Most gas and hybrid vehicles in California need a smog check every two years once they're more than eight model years old. You also need one when a vehicle more than four model years old changes owners, and when you register a car from out of state. Diesels 1998 and newer up to 14,000 lbs are included. Electric vehicles, motorcycles and gas vehicles 1975 and older are exempt.
When is my smog check due?
The DMV tells you. Your registration renewal notice arrives about 60 days before expiration. If it says “Smog Certification Required,” you need a passing test before you can renew. For most vehicles that happens every other year.
New vehicles get a break. For the first eight model years, you pay a smog abatement fee with your registration instead of getting tested.
Fresno County is part of California's “enhanced” Smog Check area, the program's strictest tier, so expect the full test.
Which vehicles are exempt?
| Vehicle | Smog check? |
|---|---|
| Gas or hybrid, more than 8 model years old | Yes, every 2 years |
| Gas or hybrid, 8 model years old or newer | No (smog abatement fee instead) |
| Gas, model year 1975 or older | No |
| Diesel, 1998 or newer, up to 14,000 lbs GVWR | Yes, every 2 years |
| Diesel, 1997 or older | No |
| Fully electric vehicle | No |
| Motorcycle | No |
| Natural gas, over 14,000 lbs GVWR | No |
Selling or buying a used car
In California the seller provides the smog certificate. It has to be dated within 90 days of the sale. Vehicles four or fewer model years old are exempt (the buyer pays a small transfer fee instead), and so are transfers between close family members: spouses, domestic partners, siblings, parents, children, grandparents and grandchildren.
Bringing a car from another state
To get California plates you need a California smog check and a VIN verification. A smog check from another state doesn't count. Most vehicles that meet the age rules above need the test even if they were never smogged where they came from.
What does “STAR station” on my notice mean?
STAR is a Bureau of Automotive Repair program for stations that meet extra performance standards. The DMV directs some vehicles, often those with a higher chance of failing, to be certified at a STAR station. If your notice says STAR, a regular station can test the car but can't issue the certificate.
Look for the words “STAR station” on your DMV renewal notice. Not every station can certify those vehicles, so call us at (559) 777-7786 before you drive over and we'll tell you whether we can take yours.
How long is a smog certificate good for?
90 days from the day of the test. Pass in that window and the DMV will accept it for renewal or a sale. Once the 90 days run out, you need a new test.
What does a smog check cost?
Stations set their own inspection prices. On top of that, the state charges an $8.25 certificate fee for each pass. Call (559) 777-7786 for today's price. We tell you the full out-the-door cost, including the state's $8.25 certificate fee, before we start.
What if my car fails?
You'll get a Vehicle Inspection Report that lists why. Get the repair done at a licensed shop, then come back for a retest. California has repair-assistance and vehicle-retirement programs for income-eligible drivers. We cover all of it in why cars fail smog and how to pass.
Official sources
- California DMV: Smog inspections
- Bureau of Automotive Repair: Smog Check Program
- California Air Resources Board: Clean Truck Check (heavy diesel)
Rules current as of October 2026. Your DMV notice is the final word on what your vehicle needs.