Smog Check Guide
Every two years for most vehicles. At sale or transfer. First 8 years exempt for new cars. Out-of-state imports need one.
Source: California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) smog check program.
Not sure when yours is due? Text us your plate or registration date — we'll confirm your window and remind you before it lapses.
Registration renewal: most vehicles are checked every two years. California does not anchor the clock to your last inspection date — your DMV registration renewal notice states whether a smog check is required this cycle. New gas cars are exempt for their first 8 model years (a smog abatement fee applies instead).
Buying a used car: you need a valid smog certificate within 10 days of registration. If the seller passed within the last 90 days, that certificate counts.
Selling a car over 4 years old: the seller provides a certificate dated within 90 days of the sale.
Moving to California: smog the vehicle within 20 days of establishing residency.
Source: California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR).
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Every two years for most vehicles. At sale or transfer. First 8 years exempt for new cars. Out-of-state imports need one.
DMV notice will specify. Typically every other renewal. Newer cars get abatement fee instead. STAR-directed vehicles need STAR station.
Up to 90 days before registration expires. Smog cert is good for 90 days. DMV accepts cert within this window. No benefit to going earlier.
90 days from inspection. Transmits to DMV electronically. Valid for registration use. Starts countdown at pass.
Seller responsible if over 4 years old. Must be within 90 days of sale. Buyer pays smog transfer fee. Exempt if same family.
Yes within 20 days of residency. Out-of-state certs not accepted. Vehicle must be 1976 or newer gas. Diesel 1998 or newer.
Exempt parent spouse child sibling grandparent grandchild. Must file DMV exemption form. No certificate needed if exempt. Abatement fee may still apply.
After — your DMV renewal notice tells you if smog is needed. Renewal notice arrives 60 days before due date. Smog certificate valid 90 days for renewal. Skip-year vehicles get a printed reminder.