How to Get a Smog Check

The government has tightened automobile emissions standards because of increasing smog and air pollution. Check with your auto-repair shop or state Department of Motor Vehicles for local requirements.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Yellow Pages
• Car Mechanics

1. Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles or auto-repair shop for smog check requirements in your state.
2. If your state requires certification by a mechanic, take your car to an approved shop. You can't do a smog test yourself.
3. If your car passes, be sure to get a copy of your car's emissions test results signed by your mechanic. Take this with you to the DMV, or mail it as required in your state.
4. If your car fails, your mechanic must diagnose what repairs will be necessary to get your car into test-passable condition. Make sure to get a copy of your mechanic's assessment.
5. Take that assessment to the DMV. If you have failed, the DMV will issue you a temporary registration and assign you a date by which the car must be repaired and pass the test.

Tips & Warnings

• Older cars are usually allowed more emissions than newer cars.
• Get everything in writing.