Smog check in California: when you need one, who is exempt, and what to do if you fail
A smog certificate comes up at renewal, at a sale and when you move here. Here is when it is required, the newer-vehicle and family exceptions, and your options after a failed test.
General information based on official DMV and DOJ sources, not legal advice.
All guidesLast reviewed: October 2026. Registration Leaders is a private business, not the California DMV, the Bureau of Automotive Repair or any government agency. This guide is general information based on BAR and DMV publications; your DMV renewal notice is the final word on your vehicle.
The short answer
Most gasoline, hybrid, alternative-fuel and diesel vehicles in California need a smog check every other year to renew registration, when the vehicle changes ownership, and when it is registered in California for the first time. The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) runs the program. Your DMV registration renewal notice says whether a smog check is due this year.
When a smog check is required
- Registration renewal. Every other year (biennially). The renewal notice states whether it applies, and whether the test must be at a STAR station.
- Change of ownership. In most sales the seller provides a valid smog certification. The certificate is valid for 90 days.
- First registration in California. This includes a vehicle purchased in another state or previously registered there. See our out-of-state registration page.
Who is exempt
- Gasoline, hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles of model year 1975 and older. The program covers model years 1976 and newer.
- Diesel vehicles of model year 1997 and older, and diesels over 14,000 pounds GVWR. Diesels 1998 and newer at 14,000 pounds or less need a check, with no new-vehicle exception.
- Electric vehicles and motorcycles.
- Newer vehicles: the fee instead of the check. Eight model years and newer do not need a biennial check for renewal, and California law requires a smog abatement fee instead. Four model years and newer do not need a check for a change of ownership; a smog transfer fee is required instead. To find the first year a vehicle needs a check, add eight (renewal) or four (sale) to the model year. A 2020 vehicle first needs a biennial check in 2028 and a sale check in 2024 or later.
- Immediate family transfers. BAR says transferring a vehicle between immediate family members does not require a smog check.
DMV fees vary by vehicle, and we do not list smog fee amounts here. The DMV fee calculator shows the current figures.
Finding a station
BAR licenses more than 7,000 independently owned stations and does not regulate prices, so it recommends comparing several. If your notice calls for a STAR station, confirm the station is STAR-certified before you go. We keep a list of local smog partners on our partners page. Take your renewal notice, and check that the station sends the certificate electronically to the DMV.
If your car fails
- Read the Vehicle Inspection Report. It shows the results and the reasons for the failure; ask the station to explain it.
- Repair at a licensed station, then retest. The passing certificate goes to the DMV electronically.
- Ask about help. The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) offers repair assistance to income-eligible consumers, and a payment to retire a vehicle at a state-approved dismantler. Apply at bar.ca.gov or call (800) 952-5210.
- Get a second opinion if you disagree. A state Referee can re-inspect; schedule at asktheref.org.
If the Check Engine light is on, repair it before the test. A blinking light needs immediate attention to avoid serious damage.
Official sources
- Official source: California Bureau of Automotive Repair, Smog Check
- Official source: BAR, California Smog Check Program brochure
- Official source: California DMV, Smog Inspections
Want us to handle the paperwork?
Registration Leaders is a private business contracted through the DMV Business Partner Automation program, not the DMV. We do not perform smog tests, but we can process your renewal ($55 + DMV fees) or title transfer ($65 + DMV fees) once the certificate is in. DMV fees vary by vehicle and are paid in addition to our service fee, and sales tax is collected on service fees. Walk-ins and appointments welcome; call (916) 595-8128 first, or book an appointment.
Frequently asked questions.
How often does a car need a smog check in California?
A smog check is required every other year as part of registration renewal for vehicles that are subject to it. Your DMV renewal notice tells you whether one is due this year and whether it must be done at a STAR station. A smog check is also required when a vehicle changes ownership and when it is registered in California for the first time. Bring the renewal notice to the station so the certificate is sent electronically to the DMV.
Which vehicles are exempt from a smog check?
The Bureau of Automotive Repair says gasoline, hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles of model year 1975 and older are exempt, as are motorcycles and electric vehicles. Diesel vehicles of model year 1997 and older, and diesels over 14,000 pounds GVWR, do not need one either. Newer gasoline vehicles are exempt from the biennial check for the first eight model years, and from the change-of-ownership check for the first four model years, but a fee is charged instead.
Do I need a smog check when I buy or sell a car?
In most sales the seller must give the buyer a valid smog certification, and the certificate is valid for 90 days. If the car is four model years old or newer, no change-of-ownership check is needed and a smog transfer fee is paid instead. Electric vehicles and the other exempt vehicles do not need one. Our title transfer guide covers the other sale steps.
Do family transfers need a smog check?
The Bureau of Automotive Repair says transferring a vehicle between immediate family members does not require a smog check, and the DMV says a direct gift from family needs no inspection. The exception is a family member who bought the car for you without first titling it in their own name. See our guide to gifting a car to family for the full steps.
What is a STAR station?
STAR stations meet higher performance standards set by the Bureau of Automotive Repair and can inspect all vehicles, including high-polluting ones. Your DMV renewal notice states whether your vehicle must be tested at a STAR station. If you need one, call the station before you go to confirm it is STAR-certified and to ask about current prices, which the state does not regulate.
What happens if my car fails a smog check?
The station gives you a Vehicle Inspection Report showing the results and the reasons for the failure. Have the repairs done by a station licensed for Smog Check repairs, then retest; the station sends the passing certificate to the DMV electronically. Income-eligible drivers can apply to the state's Consumer Assistance Program for repair help or a vehicle retirement payment, and you can request a second opinion from a state Referee.
Ready to get it done?
Walk-ins and appointments welcome, Monday to Friday, 10am to 9pm, Saturday, 10am to 4pm, and Sunday, 12pm to 4pm. Call first; we confirm booked times by text or email.