog Check. To determine what station best fits your needs, click on Smog Check Station Type under “Quick Hits” on the left column of this page.

2) I am selling my car

When you sell a vehicle in California, the seller is responsible for getting a Smog Certificate prior to completing the sale.

3) I am bringing a car into California to be registered.

When you bring a vehicle into California to be registered, you are required to get a Smog Certificate prior to registration.

Some vehicles are exempt from the Smog Check Program.

Legislation enacted during 2004 made several changes in motor vehicle smog check exemptions that will become effective next year. Following is a summary of the revised exemptions and the effective date of each change:

• Beginning January 1, 2005, vehicles 6 or less model-years old will be exempt from the biennial smog check inspection requirement. For vehicles with registration renewals due in the 2005 calendar year, this exemption includes model years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.
• Beginning January 1, 2005, vehicles 4 or less model-years old will be exempt from the smog check inspection requirement upon change of ownership and transfer of title transactions with DMV. In 2005, this exemption includes model-years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.
• Beginning April 1, 2005, the 30-year rolling exemption will be repealed. Instead, vehicles 1975 model year and older will be exempt. Therefore, 1976 model year and newer vehicles will continue to be subject to biennial inspection indefinitely.
• Beginning April 1, 2005, vehicles being initially registered in California that were previously registered in another state will be exempt if the vehicle is a 1975 and older model year vehicle. Newer vehicles (the first 6 model years) are not exempted upon initial registration in California. These vehicles are required to undergo a smog check inspection.

Step 3: What should I take?

If you are renewing your registration, you only need to take your vehicle, your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Registration Renewal Notice , and a method of payment for the smog check. If you are transferring a vehicle, or registering it in California for the first time, take the vehicle, a form of payment, and all of your registration documents to the station.

What happens during a smog check?

While performing a smog check, the certified technician will connect measuring equipment to your vehicle. This equipment is connected to computers at the Bureau of Automotive Repair.

Measurements taken during the smog check are recorded and available immediately to BAR. Certifications are immediately transmitted to the DMV. The staff at the Smog Check Station will tell you the results of the test. They will give you a receipt and a copy of the test results, known as a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR).