ASK THE DOG
Selling your car? Take care of the smog first.
When a California vehicle sale requires a Smog Check, providing valid certification is the sellerās responsibility.
The seller handles the certification.
For a sale that requires smog certification, arrange the inspection before handing over the vehicle. California law requires the seller to provide valid certification before or at delivery.
Read DMVās seller guidance Ā· California Vehicle Code Ā§24007
TIME THE TRANSFER
90 DAYS
A passing certificate is valid for 90 days.
After a passing inspection, the certificate is sent electronically to DMV. Give the buyer a copy of the Vehicle Inspection Report and keep a copy for your records. Plan the inspection so the certificate is still valid for the transfer. BAR certification guidance
Check the exceptions for your vehicle.
When a vehicle is sold.
Gasoline, hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles four model years and newer generally do not need a change-of-ownership Smog Check; a DMV smog transfer fee applies instead.
Diesel vehicles do not receive that newer-model-year exemption. Other vehicle and transfer exemptions can apply, including certain immediate-family transfers.
Renewal is different.
The eight-model-year exemption for registration renewal is different from the exemption for selling a vehicle. A car exempt at renewal may still need a Smog Check when sold.
Check BARās vehicle and transfer exemptions
Failed the inspection?
Use the inspection report to discuss needed repairs with a repair provider. Sacramento Smog Dog performs test-only inspections. CAP repair assistance is not available while a vehicle is undergoing a change of ownership.
Understand the inspection report
Read about state assistance
What to bring
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