For more information read “Transfer a Vehicle Between Family Members.“
Currently, smog inspections are required for all vehicles except electric, diesel powered vehicles over 14,000 lbs, motorcycles, and vehicles 1975 and older.
Vehicles registered in areas subject to the biennial smog certification program are required to submit evidence of a smog certification every other renewal period. Owners of vehicles eight or less model years old will pay an annual smog abatement fee for the first eight registration years instead of being required to provide a biennial smog certification. The registration renewal notice mailed to you by the department will indicate if a smog certification is required. If a smog certification is required and you have not had a smog inspection, you may still pay your registration fees to avoid any late fees. However, you will not receive your new registration or year sticker until the smog information has been received by DMV.
Note: Upon initial registration, the eight or less model years old does not apply to vehicles purchased outside of California or diesel powered vehicles.
When you transfer a vehicle that is six or less model years old a smog certification is not required. Determine the oldest-qualifying year model by subtracting three from the current year. A smog transfer fee will be collected from the new owner. When a vehicle is more than six model years old, a seller must provide evidence of a current smog certification except on one of the conditions:
Smog inspections are required unless your vehicle is:
DMV cannot provide technical information or advice in this area. We recommend that you call the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) toll free number at 800-952-5210. You may be eligible to participate in the Consumer Assistant Program (CAP) and vehicle retirement program.
The seller is required to provide the buyer with a valid smog inspection certification at the time of the sale or transfer. Smog certifications are good for 90 days from the date of issuance.
The inspection is not required on a transfer if a biennial smog certification was submitted to DMV within 90 days prior to the vehicle transfer date. A vehicle inspection report may be required for proof of certification.
Note: Smog certifications are not required for transfers that occur for any motor vehicle that is six or less model years old. Determine the oldest-qualifying year model by subtracting three from the current year. A smog transfer fee will be collected from the new owner.
No, a smog inspection certification is required.
Vehicles registered in areas subject to the biennial smog certification program are required to submit evidence of a smog certification every other renewal period. Starting January 1, 2005, owners of vehicles eight or less model years old will pay an annual smog abatement fee for the first eight registration years instead of being required to provide a biennial smog certification. The registration renewal notice mailed to you by the department will indicate if a smog certification is required. If a smog certification is required and you have not had a smog inspection, you may still pay your registration fees to avoid any late fees. However, you will not receive your new registration or year sticker until the smog information has been received by DMV.
Note: Upon initial registration, the eight or less model years old does not apply to vehicles purchased outside of California or diesel powered vehicles.
If you acquire a vehicle that is currently registered in California from a spouse, domestic partner, sibling, child, parent, grandparent, or grandchild, you are entitled to an exemption from the smog inspection. Other family members or relations are not exempt and are required to obtain a smog inspection certification.
For more information read “Transfer a Vehicle Between Family Members.“
For a complete & accurate information on smog check visit: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/smog.htm
We are equipped with the latest advanced smog test equipment and highly experienced smog technicians.
Quality Smog Test Only
9005 Sepulveda Blvd #9
North Hills, CA 91343