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 four 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. Unless the vehicle is coming from out of State or is a Diesel vehicle.

The New STAR Program--Effective January 1, 2013

What is a  STAR station?

Some vehicles require a Smog Check at a STAR station.  STAR stations must meet specified performance standards established by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR).  Some STAR stations are licensed to perform only tests, while others are licensed to perform both test and repairs.  The station is required to post a sign on the services it performs.  

How will I know if my vehicle needs a test at a STAR station?

Your DMV registration renewal form will indicate whether your vehicle must be inspected at a STAR station.

Where an I get a CAP application?

To obtain a CAP application for either Repair Assistance or Vehicle Retirement, visit www.smogcheck.ca.gov or call 800-952-5210

A: In order for your vehicle to receive a Smog Check certificate, it must pass all the following elements of a Smog Check inspection:

A: The tailpipe test alone cannot guarantee that a car is not emitting harmful amounts of pollutants into California's air. In fact, to obtain a Smog Check certificate, a vehicle must pass all three portions of the Smog Check inspection-the visual, functional and tailpipe inspections (see previous question).

An "underhood" inspection comprises the visual and functional portions of the Smog Check inspection. The visual inspection ensures that the vehicle has all of the proper equipment and that none of its parts are disconnected or modified.The visual and functional tests help identify vehicles with tampered emissions control systems. These vehicles may be configured to pass the tailpipe portion of the Smog Check inspection, but altered later to produce more emissions than allowed. This gave the previous program the reputation of passing vehicles which were "clean for a day," rather than clean until the vehicles' next Smog Check. Vehicles which were only "clean for a day" hindered California from meeting its clean air goals.