Smog checks are not done at DMV offices — you need a separate, licensed smog station
Your local DMV does not perform smog checks. California requires you to get your smog test at a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) certified smog station, which is a private business licensed by the state. The DMV will ask to see your passing smog certificate when you renew your registration or transfer a title, but the test itself happens elsewhere.
Finding a smog station near your DMV office is straightforward because smog stations are far more common than DMV locations. Most neighborhoods have at least one within a few miles. You can search for them while you are at the DMV or before you go, depending on whether you need the smog check first or after your DMV visit.
Key Takeaways
- Smog checks must be done at a BAR-certified smog station, not at the DMV, and you will need the passing certificate to complete your registration renewal or vehicle transfer at the DMV.
- You can find certified smog stations by searching the BAR's online station locator at bar.ca.gov or by calling your local smog station directly.
- Most smog checks take 30 minutes to an hour and cost between $30 and $80, depending on your vehicle type and the station.
- If your vehicle fails the smog test, you have 30 days to repair it and retest at no additional charge at the same station.
- Bring your vehicle registration, proof of ownership, and a valid ID to the smog station; the test cannot be done without current registration.
How to locate a certified smog station using the state database
The California Bureau of Automotive Repair maintains an online directory of all licensed smog stations. Go to bar.ca.gov and use the "Find a Smog Check Station" tool. Enter your ZIP code or city name, and the system will show you every certified station within a set radius, along with their hours and phone numbers.
This is the most reliable method because it shows only stations that are currently licensed by the state. Stations that appear in Google Maps or Yelp may be closed, unlicensed, or no longer performing smog checks. The BAR database updates regularly, so a station listed there is safe to visit.
When you search, note the station's hours before you go. Many smog stations close by 5 p.m. on weekdays and do not open on Sundays or Mondays. If you are planning to visit your DMV office on a specific day, check whether a nearby smog station will be open at the same time.
What to bring to the smog station and what to expect
Bring your current vehicle registration, proof of ownership (title or registration document), and a valid ID. The smog station cannot test your vehicle without current registration on file. If your registration has expired, you will need to renew it at the DMV first, or the station may refuse the test.
The test itself takes 30 minutes to an hour. The technician will connect your vehicle to a diagnostic machine that measures emissions from your tailpipe. You will sit in the waiting area while this happens. Once the test is complete, you will receive a printed certificate if you pass, or a repair report if you fail.
Cost varies by vehicle type. A standard passenger car smog check typically costs $30 to $50. Diesel vehicles, trucks, and vehicles over a certain age may cost $50 to $80. Some stations charge extra for retests, though many include one free retest within 30 days if you fail.
What happens if your vehicle fails the smog check
A failed smog test does not prevent you from driving your vehicle home or to a repair shop. You have 30 days from the test date to repair the vehicle and return to the same station for a retest. Most stations do not charge for the retest if it is within 30 days of the original failure.
The repair report you receive will list the specific emissions problems detected. Take this report to a mechanic or repair shop. Common failures include a faulty oxygen sensor, a loose gas cap, or a malfunctioning catalytic converter. Repairs can range from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the problem.
Once repairs are complete, return to the smog station with your vehicle and the repair report. The technician will retest your vehicle. If it passes, you will receive a passing certificate that is valid for your DMV transaction. If it fails again, you have another 30 days to repair and retest.
Timing your smog check around your DMV visit
You have two options: get the smog check before your DMV appointment, or after. If you are renewing your registration, getting the smog check first is usually easier. You will have the passing certificate in hand when you arrive at the DMV, and you can complete your renewal in one visit.
If you are transferring a vehicle title or dealing with a suspension, the DMV may require the smog check to happen after certain steps are complete. Call your local DMV office or check your DMV notice to see whether smog must be done before or after your DMV transaction.
A smog certificate is valid for 30 days from the test date. If you pass the smog check but do not visit the DMV within 30 days, you will need a new smog test. Plan your visits so that your smog check happens within a week or two of your DMV appointment.
Smog check requirements by vehicle age and type
Not all vehicles require a smog check. California exempts vehicles that are model year 1975 or older, and some electric or hybrid vehicles may have different requirements. Most vehicles model year 1976 and newer must pass a smog check every two years when renewing registration.
Diesel vehicles, commercial trucks, and vehicles registered as fleet vehicles have different testing procedures and may be tested at specialized stations. If you own one of these vehicles, mention it when you search the BAR database or call a station, because not all stations test diesel or commercial vehicles.
New vehicles (typically model year 2000 and newer) may be exempt from smog checks for the first four years of registration, depending on when they were first registered. Check your registration renewal notice to see whether a smog check is required for your specific vehicle.
What to do if you cannot find a smog station near your DMV
If the BAR database shows no stations near your DMV office, expand your search radius. Smog stations are common in most California areas, but some rural or remote locations may have limited options. You may need to travel 10 to 20 miles to reach the nearest certified station.
Call the station before you drive there. Confirm that they test your vehicle type, that they are open on the day you plan to visit, and whether they have any current delays. Some stations get busy during peak hours (usually late afternoon on weekdays) and may have a wait.
If a station is temporarily closed or has a long wait, the BAR database will show you other options in your area. You can also call your local DMV office and ask whether they know of any nearby stations that are currently accepting tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a smog check at the DMV?
No. The DMV does not perform smog checks. You must go to a separate, BAR-certified smog station. The DMV will only accept a passing smog certificate from a licensed station.
How long is a smog check certificate valid?
A passing smog certificate is valid for 30 days from the test date. If you do not submit it to the DMV within 30 days, you will need a new test. Plan your smog check and DMV visit close together.
What if I fail the smog check twice?
You have 30 days from the first test to repair and retest. If you fail a second time, you have another 30 days. If your vehicle fails a third time, you may be may be able to access for a referee smog check, which is a more thorough test performed by the BAR. Ask your smog station about referee options if you fail multiple times.
Do I need an appointment at a smog station?
Most smog stations accept walk-ins, but some require appointments, especially during busy seasons. Call ahead or check the station's website to see whether you need to book a time slot.
What if my vehicle registration is expired?
You cannot get a smog check with expired registration. Renew your registration at the DMV first, or the smog station will turn you away. Once your registration is current, you can proceed with the smog test.