How do I Make a Non-California Vehicle Smog Compliant?
Officially, only a certified smog inspection station can tell you if your vehicle is smog compliant in California. When you bring an out-of-state vehicle into California, a certified technician can let you know what repairs or adjustments must be done for your vehicle to meet the requirements. If you plan to register your car in California, it must meet the minimum smog-control requirements or fall under one of the categories for exemption. Owners of vehicles that are 6 or less model years old pay a smog abatement fee in lieu of getting their vehicles tested.
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Instructions
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Visit the California Bureau of Automotive Repair website at bar.ca.gov. Click on "Find a Station" in the left margin. Click on "Current Active Smog Stations." Enter your ZIP code to find stations near you. Check that the station you select is in the same county in which you plan to register your vehicle; different counties may have different regulations.
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Contact the smog inspection station directly to confirm it is state certified and to make an appointment. These organizations are private and not regulated by the government, so contact several stations to find the best price.
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Bring your vehicle to the station and say it needs a smog inspection to be sure it complies with California requirements. The test should take no longer than an hour. The technician will provide you with a certificate, or inform you if the car needs repairs or adjustments to meet the minimum certification requirements. If your car needs repairs, the same station can generally do them. Register your car within 90 days; the certificate is invalid after that time.
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Tips & Warnings
If your car is registered in another state, it does not require registration in California until you have taken up residence, such as renting an apartment.
Some cars are exempt from smog certification. These include vehicles that are electric, hybrid, natural-gas powered, models older than 1975 and diesel-powered models before 1998. Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles website at dmv.ca.gov to find out whether your vehicle is exempt.
Some smog stations may recommend unnecessary repairs. Seek recommendations from local residents about which stations do legitimate business.
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