Yes, in most cases. If you are bringing a car into California and registering it here for the first time, it needs a California smog check first. That is true even if the car passed an emissions test in your old state last month. California does not accept out-of-state results for registration, and the certificate has to come from a licensed California smog station.
Below is which vehicles are covered, which are exempt, what to do if your car is still in another state, and how to get from the test to a finished registration.
Which Out-of-State Vehicles Need a Smog Check?
The Bureau of Automotive Repair states that a smog check is required to register a vehicle for the first time in California, including vehicles previously registered in another state. The California DMV lists the vehicles that need a smog certification when they are brought in:
- Gasoline-powered vehicles, model year 1976 and newer
- Diesel-powered vehicles, model year 1998 and newer, with a gross vehicle weight rating under 14,001 pounds (diesel hybrids included)
- Natural gas or propane vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating under 14,001 pounds
Hybrids and alternative-fuel vehicles fall under the same model-year rule as gasoline vehicles. If you drive a hybrid, our post on smog checks for hybrid vehicles explains the details, and diesel vehicle smog checks in California covers the diesel side.
What Is Exempt From a Smog Check?
These vehicles do not need one:
- Gasoline, hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles from model year 1975 and older
- Diesel vehicles from model year 1997 and older
- Fully electric vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Diesel vehicles over 14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating
A common mix-up is the “eight model years and newer” exemption. That rule applies to routine registration renewals, and the “four model years and newer” rule applies to a change of ownership. Neither one is a general pass for a car that is new to California, which is why a two-year-old car from another state can still need a test. If you think your car qualifies for an exception, confirm it with the DMV before you skip the test. Our guide to which vehicles need smog checks in California and the 2026 California smog rules go deeper on exemptions.
Does California Accept an Out-of-State Smog Check?
No. The smog certification has to come from a California smog station. A passing emissions test from another state does not carry over, because California’s standards are different from most states.
Can You Get a California Smog Check While the Car Is in Another State?
That depends on your situation, and it is one of the most common questions we get.
If the car is new to California, the test has to happen in California, so you will need to bring the vehicle here first.
If you already have a California-registered car that is temporarily in another state, for work, school or military service, the DMV offers a temporary smog exemption through form REG 5103. The owner states that the car will stay outside California until a set date, and the smog certification is then obtained when the vehicle returns. The form excludes certain locations, including Reno, Sparks and Carson City in Nevada, and Mexican border towns, so check the form before you rely on it. The DMV can verify your information and cancel a registration if it is wrong, so be accurate.
How the Out-of-State Smog Check Process Works
- Choose a station. Some vehicles have to be tested at a STAR-certified station. If you are not sure whether yours does, read what a STAR station smog check is and whether you need a STAR smog check in Monterey Park.
- Bring your paperwork. Our smog check documentation checklist lists everything to have on hand.
- Get the test. The technician checks the required parts visually, tests emissions components, and runs an emissions test. Most visits take 15 to 30 minutes, as we explain in how long a smog check takes.
- Receive your certificate. A passing result is sent electronically to the DMV and is valid for 90 days. See how long a smog check is good for so you do not let it lapse.
Get Your Car Ready Before You Test
An out-of-state car may have been maintained under very different rules, so it is worth a quick look before you pay for a test. The check engine light has to be off, because a lit light fails the test. Catalytic converters and oxygen sensors are common problem areas. Drive the car for 10 to 15 minutes before you arrive so the engine and catalytic converter are warm. Our pre-test checklist and guide to preparing for your smog check cover the rest.
You can also look at the vehicle’s test history once it has been tested in California, using the steps in our guide to checking your vehicle’s smog check history.
If Your Vehicle Does Not Pass
A failed test is not the end of the road. The technician gives you a report that lists what failed, and you take that report to a repair shop. Once the repairs are done, you return for a retest. AB Smog Check offers a pass or free re-test guarantee. Our post on what to do if your vehicle fails a smog check walks through the next steps, and the common causes of smog check failure can help you spot trouble early.
Repairs can be costly on an older car. California’s Consumer Assistance Program may help eligible owners with repair costs, and we explain who qualifies in California’s Consumer Assistance Program for smog repairs.
After You Pass: Finishing Your Registration
Once your certificate is in the system, you complete your registration with the DMV. What you need beyond the smog certificate depends on your situation, and it typically includes your out-of-state title or registration and proof of ownership. The DMV’s guide, how to register a vehicle from out of state, lists the steps, so read it before your DMV visit. Keep the 90 day window in mind and register promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does California accept a smog check from another state?
No. The smog certification has to come from a California smog station, even if you recently passed an emissions test elsewhere.
Is a new car from another state exempt?
Not automatically. The “eight model years” and “four model years” rules apply to renewals and ownership changes. For a car new to California, confirm with the DMV before you skip the test.
Do electric vehicles need a smog check?
No. Fully electric vehicles are exempt.
How long is the certificate valid?
For 90 days from the date of the test.
How long does the test take?
Usually 15 to 30 minutes.
Get Your Out-of-State Smog Check at AB Smog Check
If you have just moved to California, we keep this part simple. Our STAR-certified station tests both regular and STAR-required vehicles, so you only need one stop, and you will get a clear explanation of your result afterward.
AB Smog Check 501 E Garvey Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91755 Phone: 626-280-2678
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Sunday, closed
No appointment necessary. Pass or have a free re-test.
