What type of smog check do i need

This type is a good option if you are planning on getting your test done at a different station thereafter. All these smog checking stations are available options, and it all depends on where you feel comfortable taking your vehicle. Besides, until the certificate can be provided, registration will not be renewed.

In case the vehicle fails the smog test, the owner is required to complete all the necessary repairs and pass a smog check again to complete the registration. If the costs of repairing the vehicle outweigh its value, the state may decide to buy it and have it scrapped. The Bureau of Automotive Repairs is the administrator of the program. Not every single vehicle has to pass through a smog inspection.

Owners with vehicles that fit some of the following descriptions are not required to undertake a smog check. Getting your vehicle to a smog check station depends. Various areas within the state of California are part of the biennial smog certification program.

In this case, if your car is registered in one of these areas, then you will need to provide evidence of smog certification to every other registration renewed period after every two years. In addition to that, there are other circumstances that play the role of change in the frequency of the required smog inspections. Some of these circumstances include; when the car is more than six years old.

In this case, you must pay an annual smog abatement fee for the first six registrations instead of having a smog check. Another circumstance is when a person transfers a vehicle that is older than four years.

In this case, there will be no need to have a smog certification. All in all, you should follow your DMV registration renewal notice as it will inform you when the vehicle is required to be taken for a smog check. Test Only Center - Smog test only centers are authorized by the State of California to perform all "regular" smog inspections.

They are not allowed to perform any smog repairs. The Test Only center's main obligation is to perform a non-bias and accurate smog inspection. A Test Only center's main obligation is to perform a non-bias and accurate smog inspection. They are certified to inspect all DMV required vehicles. These stations are participants of the State's Consumer Assistance Program and are inspected by the State of California monthly.

CAP Stations maintain high standards of operation. Repair Only Station - "Repair Only" stations are authorized by the State of California to only diagnose and repair vehicles which have failed the smog check. Repair Only smog stations can not inspect or certify any vehicle. You do not have to have your vehicle regularly inspected for safety measures in California.

NOTE : Your smog certification is valid for 90 days upon inspection. You must register your vehicle or renew your registration within this time period unless you are a new resident; see New California Residents above. If your vehicle is 8 years old or less, you do NOT have to have your vehicle smog checked every 2 years.

After these first 8 years, you will be subject to the regular smog check program. These vehicles are still part of the biennial smog certification program and must be inspected every 2 years. Depending on your situation and what your registration renewal reminder indicates , you'll bring your vehicle to one of the following California Bureau of Automotive Repair BAR station locations :.

Once your vehicle passes inspection, you'll receive a smog inspection certificate to present to the CA DMV when you register or renew your vehicle registration. Generally, most smog check stations also report inspections to the DMV electronically.

This helps in case you want to renew your registration via mail or online. Here, you'll find help with smog check dispute resolution. Contact for more information. In order to drive your vehicle after a smog check failure, but before you attempt to pass it again, you may request a 60 day temporary operating permit TOP from the DMV.