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Statewide programSources checked Oct 6, 2026

California Smog Check rules

California's Smog Check is required every other year to renew most registrations, when a vehicle changes ownership, and when a vehicle is registered in California for the first time. Gasoline, hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles from model year 1976 on and diesels from 1998 on are covered; the eight newest model years pay a smog abatement fee instead of a renewal test.

Which vehicles are tested

Gasoline, hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles from model year 1976 and newer, and diesels from model year 1998 and newer, need Smog Checks. RVs, motorhomes and collector cars that fit those rules are included.

“Gasoline, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles - model year 1976 and newer”

  • “Diesel vehicles - model year 1998 and newer”
  • “RVs, motorhomes, collector cars , and government vehicles that meet the above criteria also need a Smog Check.”

How often

A Smog Check is required every other year to renew a registration; your DMV renewal notice says whether one is due.

“A Smog Check is required every other year to renew your vehicle registration.”

What it costs

Inspection prices are not regulated by BAR, so each station sets its own; every station must also charge an $8.25 Smog Check certificate fee.

“Inspection prices are not regulated by BAR. Shopping around can help you find the best price. The station must charge a $8.25 Smog Check certificate fee.”

What the test checks

Most 2000 and newer vehicles get an on-board diagnostic check; pre-2000 vehicles get a tailpipe test. A vehicle will not pass with the check engine light on.

“On-board diagnostic system check (for most 2000 and newer model year vehicles)”

  • “Tailpipe emissions test (for pre-2000 model year vehicles)”
  • “A vehicle will not pass a Smog Check with the check engine light on.”

Exemptions

The eight newest model years skip the renewal test and pay a smog abatement fee instead; the four newest model years skip the change-of-ownership test. Model year 1975 and older gasoline vehicles, diesels from 1997 and older or over 14,000 pounds GVWR, electric vehicles and motorcycles do not need Smog Checks.

“Eight model years and newer - do not need a Smog Check for vehicle registration renewal. Instead, California law requires a smog abatement fee.”

  • “Four model years and newer - do not need a Smog Check for a change of ownership.”
  • “Gasoline, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles - model year 1975 and older”
  • “Diesel vehicles - model year 1997 and older”
  • “Diesel vehicles - with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds”
  • “Electric vehicles”
  • “Motorcycles”

Buying or selling a vehicle

A seller must get a Smog Check before selling. A vehicle bought from a private seller must have passed within the last 90 days; transfers between immediate family members are exempt.

“If you're buying a vehicle from a private seller , it must have passed a Smog Check within the last 90 days.”

  • “Transferring a vehicle between immediate family members does not require a Smog Check.”

New residents

A Smog Check is required to register a vehicle in California for the first time.

“A Smog Check is required to register a vehicle for the first time in California .”

Where to get tested

Test-only, test-and-repair and STAR stations perform Smog Checks; if your renewal notice says STAR, you must use a STAR station.

“STAR station : Meets higher performance standards to inspect all vehicles, including high-polluting vehicles. Your DMV registration renewal notice will say if you need to go to a STAR station.”

California emissions testing questions

Does California require emissions testing?

Yes. Statewide program.

Which vehicles need an emissions test in California?

Gasoline, hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles from model year 1976 and newer, and diesels from model year 1998 and newer, need Smog Checks. RVs, motorhomes and collector cars that fit those rules are included.

How often is the emissions test in California?

A Smog Check is required every other year to renew a registration; your DMV renewal notice says whether one is due.

How much does an emissions test cost in California?

Inspection prices are not regulated by BAR, so each station sets its own; every station must also charge an $8.25 Smog Check certificate fee.

Which vehicles are exempt in California?

The eight newest model years skip the renewal test and pay a smog abatement fee instead; the four newest model years skip the change-of-ownership test. Model year 1975 and older gasoline vehicles, diesels from 1997 and older or over 14,000 pounds GVWR, electric vehicles and motorcycles do not need Smog Checks.

Sources

Every quotation above is checked word for word against our saved copy of the page, on the date shown. Rules change; if a page has moved or says something different, tell us at the corrections page.