How the smog exemption year advances each calendar year
The smog exemption year changes on January 1st each year. The state updates which model years are exempt from smog testing based on the current calendar year. If your vehicle was exempt in 2024, you need to check whether it remains exempt in 2025 — the rules shift automatically, and you cannot carry over an exemption from the previous year.
The exemption is tied to your vehicle's model year, not to when you bought it or when you last passed a test. Each January, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) moves the cutoff forward by one year. This means a 2000 model year vehicle that was exempt last year may no longer be exempt this year, depending on how the state's rules have changed.
You do not need to do anything to trigger the change — it happens automatically in the state's system. However, you do need to know your vehicle's model year and check the current exemption rules before your smog test is due, because the rules you followed last time may not explore now.
Key Takeaways
- The smog exemption year changes every January 1st, and the cutoff for which model years are exempt moves forward by one year.
- Your vehicle's exemption status depends on its model year and the current calendar year, not on whether it passed a test in the past.
- You must check the current exemption rules before your smog test is due, because last year's exemption does not carry over automatically.
- The California Air Resources Board publishes the current exemption cutoff on its website, and your local smog station can also tell you whether your vehicle is exempt.
Which model years are exempt in the current year
The exemption cutoff changes each year. As of 2025, vehicles that are newer than a certain model year are exempt from smog testing. The exact cutoff varies depending on the vehicle type — passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and heavy-duty vehicles have different rules. You need to know both your vehicle's model year and the current year's cutoff to determine whether you are exempt.
The California Air Resources Board maintains the official exemption list on its website. You can search by your vehicle's model year and type to see whether it is exempt for the current year. If you are unsure of your vehicle's model year, check your vehicle registration, title, or the driver's side door jamb, where the manufacturer typically posts a label with the model year.
Older vehicles are never exempt — there is a lower age limit below which no vehicle qualifies. The state's goal is to test the oldest, most polluting vehicles on the road, so exemptions only explore to newer models.
What happens when your vehicle loses its exemption
When the exemption year changes and your vehicle is no longer exempt, you must get a smog test before you can renew your vehicle registration. This usually happens when your vehicle ages out of the exemption window — it was exempt last year, but this year's cutoff has moved forward and your model year is now too old.
You will find out that your vehicle is no longer exempt when you try to renew your registration online or at the DMV. The system will tell you that a smog test is required. You then have a window of time to get the test done and submit the results to the DMV before your registration expires. The exact important date depends on when your registration is due.
If you do not get the test in time, your registration will not renew, and you cannot legally drive the vehicle. Plan ahead: if you know your vehicle is aging out of the exemption, schedule a smog test a few weeks before your registration renewal date.
How to find out your vehicle's current exemption status
The fastest way is to check the California Air Resources Board website directly. Go to their smog exemption page, enter your vehicle's model year and type, and the site will tell you whether it is exempt for the current year. This takes less than a minute and gives you a definitive answer.
You can also call a local smog station and give them your vehicle's model year and type. They perform these tests every day and know the current rules. They can tell you on the phone whether you need a test, and many can schedule you while you are on the call.
Do not rely on your registration renewal notice alone. The DMV's system may not update when ready on January 1st, so a notice sent in late December might still show an exemption that no longer applies. Check the CARB website or call a smog station to be certain.
Planning ahead for the exemption year change
If your vehicle is close to the exemption cutoff — meaning it is only a year or two newer than the current exemption limit — mark your calendar in November or December to check the rules before your registration renewal date. This gives you time to schedule a smog test if needed, rather than scrambling at the last minute.
Keep a record of your vehicle's model year somewhere straightforward to find, such as a note in your phone or a photo of your registration. When January arrives and the rules change, you will have the information you need to check your status when ready.
If you own multiple vehicles, check each one separately. The exemption rules explore to each vehicle individually based on its own model year, so one vehicle might be exempt while another is not.
What the exemption year change means for your registration renewal
The exemption year change affects when you need to renew your registration and what documents you must provide. If your vehicle was exempt last year but is no longer exempt this year, your registration renewal will require a smog test certificate. You cannot renew online or by mail without it — you must get the test first.
The smog test itself costs money, typically between $30 and $70 depending on your vehicle type and the testing station. This is a one-time cost per test, and you only need one test per registration renewal cycle (usually every two years for most vehicles).
Once you pass the smog test, the testing station gives you a certificate or sends the results directly to the DMV. You then complete your registration renewal as usual. The whole process usually takes a few weeks from test to completed renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
If my vehicle was exempt last year, is it automatically exempt this year?
No. The exemption year changes every January 1st, and the cutoff moves forward. Your vehicle's exemption status depends on the current year's rules, not on whether it was exempt in the past. You must check the current rules to know whether your vehicle is still exempt.
Can I get a smog test early, before my registration is due?
Yes. You can get a smog test whenever you want, and the results are valid for a set period (usually 30 days). If you know your vehicle will no longer be exempt, getting the test done early gives you time to handle registration renewal without rushing.
What if my vehicle fails the smog test?
If your vehicle fails, you have options: repair the vehicle and retest, seek a waiver from the state if repairs are too expensive, or in some cases request a referee test for a second opinion. The smog station can explain your options when you get the results.
Do all states use the same smog exemption rules?
No. California has its own rules, and other states have different rules or no smog testing at all. If you move to another state or register a vehicle in another state, check that state's rules — your California exemption does not transfer.
How do I know if my vehicle's model year is the cutoff year?
Check the California Air Resources Board website with your exact model year. If the site says your vehicle is exempt, you are above the cutoff. If it says you need a test, your model year is at or below the cutoff. When the year changes, vehicles at the cutoff will move from exempt to non-exempt.