A smog exempt year means your vehicle does not need to pass an emissions test before you can register it with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
California assigns a smog exempt year based on your vehicle's model year and type. If your car, truck, or motorcycle falls into an exempt category, you skip the smog check step when you renew your registration or transfer ownership. The state uses these exemptions to reduce testing burden on vehicles that are either too new to produce significant emissions or too old to be cost-effective to test.
Whether your vehicle is exempt depends on what year it was manufactured, not the current calendar year. A 2024 model vehicle will always be exempt from smog testing in California, but a 2010 model will not. The DMV website and your registration renewal notice both show whether your specific vehicle qualifies.
Key Takeaways
- Vehicles manufactured in 2024 or later are permanently exempt from California smog testing, as are most vehicles made in 1975 or earlier.
- Diesel vehicles and motorcycles have different exemption rules than gasoline cars, so check your vehicle type on the DMV site.
- If your vehicle is not exempt, you must get a smog check from a STAR station before you can renew registration or sell the car.
- Your registration renewal notice tells you whether your vehicle needs a smog test — you do not have to calculate it yourself.
- Exempt status does not change year to year for the same vehicle; once exempt, always exempt in California.
Which vehicle model years are exempt from smog testing
California exempts all gasoline-powered passenger vehicles manufactured in 2024 or later. These newer vehicles have emissions control systems that meet current standards, so the state does not require testing. On the older end, most vehicles made in 1975 or earlier are also exempt because they predate California's modern emissions program.
The middle years — roughly 1976 through 2023 — are where most vehicles fall into the non-exempt category and require testing. However, there are exceptions within this range. Vehicles that have been modified to run on alternative fuels, or that were originally manufactured as zero-emission vehicles, may have different rules. The most reliable way to know your vehicle's status is to enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the DMV's smog check lookup tool or check your registration renewal notice, which explicitly states whether a smog test is required.
Diesel vehicles and motorcycles have separate exemption rules
Diesel-powered vehicles follow a different exemption schedule than gasoline cars. Diesel trucks and vans manufactured in 2010 or later are exempt from smog testing. Diesel vehicles made between 1998 and 2009 are not exempt and must pass a diesel smog check. Diesel vehicles from 1997 or earlier are exempt.
Motorcycles also have their own timeline. Motorcycles manufactured in 2016 or later are exempt. Motorcycles from 2015 or earlier may require testing depending on the specific model year and engine type. If you own a motorcycle, the DMV's lookup tool will show you the exact requirement for your machine.
What happens if your vehicle is not exempt
If your vehicle is not exempt, you must obtain a smog check before you can renew your registration or transfer ownership to another person. You cannot complete the registration transaction at the DMV without proof of a passing smog test. The test must be performed at a STAR (Smog Check Referee) station, which is a facility certified by the state to conduct emissions testing.
A smog check costs money — the price varies by station and vehicle type, but typically ranges from $30 to $80 for a basic test. If your vehicle fails, you have options: you can have repairs made and retest at the same station, or you can pursue a referee inspection if you believe the initial test was wrong. Some vehicles that fail may still be registered under California's Gross Polluter Program rules, though this involves additional steps and restrictions.
How to learn about your vehicle is exempt
The fastest way is to check your registration renewal notice. The DMV mails this notice before your registration expires, and it clearly states whether a smog check is required. If you have lost the notice or want to check before renewal time, use the DMV's online smog check lookup tool at dmv.ca.gov. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your registration card, insurance documents, and the dashboard on the driver's side of the windshield.
You can also call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133, though wait times are often long. Having your VIN ready will speed up the call. If you are buying a used vehicle, ask the seller whether it requires a smog test, and verify this yourself using the DMV tool before you complete the purchase.
What to do if you need a smog check
Find a STAR station near you by searching the DMV's station locator at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-622-7933. STAR stations are independent repair shops and smog check facilities certified by the state. When you call to schedule, ask about the cost and how long the test takes — most tests take 30 minutes to an hour.
Bring your vehicle registration card and a valid photo ID to the appointment. The technician will connect your vehicle to an emissions analyzer and run a test cycle. If your vehicle passes, you receive a smog check certificate, which you then present to the DMV when you renew your registration. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. If your vehicle fails, the station will provide a report showing which emissions systems did not meet standards, and you can decide whether to repair the vehicle or explore other options.
Exempt status and vehicle ownership transfers
If you are buying a used vehicle that is exempt from smog testing, you do not need to obtain a smog check as part of the purchase or registration transfer. However, if the vehicle is not exempt, the seller must provide you with a smog check certificate dated within 90 days of the sale, or you must get one yourself before you can register the vehicle in your name.
When you sell a vehicle that is not exempt, you are responsible for providing the buyer with a current smog check certificate. This protects both you and the buyer by confirming the vehicle met emissions standards at the time of sale. If you are unsure whether the vehicle you are buying or selling requires a test, use the DMV lookup tool with the VIN before you finalize the transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a smog exempt year change every year?
No. Exempt status is based on your vehicle's model year, not the current calendar year. A 2024 model vehicle is exempt now and will remain exempt forever in California. The exemption does not roll forward or change annually.
Can I register my vehicle without a smog check if it is not exempt?
No. If your vehicle is not exempt, you must provide proof of a passing smog check before the DMV will process your registration renewal or transfer. You cannot complete registration without it.
What if my vehicle fails the smog check?
You can have repairs made and retest at the same STAR station. Some stations offer a free retest within a certain period if you use them for repairs. You can also request a referee inspection if you believe the test was inaccurate, though this involves additional steps and fees.
Do I need a smog check to buy a vehicle, or only to register it?
You need a smog check to register the vehicle in your name, not to buy it. However, the seller must provide you with a current smog check certificate if the vehicle is not exempt. This is a legal requirement in California.
How do I know my vehicle's model year for smog purposes?
Your vehicle's model year is shown on your registration card, insurance documents, and the VIN. The DMV lookup tool uses this information to determine exempt status. You do not need to calculate it yourself — the DMV will tell you whether your vehicle requires testing.