Does California Have Emissions Testing?

California maintains one of the nation's most comprehensive vehicle emissions inspection programs, known as the Smog Check Program, to improve air quality and comply with federal and state clean air standards. The state requires biennial (every two years) Smog Check inspections for most vehicles registered in participating counties to reduce harmful emissions and help protect public health.

Understanding California Emissions Testing Requirements

The state's Smog Check Program operates under the authority of California Health and Safety Code Section 44000 et seq. and is administered by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) in coordination with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Which Areas in California Require Emissions Testing?

California's Smog Check Program operates in 34 counties throughout the state, divided into Enhanced Areas, Basic Areas, and Change of Ownership areas based on local air quality conditions.

Counties Requiring Smog Check

The following 34 counties require Smog Check inspections:

Northern California:

• Alameda
• Butte
• Colusa
• Contra Costa
• Glenn
• Marin
• Napa
• Nevada
• Sacramento
• San Francisco
• San Joaquin
• San Mateo
• Santa Clara
• Santa Cruz
• Shasta
• Solano
• Tehama
• Yolo
• Yuba

Central California:

• Fresno
• Kern
• Kings
• Madera
• Merced
• Monterey
• San Benito
• San Luis Obispo
• Stanislaus
• Sutter
• Tulare

Southern California:

• Los Angeles
• Orange
• Santa Barbara
• Ventura

Note: Some counties have partial Smog Check requirements based on specific ZIP codes. Six counties implement requirements only in certain ZIP codes within their boundaries.

Program Areas

• Enhanced Areas: Regions that do not meet federal or state air quality standards for ozone and carbon monoxide, requiring more comprehensive testing
• Basic Areas: Regions with better air quality that require standard testing protocols
• Change of Ownership Areas: All areas require a Smog Check for vehicle title transfers

Vehicles Subject to Emissions Testing in California

Under current California Smog Check regulations, most gasoline and diesel vehicles require periodic emissions inspections.

Vehicles Requiring Smog Check

The following vehicles must pass a Smog Check:

• Gasoline-powered vehicles: Model year 1976 and newer
• Hybrid vehicles: Model year 1976 and newer
• Alternative-fuel vehicles: Model year 1976 and newer (propane, natural gas, etc.)
• Diesel-powered vehicles: Model year 1998 and newer with gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds or less

This includes RVs, motorhomes, collector cars (when applicable), and government vehicles that meet the above criteria.

Vehicle Age Requirements and Exemptions

California provides exemptions for certain newer and older vehicles:

For Registration Renewal:

• Eight model years and newer: Exempt from Smog Check inspection
  • Example: In 2025, vehicles with model year 2018 and newer are exempt
  • Owners must pay a $25 annual smog abatement fee instead
  • To determine when a vehicle needs its first Smog Check, add eight to the model year

For Change of Ownership:

• Four model years and newer: Exempt from Smog Check for title transfer
  • Owners must pay a smog transfer fee instead

Permanently Exempt Vehicles:

• Electric vehicles (fully electric, not hybrids)
• Motorcycles
• Gasoline, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles model year 1975 and older
• Diesel vehicles model year 1997 and older
• Diesel vehicles with gross vehicle weight rating exceeding 14,000 pounds
• Trailers

Special Requirements for High-Polluting Vehicles

California's STAR Program (licensed smog check, test, and repair) requires certain vehicles to be inspected at STAR-certified stations that meet higher performance standards:

• Vehicles identified as gross polluters or directed vehicles
• Vehicles with a history of failing emissions tests
• Certain makes, models, and years are automatically designated based on higher pollution risks

Your DMV registration renewal notice will indicate if your vehicle requires testing at a STAR station.

Emissions Testing Costs and Fees in California

Smog Check inspection costs vary by station and are not regulated by BAR, though typical prices fall within a predictable range.

Inspection Costs

According to industry data:

Average cost: Approximately $65.97 statewide (as of January 2025)

Additional Fees

• Smog Check Certificate Fee: $8.25 (mandatory fee charged by all stations)
• Smog Abatement Fee: $25 annually (for vehicles 8 model years and newer, paid during registration renewal instead of getting a Smog Check)
• Smog Transfer Fee: Required for change of ownership on vehicles 4 model years and newer

Note: Inspection prices can be higher in major metropolitan areas. Shopping around for competitive pricing is recommended.

Payment Methods

Most Smog Check stations accept:

• Cash
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express)
• Debit cards

Where to Get Emissions Testing in California

California has several types of licensed Smog Check facilities, each serving specific functions.

Types of Smog Check Stations

Test-and-Repair Stations:

• Perform Smog Check inspections
• Provide emissions-related repairs
• Most common type of station

Test-Only Stations:

• Perform Smog Check inspections only
• Do not make repairs
• Often required for fleet vehicles

STAR Stations:

• Meet higher performance standards
• Authorized to inspect all vehicles, including high-polluters
• Required for certain vehicles as indicated on DMV renewal notices

Repair-Only Stations:

• Make emissions-related repairs
• Do not perform Smog Check inspections

Finding a Smog Check Station

Use the BAR Auto Shop Locator to find licensed Smog Check stations near you. The locator allows you to search by:

• ZIP code or address
• Station type (Test-and-Repair, Test-Only, STAR)
• Services offered

Smog Check Testing Costs and Fees

California Smog Check inspection costs vary widely by location, station type, and vehicle. Understanding these costs helps you budget appropriately and find the best value.

