AA smog test only means your vehicle is exempt from the full biennial smog inspection but still requires a one-time emissions test
An "AA smog test only" designation appears on your vehicle registration when the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has flagged your car for a single emissions test rather than the standard two-year cycle. This is not a permanent exemption — it is a specific requirement tied to your current registration renewal. You must complete this test before or during your registration renewal, and the test must be performed at a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) certified smog station.
The "AA" code itself refers to a category of vehicles that do not normally require smog testing — typically vehicles over 30 years old, certain electric vehicles, or cars that have already passed recent tests. The "smog test only" notation overrides that exemption for your particular vehicle, usually because the DMV has reason to believe your car may not meet current emissions standards.
You cannot renew your registration without proof of this test. The smog station will submit results electronically to the DMV, and your registration will not process until those results are received and approved.
Key Takeaways
- An AA smog test only requirement means you must have one emissions test performed at a BAR-certified station before your registration renewal is complete.
- This is not a permanent exemption status — it applies only to your current registration cycle and may or may not appear on your next renewal.
- The test must be submitted electronically by the smog station; you cannot renew registration without proof of passing results.
- If your vehicle fails the test, you have options including repairs, a referee inspection, or a waiver depending on the type and cost of repairs needed.
Why the DMV issues an AA smog test only requirement
The DMV does not randomly assign this code. It typically appears when your vehicle has a history that raises questions about emissions compliance. Common reasons include a previous failed smog test, a vehicle that was flagged during a routine audit, or a car that has been out of state and is now registering in California for the first time in several years.
In some cases, the code appears because your vehicle falls into a category that normally does not require testing, but the DMV has identified a specific reason to test it anyway. For example, a vehicle over 30 years old normally would not need a smog test, but if it has been significantly modified or has had recent engine work, the DMV may require one.
The requirement is not punitive — it is a verification step. The DMV wants to confirm that your vehicle meets current emissions standards before allowing you to renew registration for another two years.
How to schedule and complete your AA smog test
Find a Bureau of Automotive Repair certified smog station. You can search for stations on the BAR website or call your local smog station directly. Not all stations perform all types of tests, so confirm that the station you choose can perform the test your vehicle requires (usually an OBD test for 1996 and newer vehicles, or a two-speed idle test for older cars).
Bring your vehicle registration, proof of vehicle ownership, and a valid photo ID. The test itself takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your vehicle's age and type. The cost varies by station but typically ranges from $30 to $80. The smog station will perform the test and submit results electronically to the DMV the same day or within one business day.
If your vehicle passes, the DMV will receive the passing result and your registration renewal will process. If your vehicle fails, the smog station will provide you with a report listing the specific emissions systems that did not meet standards. You then have options: repair the vehicle and retest, request a referee inspection, or pursue a repair cost waiver.
What happens if your vehicle fails the smog test
A failed test does not mean you cannot register your vehicle. California law provides three paths forward: repair and retest, a referee inspection, or a smog abatement waiver.
The repair and retest path is straightforward — you have the failed systems repaired and return to the same or a different smog station for a retest. You pay for repairs and the retest fee. Once you pass, the DMV receives the passing result and your registration processes.
A referee inspection is available if you believe the smog station made an error or if you want an independent assessment before spending money on repairs. You contact your local Bureau of Automotive Repair referee station (different from a regular smog station) and pay a referee inspection fee, typically $50 to $100. The referee will perform a more thorough test and can sometimes identify whether repairs will actually resolve the failure. If the referee determines the vehicle cannot pass even with repairs, you may become may be able to access for a waiver.
A smog abatement waiver allows you to register your vehicle without passing the test if the cost of repairs exceeds a certain threshold (currently $500 for most vehicles, though this varies). You must document the repair estimate and submit it to the BAR. If approved, you can register without passing the test, though you may be required to retest in future years.
Timeline for completing your AA smog test before registration expires
You should schedule your smog test as soon as you receive notice of the AA requirement. The test must be completed and results received by the DMV before your registration renewal important date. If your registration expires on a specific date, plan to have the test done at least one week before that date to allow time for the smog station to submit results and the DMV to process them.
If you miss the important date and your registration expires, you are driving with an expired registration, which is a violation. You can still complete the smog test and renew registration after the expiration date, but you will owe late fees and penalties in addition to the registration renewal cost.
If you fail the test close to your registration expiration date, you have limited time to pursue repairs or a referee inspection. Starting the process when ready after receiving a failing result is important so you have time to complete whichever path you choose before the important date.
Difference between AA smog test only and regular biennial smog requirements
Most California vehicles registered in their home state must pass a smog test every two years as part of registration renewal. An AA designation normally means your vehicle is exempt from this requirement entirely — either because it is over 30 years old, is a zero-emission vehicle, or meets other exemption criteria.
When "smog test only" is added to an AA designation, it means the DMV has overridden the exemption for your specific vehicle and is requiring a one-time test. This does not automatically mean you will be required to test every two years going forward. After you pass this required test, your vehicle may return to AA exempt status on your next renewal, or the DMV may continue to require testing depending on the reason for the original requirement.
The key difference is that a regular biennial requirement means testing every two years indefinitely, while an AA smog test only is typically a one-time verification. However, if your vehicle fails this test and you use a waiver to register without passing, you may be required to test again at the next renewal.
What to do if you cannot locate your smog test requirement notice
If you received a registration renewal notice but did not see the AA smog test only requirement clearly stated, check the renewal notice again — it is usually listed in a section labeled "Special Requirements" or "Smog Test Required." You can also log into your DMV online account and view your registration details, which will show any smog test requirements.
If you are unsure whether your vehicle requires a test, contact the DMV directly by phone or through their online chat. Have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate ready. The DMV can confirm whether a test is required and provide the important date for completion.
Do not assume the requirement will go away if you ignore it. Registering a vehicle without completing a required smog test is a violation, and you risk a citation if stopped by law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration online if I have an AA smog test only requirement?
No. You must complete the smog test first and have the results submitted to the DMV. Once the DMV receives passing results, you can complete your registration renewal online or by mail. The system will not allow you to finalize registration without proof of test completion.
Do I have to use the same smog station where I failed the test to retest?
No. You can use any BAR-certified smog station for a retest. Some people choose a different station if they want a fresh assessment, though the test procedure and standards are the same at all certified stations.
If I get a smog abatement waiver, will I need to test again next year?
That depends on your vehicle and the reason for the original requirement. Some waivers are one-time only, while others may require retesting at the next registration renewal. The BAR will specify the terms of your waiver when it is approved.
What if I move out of California after getting an AA smog test only requirement?
If you move before completing the test, you will need to address the requirement before you can register your vehicle in another state or renew your California registration. Contact the DMV to discuss your options, as they may allow you to cancel the registration or extend the important date depending on your circumstances.
Does an AA smog test only requirement mean my vehicle is unsafe to drive?
Not necessarily. The requirement means the DMV wants to verify that your vehicle meets emissions standards, but it does not indicate a safety problem. Emissions testing and vehicle safety inspections are separate processes. You can drive your vehicle while waiting for your smog test appointment.