Smog Check: When you need one and what's required
Smog Checks help keep California's air clean and your vehicle running smoothly. Regular inspections check that your vehicle meets emissions standards. They also identify needed emissions repairs, helping you avoid costly problems later on.
Vehicles that need a Smog Check
Gasoline, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles - model year 1976 and newer
Diesel vehicles - model year 1998 and newer
RVs, motorhomes, collector cars, and government vehicles that meet the above criteria also need a Smog Check.
Vehicles that do not need a Smog Check
Gasoline, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles - eight model years and newer (for vehicle registration renewal only)
Gasoline, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles - four model years and newer (for change of ownership only)
Gasoline, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles - model year 1975 and older
Diesel vehicles - model year 1997 and older
Diesel vehicles - with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds
Electric vehicles
Motorcycles
When a Smog Check is required
Vehicle registration renewal
A Smog Check is required every other year to renew your vehicle registration. Check your DMV registration renewal notice for one of these messages:
“Smog Certification Required”
“Smog Certification Required at a STAR station”
Change of ownership
A Smog Check is required when a vehicle changes ownership.
If you're selling your vehicle, a Smog Check is required before you sell it. Be sure to give the buyer a copy of the vehicle inspection report.
If you're buying a vehicle from a private seller, it must have passed a Smog Check within the last 90 days. Ask the seller for a copy of the vehicle inspection report. You can also check the vehicle's inspection history online.
If you're buying a vehicle from a dealership, it must have passed a Smog Check within the past two years.
If a family member bought you a vehicle, a Smog Check is usually required. Transferring a vehicle between immediate family members does not require a Smog Check.
DMV offers helpful information about other change of ownership requirements. Learn about title transfers, registering a vehicle from a private seller, and more at www.dmv.ca.gov.
Registering a vehicle for the first time in California
A Smog Check is required to register a vehicle for the first time in California. This includes vehicles purchased or previously registered in another state.
Model year exceptions
Gasoline, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles generally need a Smog Check. But, there are exceptions for certain newer model year vehicles. These exceptions depend on the vehicle's model year and the specific inspection requirement. There are no model year exceptions for diesel vehicles.
Here are the exceptions for gasoline, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles:
Eight model years and newer - do not need a Smog Check for vehicle registration renewal. Instead, California law requires a smog abatement fee. This fee is due with your DMV vehicle registration renewal fees.
To determine when a vehicle will need its first Smog Check, add eight to the model year. For example, a 2020 model-year vehicle will need a Smog Check for registration renewal in 2028 (2020 + 8 = 2028).
Four model years and newer - do not need a Smog Check for a change of ownership. Instead, California law requires a smog transfer fee. This fee is due to DMV to transfer the vehicle title.
Getting a Smog Check
Find a station
It's important to find the right type of station for your needs. Some stations only do inspections, others only do repairs, and some can do both. Finding a station is easy—use our Auto Shop Locator to find one near you.
For a Smog Check inspection, go to a station licensed to perform Smog Check inspections:
Test-and-repair station: Performs Smog Checks and emissions repairs.
Test-only station: Performs Smog Checks but does not make emissions repairs.
STAR station: Meets higher performance standards to inspect all vehicles, including high-polluting vehicles. Your DMV registration renewal notice will say if you need to go to a STAR station.
For emissions repairs, go to a station licensed to repair emissions issues:
Test-and-repair station: Performs Smog Checks and repairs emissions issues.
Repair-only station: Repairs emissions issues but does not perform Smog Checks.
How to prepare
Bring your DMV registration renewal notice, if available. This helps the station verify your vehicle information.
If your vehicle's check engine light is on, get it repaired before your Smog Check. The check engine light indicates a problem with the vehicle's emissions system. A vehicle will not pass a Smog Check with the check engine light on.
If you recently disconnected or replaced your battery, drive your vehicle for a week or two. This will allow the readiness monitors to reset before your Smog Check.
If your vehicle's software is modified, restore it to the manufacturer's original settings. You may also restore it to a version approved by the California Air Resources Board. Modified or non-approved software will cause a vehicle to fail a Smog Check.
Stations may offer a pretest (or pre-inspection). This may help identify potential issues before the official inspection. Stations must provide an estimate before performing this service.
What happens during the inspection
A Smog Check may include:
Visual inspection of the emissions control system
Functional inspection of the emissions control system
On-board diagnostic system check (for most 2000 and newer model year vehicles)
Tailpipe emissions test (for pre-2000 model year vehicles)
The inspection usually takes about 30 minutes.
Cost
The cost of a Smog Check varies by station. Shopping around can help you find the best price.
The station must charge a $8.25 Smog Check certificate fee. They may also charge a $0.70 fee to cover the cost of transmitting the results.
The station must give you an estimate. You must authorize the estimate before the station can begin the inspection.
BAR does not regulate Smog Check prices.
If there's an issue
If a station can't inspect your vehicle because of a recent address change:
DMV may not yet have updated its records to reflect your new address.
Contact the DCA Consumer Information Center at (800) 952-5210 for help.
If a station refuses to inspect your vehicle:
A station may not have the equipment necessary to inspect your vehicle. Find a different station and call ahead to make sure it can inspect your vehicle.
A station may also refuse to inspect your vehicle if it determines that it is unsafe. Contact the Smog Check Referee for help.
If you have a problem with a station, file a complaint so we can help resolve the issue.
Results and next steps
After the inspection, the station will provide you with a vehicle inspection report. The report includes the inspection results and whether your vehicle passed or failed. It also identifies any open safety recalls for your vehicle. Keep a copy of the report for your records.
If your vehicle passes
The station will issue a smog certificate. The certificate is electronically sent to DMV and is valid for 90 days. The next steps depend on the purpose of the Smog Check. Here's what to do:
For vehicle registration renewal, complete your registration renewal with DMV.
For change of ownership, provide a copy of the vehicle inspection report to the buyer or new owner.
For repairs, keep a copy of the vehicle inspection report for your records.
If your vehicle fails
Review the vehicle inspection report. If you have questions, ask the Smog Check station for more information.
Complete the necessary repairs. Some emissions parts or repairs may be covered under warranty. Check your owner's manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer for more information.
Get your vehicle inspected again. Go to a STAR station if required by your DMV registration renewal notice. If not, you can go to any test-and-repair station or test-only station.
Other options if your vehicle fails
Apply to repair or retire your vehicle. Our Consumer Assistance Program offers financial assistance for emissions repairs. Consumers can also apply to retire their vehicle, even if it passes a Smog Check. Applicants and their vehicles must meet eligibility requirements to participate.
Visit a Smog Check Referee. Referees assist you with a variety of Smog Check services. Get help with inspection results, unusual vehicles, hard-to-find emissions parts, and more.
Check past results
You can check a vehicle's inspection history online. You'll find important information that may help if:
You're buying a used vehicle and want to review its past inspections.
You don't remember your last Smog Check and need to verify past results.
Benefits and helpful links
How Smog Checks benefit you:
Cleaner air: Smog Checks help reduce harmful pollutants and improve air quality.
Better vehicle performance: Fixing emissions issues can boost fuel efficiency and improve engine performance.
Cost savings: Addressing issues early can prevent expensive repairs later.
Renew your vehicle registration: Passing a Smog Check ensures your vehicle meets biennial registration renewal requirements.
Extends vehicle life: Maintaining your vehicle's emissions system can help it run longer.