Typical Inspection Costs

According to the Bureau of Automotive Repair, typical Smog Check costs range as follows:

Average statewide cost: Approximately $65.97 (January 2025 data)

Important notes:

• Costs are higher in major metropolitan areas
• STAR station inspections typically cost the same as regular stations
• Prices are NOT regulated by BAR - stations set their own rates
• Shopping around can save you money

Mandatory Fees

All Smog Check stations must charge:

Smog Check Certificate Fee: $8.25

• Required by law
• Covers the cost of the emissions certificate
• Charged only if your vehicle passes the inspection

Alternative Fees for Newer Vehicles

Smog Abatement Fee: $25 annually

• For gasoline, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles eight model years and newer
• Paid during DMV registration renewal instead of getting a Smog Check
• Example: A 2025 model year vehicle pays this fee until 2033

Smog Transfer Fee

• For gasoline, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles four model years and newer
• Required for change of ownership/title transfer instead of Smog Check
• Paid to DMV when transferring vehicle title

When a Smog Check is Required in California

California requires Smog Check inspections in three primary situations:

Vehicle Registration Renewal

A Smog Check is required every other year (biennially) to renew your vehicle registration. Your DMV registration renewal notice will indicate whether a Smog Check is required and will state one of these messages:

• "Smog Certification Required"
• "Smog Certification Required at a STAR station."

If your vehicle is eight model years or newer, you'll pay the smog abatement fee instead.

Change of Ownership (Title Transfer)

A Smog Check is required when a vehicle changes ownership:

If you're selling your vehicle:

• Smog Check must be completed before the sale
• Certificate must be issued within 90 days of the sale
• Provide a copy of the vehicle inspection report to the buyer
• Vehicles four model years and newer require a smog transfer fee instead

If you're buying from a private seller:

• Vehicle must have passed Smog Check within the last 90 days
• Ask the seller for a copy of the vehicle inspection report
• Check the vehicle's inspection history online

If you're buying from a dealership:

• Dealer must provide a Smog Check that passed within the past two years
• Dealer is responsible for all inspection costs and necessary repairs

Family transfers exception:

• Transfers between immediate family members (spouse, domestic partner, sibling, child, parent, grandparent, or grandchild) do not require a Smog Check if the family member is gifting the vehicle
• If a family member bought the vehicle for you without first titling it in their name, a Smog Check IS required

Initial Registration in California

A Smog Check is required to register a vehicle for the first time in California, including:

• Vehicles purchased in another state
• Vehicles previously registered in another state
• Out-of-state vehicles being brought into California

Preparing for Your Smog Check

Proper preparation can help ensure your vehicle passes on the first attempt.

What to Bring

• DMV registration renewal notice (if available) - helps the station verify your vehicle information
• Payment for inspection and certificate fees
• Valid identification

Vehicle Preparation Tips

Check Engine Light:

• Vehicles with an illuminated check engine light will automatically fail
• Get the issue diagnosed and repaired before your Smog Check
• The light indicates a problem with the emissions control system

Battery Disconnect/Replacement:

• If you recently disconnected or replaced your battery, drive your vehicle for 1-2 weeks
• This allows the on-board diagnostic (OBD) readiness monitors to reset
• New regulation (effective October 1, 2025): ALL readiness monitors must be set to pass

Software Modifications:

• Restore any modified software to the manufacturer's original settings
• Or use a version approved by the California Air Resources Board
• Non-approved or modified software will cause automatic failure

Fuel Level:

• Ensure your vehicle has sufficient fuel for testing
• Some tests require the vehicle to run during inspection

Maintenance:

• Address any known emissions-related issues beforehand
• Consider a pretest (pre-inspection) if you're concerned about passing
• Stations must provide an estimate before performing a pretest

What Happens During the Inspection

A California Smog Check typically includes:

• Visual inspection of the emissions control system
• Functional inspection of emissions components
• On-board diagnostic (OBD) system check for most 2000 and newer vehicles
• Tailpipe emissions test for pre-2000 model year vehicles
• Fuel cap pressure test (for applicable vehicles)

The inspection usually takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Results and Next Steps

After the inspection, the station will provide you with a vehicle inspection report containing:

• Test results (pass or fail)
• Emissions readings
• Any identified issues
• Open safety recalls for your vehicle

If Your Vehicle Passes

The station will issue a Smog Check certificate that is:

• Electronically transmitted to DMV
• Valid for 90 days
• Required to complete registration renewal or title transfer

Next steps:

• For registration renewal: Complete your renewal with DMV (online, by mail, or in person)
• For title transfer: Provide a copy of the inspection report to the buyer/new owner
• Keep a copy of the inspection report for your records

If Your Vehicle Fails

Review the inspection report to understand what repairs are needed.

Complete necessary repairs:

• Some emissions parts may be covered under the manufacturer's warranty (check your owner's manual)
• Choose a licensed repair facility
• STAR test-and-repair stations or repair-only stations can perform the work

Get re-inspected:

• Return to a STAR station if required by your DMV notice
• Otherwise, any test-and-repair or test-only station can retest
• Bring proof of repairs

Financial assistance options:

• Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) may help with repair costs
• Smog Check Referee can assist with unusual situations

Financial Assistance Program in California

California's Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) provides financial help to eligible vehicle owners whose vehicles fail Smog Check inspections.

Repair Assistance

Eligibility:

• Vehicle failed its biennial Smog Check inspection
• Meet income and vehicle value requirements
• Vehicle is registered in California

Financial Assistance Available:

• Model year 1996 and newer: Up to $1,450 for emissions-related repairs
• Model year 1976-1995: Up to $1,100 for emissions-related repairs
• Repairs must be performed at a STAR test-and-repair station
• Vehicle owner pays first $20 toward diagnosis and repair

Vehicle Retirement Option

The CAP also offers financial incentives to retire eligible vehicles:

• $1,500 or $1,000 to retire your operational vehicle
• Vehicle is retired at a BAR-contracted dismantler site
• Must meet eligibility requirements

How to Apply

• Apply online through the BAR website
• Check application status
• Submit required documentation