Do I need to Smog Check ?

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California DMV requires a smog check for the following reasons:

  • Biennial Inspection
    The most common reasons a vehicle is required to be smog certified is simply to comply with California biennial (every other year) smog check regulations. Once a gasoline vehicle is older that 8 years, the DMV requires a passing smog check every other year. So for example in 2021, vehicle model years 2013 and older will require a smog check. Vehicle model years 1975 and older are exempt from inspection.
    Diesel vehicles do not get the 8 year waiver. All 1998 and newer diesel vehicles under 14,000 GVWR are required to be inspected every other year.
  • Transfer of Ownership
    A smog check certification is required when a vehicle is 6 model years or older gets sold in California. The seller of the vehicle is required to provide a passing smog check certificate (within 90 days) upon time of sale.
  • Out of State Transfer
    When a vehicle is brought into California from another state, a smog check is required regardless of how new the vehicle is. 1975 and older gasoline vehicles and 1997 and older diesel vehicles are exempt.
  • Salvage Title
    California can require a smog check and brake-and-lamp inspection if a vehicle becomes titled salvaged.
    

7 Replies to “Do I need to Smog Check ?”

      • dewok Post author

        Hi Alicia, if your DMV registration renewal requested a smog check, it is required based on the year, make and model of your vehicle.

        You can read our post to determine all the other reasons a smog check is required in California.

        Danny
        JUST SMOGS + REPAIR

        Reply ↓
    • dewok Post author

      Hi Carlos,

      Smog checks are currently required every other year.

      If you are receiving a smog notice every year, I would contact the DMV.

      What often happens is that you purchase a vehicle and receive a smog check on its “off” year. Then the DMV sends a smog notice roughly a year later for its biennial inspection. This is normal.

      Reply ↓
  3. Brent Perkins

    My 2019 truck was totaled and I’m registering it under a salvaged title. As part of the process I need to get it smogged. What do I give the smog station if I don’t have registration for them to scan?

    Reply ↓

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