Out of State Smog Check
Bringing a vehicle into California from another state means a smog inspection before you can register it here. Even if the vehicle is nearly new.
Welcome to California. The registration process here has a step most states do not, and it catches nearly everyone who moves in: your vehicle needs a smog inspection before the DMV will register it for the first time.
Who This Applies To
The Bureau of Automotive Repair requires a smog check to register a vehicle for the first time in California. That includes vehicles that were purchased in another state and vehicles that were previously registered in another state.
The eight model year exemption that lets newer gasoline vehicles skip the renewal smog check does not carry over to a first California registration. A two year old car coming in from Nevada or Texas still needs this inspection.
It Is Not Only About Emissions
The inspection confirms the vehicle meets California emissions standards, and it also confirms that any aftermarket parts on the vehicle meet California requirements. That second part is the one that surprises people.
If you have added an intake, an exhaust, a tune or anything else to the engine or emissions system in a state with looser rules, it has to be California legal here. Parts that are fine in Arizona are not automatically fine in Contra Costa County.
If you know the vehicle has been modified, say so when you call 925-246-9330. It is far better to talk it through before you drive over than to find out at the end of a test.
What to Bring
- The vehicle and the keys
- Your out of state title or registration
- Any documentation for aftermarket parts, if the vehicle has been modified
- Your coupon, printed or on your phone
What Happens Next
We run the inspection and send the result to the DMV electronically. Your certificate is valid for 90 days, which is comfortably long enough to finish the rest of the registration paperwork.
If something does not pass, you get the full report showing exactly what it was. We are a test only station and do not do repairs, so the report is yours to take to whichever shop you like. Bring the vehicle back afterwards and our current coupon includes one free retest.
We See a Lot of These
Concord gets a steady stream of people moving in from out of state, and we have been testing their vehicles for over 20 years. If your car is unusual, heavily modified, very old or a diesel, we have almost certainly seen one like it. Call and describe it.
Out of State Smog Check Questions
Do I need a smog check to register an out of state car in California?
Yes. A smog check is required to register a vehicle for the first time in California, including vehicles purchased in another state and vehicles previously registered in another state.
My out of state car is nearly new. Is it exempt?
No. The eight model year exemption that lets newer gasoline vehicles skip the renewal smog check does not carry over to a first California registration.
Does the inspection check anything besides emissions?
Yes. The inspection confirms the vehicle meets California emissions standards and also confirms that any aftermarket parts on the vehicle meet California requirements.
What should I bring?
The vehicle, your out of state title or registration, and any documentation for aftermarket parts if the vehicle has been modified. Call 925-246-9330 first if you know it has been modified.