A smog check is required for all vehicles except for electric, hybrid, motorcycle, trailer, 1975 or older gas powered vehicle, diesel powered vehicle manufactured prior to 1998 or with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 14,000 lbs, and natural gas vehicle with a GVWR of more than 14,000 lbs.
DMV Registration Renewal
The DMV registration renewal notice will indicate if a smog check is required for your vehicle. Depending on which county your vehicle is registered, you may be required to pass a smog check before obtaining your new registration and new year sticker. Additionally, vehicles six years or less do not need a smog check. Instead, owners of vehicles 6 years or less will pay a smog abatement fee of $20 (as of 2011).
Buying a Car
When you purchase a vehicle, the seller must provide the buyer with a valid smog check certification. In other words, the seller is responsible for performing and passing a smog check before the sale or transfer. The smog check certification is valid for 90 days. If the vehicle has passed a smog check in the past 90 days, the seller or buyer is not required to perform another smog test. Be sure to obtain a copy of the smog check certification from the seller as a precaution.
If the vehicle is four years or less (current year minus three years), a smog check is not required by the DMV to sell or transfer the car.
Selling a Car
When you sell a vehicle, the seller is responsible for passing the smog check before the sale. The smog check certification is good for 90 days. Sell the vehicle within 90 days of the smog check and you do not need another smog check. Again, vehicles that are four years old or less do not need a smog check.
Vehicle From Family Member
Smog check is not required if you get a car from a spouse, domestic partner, sibling, child, parent, grandparent, or grandchild. Any other family member requires a smog check.
