Smog Check for an Out-of-State Vehicle in California

If you bring a car to California from another state, it needs a California smog check when it's first registered here, unless it falls into an exempt category such as an electric vehicle, a gas vehicle from 1975 or older, or a diesel from 1997 or older. A passing inspection from your old state doesn't count. The California smog check is a separate test, done at a licensed station and sent electronically to the DMV.

Most cars from other states pass without trouble. The ones that run into problems are usually modified vehicles, diesels with removed emissions parts, cars with a lit check engine light, and occasionally newer cars that were built for federal rather than California emissions standards. This guide focuses on the inspection side. For the DMV paperwork, see registering an out-of-state car in California.

Who needs a smog check when moving to California

Being in the military doesn't exempt a vehicle from smog if it's being registered in California. Neither does a recent emissions test in another state. For newer cars, check with the DMV whether any model-year rule changes what you need at first registration; don't assume a new-ish car is exempt.

Check the emissions label first

Under the hood, usually on the underside of the hood or near the radiator support, there's an emissions label (often called the VECI label). It says what standards the vehicle was certified to. Typical wording falls into a few patterns:

• "Conforms to U.S. EPA and State of California regulations" or similar. This is a 50-state car, and you shouldn't have problems.
• Federal (EPA) only, sometimes called "49-state." This vehicle was certified to federal standards but not California's.

For older, higher-mileage 49-state cars, registration is often still possible. For fairly new, low-mileage 49-state vehicles, California may refuse registration, because state law limits bringing in new vehicles that aren't California-certified. If your car is a recent model with a federal-only label, call the DMV or check with BAR (https://www.bar.ca.gov/) before you move or buy, not after.

If the label is missing, the station may not be able to verify the car's configuration. That can lead to a failed visual inspection or a referral to the BAR Referee.

Common problems on out-of-state cars

Aftermarket parts

Some states don't inspect modifications. In California, emissions-related aftermarket parts generally need to be legal for use here (look for a CARB Executive Order number on the part). Common trouble spots are cold-air intakes, headers, tuning software and some exhaust components.

Diesel deletes

A diesel truck with a removed particulate filter, EGR, or DEF system won't pass a California smog check. Restoring emissions equipment can be expensive. If you're thinking about buying a diesel from another state, see diesel smog checks in California first.

Check engine light or incomplete monitors

Cars from states without emissions testing sometimes arrive with a light that's been on for months. Fix the cause and drive the car normally before the test. Our guide to check engine lights and readiness monitors explains how to avoid failing because of a recent battery disconnect after a long move.

Cross-country driving and timing

If you just drove across the country, the car has probably completed its monitors and is in good shape for the test. If you shipped it and the battery was disconnected for transport, give it a few days of normal driving before testing.

A preparation checklist

1. Read the emissions label and take a photo of it.
2. Scan for codes or have a shop do it, and fix anything that's stored.
3. Restore any non-California-legal parts before the test.
4. Find a licensed station. If your situation calls for a STAR station, use BAR's locator.
5. Bring your out-of-state title and registration to the station so the technician can enter the vehicle correctly.
6. Book the DMV appointment for after the test, and plan for the REG 31 vehicle verification there.

Buying a car that's still registered in another state

If you're buying a car in Orange County that still has out-of-state plates, the car needs a California smog check before you can register it. In a California sale, the seller should also provide a valid smog certificate. See who pays for the smog check. Confirm the emissions label before you agree on a price, because a federal-only car could be difficult to register.

A car that's already registered in California comes with fewer unknowns. Every car at Irvine Used Cars is smog checked before sale where required, and the certificate comes with the title and bill of sale. You can browse the cars we have now.

Frequently asked questions

Does my out-of-state car need a smog check in California?

Most do. Gas vehicles from 1976 and newer, hybrids, and diesels from 1998 and newer at 14,000 lb GVWR or less need a California smog check when first registered here. Electric vehicles and older exempt categories don't.

What is a 49-state car?

It's a vehicle certified to federal EPA emissions standards but not California's. Older, higher-mileage 49-state cars can often be registered after passing smog. Newer, low-mileage ones may be refused, so check with the DMV before buying or moving one.

Can I use my old state's emissions test in California?

No. California requires its own smog inspection at a licensed California station, and the results go to the DMV electronically.

What if my car fails smog after moving to California?

Read the report, repair the cause, and retest. If parts aren't available or the result is disputed, the BAR Referee may help. See what to do if a car fails smog.

Do I need a smog check before my DMV appointment?

It's the best order. The DMV can't complete registration until a passing smog certificate is on file, so getting the test first saves a second trip.

Next steps for new residents

Check the label, test first, then go to the DMV. For the bigger picture, see the California smog check guide for used car buyers and the California DMV guide for used car buyers. Call or text (516) 835-6141 if you'd like to see a California-registered car in Irvine.