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Getting A Smog Check

  • Steps
  • Graphic of a circle labeled number 1.
  • Graphic of a circle labeled number 2.

Step 1: Do I need a Smog Check?

Most vehicles need a passing smog check when they are brought into California and registered for the first time. If you are bringing a vehicle into California for the first time, you are responsible for getting smog certification (if required) before you can register it.

You DO NOT need to get a smog check to register a vehicle being brought into California for the first time if it was manufactured prior to the 1976 model year.

Warning: "Model year" means the year the vehicle manufacturer assigned to the vehicle, and is the year indicated on the vehicle's registration documents. It may differ from the date the vehicle was manufactured.

If your vehicle DOES NOT meet one of the above exemptions, then click "Go to next step."

Go to next step

 
 
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