Smog inspections are required when you register or renew registration for a vehicle in California, but there are some exceptions.
Your vehicle does not need a smog inspection if your:
- Gasoline-powered vehicle is a 1975 year model or older (This includes motorcycles and trailers.)
- Diesel-powered vehicle is a 1997 and older year model OR with a Gross Vehicle Weight of more than 14,000 pounds.
- Powered by natural gas and weighs more than 14,000 pounds.
- An electric vehicle.
- Gasoline-powered and less than eight model-years old.
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting January 1, 2019, if your vehicle is less than 4 model years old, you can pay a smog abatement fee instead of getting a smog inspection for the first 8 years that your vehicle is registered.
You can find a DMV-authorized smog check station near you or visit the Bureau of Automotive Repair.
If you get a DMV registration renewal notice in the mail, and it tells you that you need to go to a STAR station for a smog check, you can find a STAR station near you at the Bureau of Automotive Repair.
The California STAR program began on January 1, 2013. The STAR program sets smog check standards, and it replaces the old Gold Shield and Test Only program.
If your car fails the smog inspection, you should contact the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Referee Program. They can help you find out what your next steps are.
- Online: asktheref.org/Services/Smog-Check-Results-Review
- Phone: 1-800-622-7733
You can check your zip code at smogcheck.ca.gov to see if you need a smog inspection when you renew your registration.
If you live in one of these counties, you need a smog inspection when you renew your vehicle registration.
Alameda
Butte
Colusa
Contra Costa
Fresno
Glenn
Kern
Kings
Los Angeles
Madera
Marin
Merced
Monterey
Napa
Nevada
Orange
Sacramento
San Benito
San Francisco
San Joaquin
San Luis Obispo
San Mateo
Santa Barbara
Santa Clara
Santa Cruz
Shasta
Solano
Stanislaus
Sutter
Tehama
Tulare
Ventura
Yolo
Yuba
No. However, if you are given a car by a family member (a spouse, domestic partner, sibling, child, parent, grandparent, or grandchild) who bought it for you without first titling the car in their name, a smog inspection is required.
Yes. If you are selling your car, you need to give the new owner a valid smog certification when you sell the car.
If the car you are selling is less than four years old, you do not need to get a smog inspection. Instead, the new owner of the car will need to pay a smog transfer fee.
No. If you are active duty military or a military veteran, you still need a smog inspection for your vehicle.
Need something else?
Renew Your Registration
Renew your vehicle registration online and review guidelines and requirements.
Fees
Learn more about smog inspection fees and other DMV fees.
Title Transfers
If you buy or sell a vehicle, make sure you properly transfer the title.