California's smog check schedule depends on your vehicle's age and type

Most vehicles registered in California need a smog check every two years. If your car is model year 1975 or newer and you registered it in California, you will get a renewal notice from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that tells you whether a smog check is required that year. The notice arrives before your registration expires.

Vehicles model year 1974 and older are exempt from smog checks entirely. Diesel vehicles registered after 1997 and gasoline vehicles registered after 1975 follow the two-year cycle, though some newer vehicles may have different rules depending on when they were first registered and what emissions equipment they carry.

If you buy a used vehicle in California, you will need a smog check before you can register it with the DMV, even if the previous owner just passed one. This is a one-time requirement at the point of sale, separate from the regular two-year schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • Most California vehicles need a smog check every two years, and the DMV renewal notice tells you which year you are due.
  • Vehicles model year 1974 and older do not need smog checks at all.
  • When you buy a used vehicle in California, you must get a smog check before the DMV will register it, regardless of when the last check was done.
  • You can get a smog check up to 60 days before your registration expires without losing your renewal date.
  • If your vehicle fails, you have until your registration expires to fix it and retest at no additional charge from most stations.

When your DMV renewal notice tells you to get tested

The DMV sends you a renewal notice 60 days before your registration expires. That notice will say either "Smog Check Required" or "Smog Check Not Required." If it says required, you must have a passing smog check before you renew your registration online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

You can get your smog check as early as 60 days before your registration expires. If you test early and pass, the smog check is valid for your renewal. If you test early and fail, you have the full 60 days to fix the vehicle and retest. Most smog stations will retest you for free if you failed the first time, as long as you return within a set window (usually 30 days, but check with your station).

Do not wait until the last day. If your registration expires before you have a passing smog check, your vehicle is no longer legal to drive. You can still renew late and get a smog check after expiration, but you will owe a late penalty fee to the DMV on top of your regular registration renewal cost.

What happens if you buy a used car in California

When you purchase a used vehicle from a dealer or private party and register it in California for the first time, you must have a smog check before the DMV will issue your registration. This applies even if the seller just had the vehicle tested. The smog check must be done at a California-certified station and must be current (within 30 days of when you submit it to the DMV).

After that first smog check at purchase, your vehicle enters the regular two-year cycle based on your registration renewal date. Your first renewal notice will tell you whether a smog check is needed in two years.

If you move to California from another state and register your vehicle here, you will also need a smog check before registration, unless your vehicle is model year 1974 or older or is a vehicle type that California exempts (such as certain motorcycles or electric vehicles).

Vehicles that do not need smog checks

California exempts several categories of vehicles from smog checks. Any vehicle model year 1974 or older is permanently exempt. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) registered after specific model years are also exempt, as are hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Motorcycles, motorized bicycles, and off-road vehicles do not require smog checks. Some vehicles with gross vehicle weight ratings above a certain threshold may also be exempt, though this depends on the specific vehicle type and registration class.

If you are unsure whether your vehicle is exempt, check your DMV renewal notice. If it says "Smog Check Not Required," you do not need one that year. You can also call your local DMV office or visit the California Air Resources Board (CARB) website to confirm your vehicle's status.

Where to get a smog check and what it costs

You can get a smog check at any California-certified smog station. These include independent smog shops, some gas stations, some repair shops, and some dealerships. Look for the "STAR" (Smog Check Test and Repair) station sign, which means the station is certified by CARB.

The cost of a smog check varies by station but typically ranges from $30 to $70 for a basic test. Some stations charge more if they perform repairs on your vehicle. You can call ahead to ask the price before you go. The state does not set a maximum price, so shops can charge what they choose.

When you arrive, bring your vehicle registration or renewal notice and a photo ID. The smog technician will run your vehicle through the test, which takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on the type of vehicle and test required. You will receive a printed certificate if you pass, which you then submit to the DMV when you renew your registration.

What to do if your vehicle fails the smog check

If your vehicle fails, the smog station will give you a written report showing which emissions standards your vehicle did not meet. You will need to have the vehicle repaired and then return for a retest. Most stations offer free retests within 30 days if you failed the first time, though you should confirm this policy when you first visit.

Common reasons for failure include a faulty oxygen sensor, a loose or missing gas cap, a malfunctioning catalytic converter, or an illuminated check engine light. Some of these repairs are inexpensive; others can cost several hundred dollars. If your vehicle is very old or has significant emissions problems, repair costs may exceed the vehicle's value.

If you cannot afford repairs or your vehicle cannot be fixed to pass, you may be able to participate in California's vehicle retirement or trade-in programs, which offer cash or credit toward a newer vehicle. Contact your local air quality management district or CARB for information about programs in your area.

Keeping track of your smog check schedule

The easiest way to stay on schedule is to mark your registration expiration date on a calendar. The DMV renewal notice arrives 60 days before that date, so you will have a two-month window to get your smog check. If you register your vehicle online or by mail, you can renew before the expiration date and schedule your smog check at the same time.

If you have multiple vehicles, keep each renewal notice in a file or take a photo of it with your phone so you can refer back to it. Some smog stations will also remind you when you are due if you ask them to note your information.

If you move within California, your registration renewal date does not change, so your smog check schedule stays the same. If you move out of state, you will no longer need California smog checks once you register your vehicle in the new state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a smog check before my renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You can get a smog check up to 60 days before your registration expires, even if you have not received your renewal notice yet. Check your registration card for the expiration date, and count back 60 days. If you pass, the certificate is valid for your renewal.

What if I fail my smog check and my registration expires before I can retest?

You can still renew your registration after it expires, but you will owe a late penalty fee to the DMV. Get your vehicle repaired, pass the retest, and then renew your registration. It is better to renew on time and then retest if needed, so you avoid the penalty.

Do I need a smog check if I only drive my car occasionally?

Yes. If your vehicle is registered in California and is not exempt (model year 1974 or older, electric, or hydrogen fuel cell), you need a smog check every two years based on your registration renewal date, regardless of how often you drive it.

Can I renew my registration without a smog check if one is required?

No. If your DMV renewal notice says a smog check is required, the DMV will not process your registration renewal until you submit a passing smog check certificate. You cannot legally drive the vehicle after your registration expires.

What if I move to California and my vehicle is from out of state?

You will need a smog check before the DMV registers your vehicle in California, unless it is model year 1974 or older or is an exempt vehicle type like an electric car. After that first check, you follow California's regular two-year renewal schedule.