When a vehicle is sold, the seller must provide the buyer with a valid smog inspection certification at the time of sale or transfer. These certifications are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. If a biennial smog certification was submitted to the DMV within 90 days before the vehicle transfer date, no inspection is required (though a vehicle inspection report may be needed for proof). It's important to note that smog certifications aren't necessary for gasoline-powered vehicles that are four years old or newer (determine the oldest-qualifying year model by subtracting three from the current year). However, this four-year rule doesn't apply to diesel-powered vehicles, and a smog transfer fee will be collected from the new owner.

The DMV cannot provide technical guidance in this area. We recommend contacting the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) at 800-952-5210. You might be eligible for the Voluntary Accelerated Vehicle Retirement Program (also known as the old vehicle buyback program).

No, a smog inspection certification is required for all vehicles.

If your vehicle is registered in an area subject to the biennial smog certification program, you must submit evidence of a smog certification every other renewal period. However, starting January 1, 2005, owners of vehicles six years old or newer will pay an annual smog abatement fee for the first six registration years instead of providing a biennial smog certification. Your department-issued registration renewal notice will indicate whether a smog certification is required. If it is, and you haven't had a smog inspection, you can still pay your registration fees to avoid late fees. However, you won't receive your new registration or year sticker until the DMV has received the smog information.