Does My Car Need a Smog Check This Year?
(California Requirements by Year, Type, and Location)
If you live in California, chances are your vehicle will need a smog check at some point — but not every car is tested every year. Whether you’re renewing registration, buying or selling, or moving to the state, here’s how to find out if your vehicle needs a smog check this year.
1. Most Vehicles Need a Smog Check Every 2 Years
If your car is gas-powered and model year 1976 or newer, or diesel-powered and model year 1998 or newer with a GVWR under 14,000 lbs, you’ll generally need a biennial smog check to renew registration.
The DMV will send you a notice if your renewal year requires a test. Make sure your mailing address is up to date or get notifications via email by signing up on their website.
This is sometimes called the “every other year” schedule.
2. Vehicles That Are Always Exempt
Some vehicles don’t require smog testing under California law:
Gasoline-powered vehicles model year 1975 or older
Diesel-powered vehicles 1997 or older, or with GVWR over 14,000 lbs (which may need a CARB test which we can do!)
Electric vehicles
Motorcycles
Trailers
4. Selling or Transferring Ownership
When you sell a vehicle or transfer ownership (except to certain family members), a smog check is required. The seller is responsible for providing a valid smog certificate (issued within the last 90 days) to the buyer. Or sometimes the buyer will facilitate the smog check as part of the deal. Either way, the state is okay with it.
5. Moving Into California
If you’re registering a vehicle in California for the first time, you must get a smog check unless your vehicle qualifies for one of the exemptions above in #2.
6. Special Notes for Certain Areas
Most of California requires smog checks, but some rural counties have limited testing requirements. However, if you live in or commute through an urban area, you may still be required to test. Use the BAR’s ZIP Code lookup to check your specific location.
How to Check Your Vehicle’s Smog Status
Visit the official BAR Smog Check Program site.
Enter your license plate number and last 5 of your VIN.
See if your renewal or transaction requires a smog check this year.
Need a Smog Check in Glendora or the SGV?
We handle non-STAR smog checks for:
Gas/Hybrid: 2000 & newer
Diesel: 1998 & newer
RVs: Under 12,000 lbs GVWR