SMOG FAQ 1
Q: Who is responsible for Smog Check Inspection when selling a vehicle?
A: The seller is responsible for Smog Check Inspection."It's the responsibility of the seller to provide a valid smog certificate before or during the sale of a vehicle" according to Section 24007 (b)(2) of the California Vehicle Code.
Q: What do I need to do after passed Smog Check?
A: When you pass Smog Check, you have to take action with DMV in one of the following ways; 1. visit DMV (or AAA) if you want to process at the same day. 2. use Kiosk 3 hours after passing smog check. 3. through Internet 3 hours after passing smog check. 4. by mail.
Q: Do I need a Smog Check Inspection when changing vehicle ownership between families (incluing Step, Half, and Adopted family membership)?
A: No, You can changing vehicle ownership between a Spouse, Domestic Partner, Sibling, Child, Parent, Grand Parent, or Grandchild without Smog Check Inspection.
Q: My vehicle needs a Smog Check but it is currently located out of state.
What should I do?
A: You can still renew your registration and receive a new tag by visiting a California DMV. Just fill out a "Statement of Facts" form and explaning why your car cannot be smogged at the moment.
The California DMV will send renewed registration and tag to where your vehicle is currently located.
Q: How long is a DMV Certificate valid?
A: The DMV Certificate is good for 90 days. All Smog Check Stations in California transmit the DMV smog certificate to the California State Database electronically. The Smog Technician or Smog Check Station can not control the DMV certificate transmission, it is beyond their ability.
Therefore, it's important to keep the Smog Check Computer Printout (VIR: Vehicle Inspection Report) for your record and use the DMV Certificate within 90 days.
Q: What is "2nd Renewal Notice" from DMV ?
A: You may get a "2nd Notice" from DMV when you pay a fee earlier without Smog Check Pass.
NO Further Action is required on your part after Smog Check pass. DMV will send a Tag to you by mail within 2 weeks.