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Smog Check Guide

Check your smog history

To look up a California vehicle's smog check history, use the Bureau of Automotive Repair's official lookup at bar.ca.gov/inspection. Enter the VIN or the license plate number, and it lists the Smog Check inspection results BAR has on file for that vehicle, passes and fails.

  • Official tool: BAR's “Check a vehicle's inspection history” page
  • Search by VIN or license plate number; BAR says the VIN gives the most accurate results
  • Records are updated daily at midnight
  • Passing certificates are transmitted to the DMV for registration

Source: California Bureau of Automotive Repair (bar.ca.gov/inspection).

Open BAR's inspection history lookup ↗

California Smog Check Network is a group of independent BAR-licensed shops, not BAR. The lookup runs on BAR's own website; we don't see or store what you search.

How to look up a smog history

  1. Open BAR's lookup

    Go to bar.ca.gov/inspection, the Bureau of Automotive Repair's “Check a vehicle's inspection history” page.

  2. Enter the VIN or plate on BAR's page

    In BAR's search box, enter the vehicle's VIN (up to 17 letters and numbers, printed on your registration card) or its license plate number. Nothing is entered on this page. A plate number can change, so BAR recommends the VIN for the most accurate results.

  3. Complete the security check

    Finish the security check on BAR's page, then select “View inspection history”.

  4. Read the results

    BAR shows how many inspection results it has for that VIN or plate and lists them. Records update daily at midnight, so a test done today shows up after midnight.

What the record shows

  • The Smog Check inspection results BAR has on file for that vehicle, both passes and fails.
  • Passing results are the certificates BAR transmits to the DMV for registration. California has used electronic filing since 2010, so there is no paper certificate to carry.
  • It is updated once a day at midnight.
  • It is BAR's inspection record, not your DMV registration status. For registration questions, check with the DMV.

For the exact details listed for each inspection, read the results on BAR's page.

Why it matters

Buying a used car

In California the seller is responsible for the smog check when the vehicle is more than 4 years old, and the certificate must be within 90 days of the sale. Look up the VIN before you buy to see whether a recent passing result is on file and whether the car has failed before.

Before you renew registration

If your DMV renewal notice says a smog check is required, the DMV needs a passing result. A smog certificate is valid for 90 days for registration. If the notice says a STAR station is required, the test must be done at a STAR station.

After a failed test

A failed result stays on the record. After the repair and a passing retest, the new result appears once BAR's records update at midnight.

What to do next

Need a new smog check? These stations in our network are STAR certified, so they can also take DMV notices that ask for a STAR station. Walk in or book online; most inspections take about 20 minutes.

Carlsbad

Encinitas

Los Angeles

San Diego

Garden Grove

Temecula

Oceanside

Escondido

Find the nearest station →

Common questions

How do I check my smog history in California?

Use the Bureau of Automotive Repair's official lookup at bar.ca.gov/inspection. Enter the vehicle's VIN or license plate number, complete the security check, and select “View inspection history”. It lists the Smog Check inspection results BAR has on file, passes and fails.

Can I look up smog history by license plate?

Yes. BAR's lookup accepts a VIN or a license plate number. A plate number can change, so BAR says the VIN gives the most accurate results.

Why doesn't today's smog check show up yet?

BAR's inspection records are updated daily at midnight, so a test done today appears after midnight.

Do I need a paper smog certificate?

No. Certificates are transmitted to the DMV electronically. California has used electronic filing since 2010.

How long is a smog certificate good for?

90 days from the inspection date for DMV registration, including a sale or transfer.

Does the seller have to smog a used car in California?

Yes, when the vehicle is more than 4 years old. The certificate must be within 90 days of the sale.

Is this site the BAR?

No. California Smog Check Network is a group of independent BAR-licensed shops. The official lookup is on BAR's website, bar.ca.gov/inspection.

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