How Long Does a Smog Check Take? California Rules 2026

How long does a smog check take? According to California's Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), "The inspection usually takes about 30 minutes." A little prep, like bringing your DMV renewal notice and fixing a lit check engine light first, helps you avoid a return trip. The certificate then goes straight to the DMV.

Picture a driver in Los Angeles who opens a registration renewal notice and sees a smog check is due. This guide covers who needs a test, who is exempt, which station to choose, and what help exists if the car fails.

How Long Does a Smog Check Take, and What Should You Bring?

BAR's Smog Check page puts the test itself at about 30 minutes. Your total visit can run longer if the station is busy.

BAR offers a few prep tips that can save time:

• "Bring your DMV registration renewal notice to the station, if available."
• "If your vehicle's check engine light is on, get it repaired before your Smog Check."
• "If you recently disconnected or replaced your battery, drive your vehicle for a week or two."

Before the test, BAR says "The station must give you an estimate. You must authorize the estimate before the station can begin the inspection." After a pass, BAR says the certificate "is electronically sent to DMV and is valid for 90 days".

Who Needs a Smog Check in California?

BAR lists three main triggers:

• Renewal: "A Smog Check is required every other year to renew your vehicle registration."
• Sale: "A Smog Check is required when a vehicle changes ownership."
• New to California: "A Smog Check is required to register a vehicle for the first time in California."

Where you live matters too. The DMV's Smog Inspections page lists the counties that require inspections and says, "If you live in one of these counties, you need a smog inspection when you renew your vehicle registration." Los Angeles County is on that list.

BAR's Smog Check Reference Guide explains that the state has different program areas. In "Change of Ownership Areas," which it describes as "more rural areas of the state," vehicles need "Smog Check certification only when an affected vehicle changes ownership". Your renewal notice is the best place to confirm what applies to you.

Which Vehicles Are Exempt?

According to the DMV, your vehicle does not need an inspection if it is:

• A gasoline-powered vehicle that is a 1975 year model or older
• A diesel-powered vehicle that is a 1997 or older year model, or has a gross vehicle weight of more than 14,000 pounds
• Powered by natural gas and weighs more than 14,000 pounds
• An electric vehicle

Heavy-duty diesel and alternative-fuel vehicles over 14,000 pounds are instead subject to CARB's Clean Truck Check testing, which is tied to DMV registration.

BAR adds that motorcycles do not need a Smog Check. Newer cars get a pass at renewal, too. BAR says gasoline, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles "eight model years and newer do not need a Smog Check for vehicle registration renewal". Instead, "California law requires a smog abatement fee. This fee is due with your DMV vehicle registration renewal fees."

Smog Check Rules When You Buy or Sell

The seller handles the test. The DMV says, "If you are selling your car, you need to give the new owner a valid smog certification." BAR lists two main exceptions. Vehicles four model years and newer do not need a Smog Check for a change of ownership, though the new owner pays a smog transfer fee, and "Transferring a vehicle between immediate family members does not require a Smog Check".

Because a certificate is valid for 90 days, time the test close to the sale. For a broader look at car ownership costs, see our guide to what California drivers miss about annual car costs.

Choosing a Station: STAR, Test-Only, or Test-and-Repair

BAR licenses several types of stations:

• Test-and-repair: "Performs Smog Checks and emissions repairs."
• Test-only: "Performs Smog Checks but does not make emissions repairs."
• STAR: "Meets higher performance standards to inspect all vehicles, including high-polluting vehicles."

You only need a STAR station if told to go to one. BAR says, "Your DMV registration renewal notice will say if you need to go to a STAR station." Its reference guide explains that "BAR directs a portion of the Enhanced Area fleet to STAR certified stations via message on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) registration renewal." You can search for licensed shops with BAR's Auto Shop Locator.

If Your Car Fails: Repair Help Through CAP

BAR's steps after a failure are simple: review the vehicle inspection report, complete the necessary repairs, and get the vehicle inspected again. For unusual cases, BAR says Smog Check Referees can help "with inspection results, unusual vehicles, hard-to-find emissions parts, and more".

BAR's Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) offers repair help to eligible owners. "Model year 1996 or newer vehicles may qualify for up to $1,450," and "Model year 1976-1995 may qualify for up to $1,100." Your vehicle "must have failed its biennial (every other year) Smog Check inspection," must meet income limits, and must be registered with the DMV. BAR notes that "CAP repairs are performed by STAR test-and-repair stations," and warns: "Do not take your vehicle for repairs until you receive a letter of approval."

CAP can also pay you to retire an older vehicle. BAR lists "$1,500 or $2,000 to retire your vehicle" for income-eligible owners and "$1,350 to retire your vehicle" for others, each with conditions. Funds depend on "the availability of funds each fiscal year (July 1-June 30)".

Keeping up with maintenance can help an older car pass. Our guide on extending the life of a high-mileage car covers basic upkeep for drivers from Pasadena to Ontario.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a smog check take in California?

BAR says "The inspection usually takes about 30 minutes." Your total time can be longer if the station has a line. Bring your DMV renewal notice if you have it, and fix a lit check engine light before you go.

Does a car less than eight years old need a smog check?

Not for renewal. BAR says gasoline, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles eight model years and newer do not need a Smog Check for registration renewal and pay a smog abatement fee instead. For a sale, BAR says vehicles four model years and newer do not need a Smog Check.

Do I need a STAR station?

Only if your notice says so. BAR states, "Your DMV registration renewal notice will say if you need to go to a STAR station." STAR stations meet higher performance standards. If your notice does not mention STAR, a licensed test-only or test-and-repair station can do the inspection.

How long is a smog certificate good for?

BAR says the certificate is sent electronically to the DMV "and is valid for 90 days". If you are selling, plan the test so the certificate is still valid when you hand the car to the buyer.

Keep Your Registration on Track

A passed smog check keeps your registration current, and your car policy is worth a look at renewal time too. At Farmers Insurance - Young Douglas, our agents explain auto coverage in plain terms, and our advice library covers more driver questions. Coverage depends on your policy. Get a free quote and coverage review.

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Written by LaMonte Douglas, owner of Young Douglas Insurance, a Farmers Insurance agency serving California from Ontario. CA License #4091974.

Sources (accessed September 23, 2026): Bureau of Automotive Repair, Smog Check; BAR, Smog Check Reference Guide; BAR, Consumer Assistance Program; BAR, Apply for Repair Assistance; BAR, Retire Your Vehicle; California DMV, Smog Inspections; California Air Resources Board: Clean Truck Check Overview Fact Sheet, Clean Truck Check, CA DMV Registration Hold (SB 210).

Last updated: September 23, 2026.