Smog checks in Fresno for gas, hybrid and diesel vehicles

DMV renewal smog check

Every 2 years, the DMV adds “Smog Certification Required” to the registration renewal notice for most vehicles older than eight model years. You can't renew until a smog station reports a pass. Bring the notice, we run the test, and the pass shows up in the DMV system right away.

Renew early. A smog certificate stays valid for 90 days, so you can test well before your registration expires.

Change of ownership: selling or buying a car

If you sell a vehicle in California, the law puts the smog check on you, the seller. The certificate must be less than 90 days old on the day of sale. Vehicles four or fewer model years old are exempt from this requirement, and so are transfers between spouses, domestic partners, siblings, children, parents, grandparents and grandchildren.

Buying from a private party? Ask for the certificate before you hand over money. If the car fails after you own it, the repairs are yours.

Out-of-state vehicles

Moved to Fresno with a car registered in another state? California requires a smog check before it will issue California plates, along with a VIN verification. We handle the smog part. The VIN verification is done at the DMV office or by a licensed verifier.

Hybrid smog checks

Gas-electric hybrids follow the same rules as gas cars: a smog check every two years after the first eight model years and at change of ownership. Plug-in hybrids are included. Fully electric vehicles never need a smog check.

Diesel smog checks

Diesel vehicles model year 1998 and newer with a gross vehicle weight rating up to 14,000 lbs are part of the Smog Check program. That covers most diesel pickups, vans and passenger cars. Heavier diesel trucks fall under the California Air Resources Board's separate Clean Truck Check program instead.

Retests after a failed smog check

If your car failed, the Vehicle Inspection Report lists the reason. Get the repair done, drive the car normally for a few days so its self-tests reset, then bring it back for a retest. Read why cars fail smog for the usual causes and the state programs that help pay for repairs.

What to bring

• The vehicle and its key
• Your DMV renewal notice, if you have one
• Payment: Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Debit

Pricing

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. Mention the website at the counter and we take 10% off.

What a California smog check includes

Test	Which vehicles	What it looks for
Visual inspection	All	Emissions parts present, connected and not modified
Check engine light	All	Light works and turns off when the engine runs
OBD-II scan	Gas 2000+, diesel 1998+	Stored fault codes and readiness monitor status
Tailpipe test	Gas 1999 and older	Hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides
Fuel evaporative test	Gas 1976–1995	Leaks in the fuel tank and lines