If you’re selling a car in California, the smog certificate is usually your job, not the buyer’s. This guide covers who is responsible, how long a certificate lasts, which vehicles don’t need one at sale, and the fees: the $8.25 certificate fee, the $8 smog transfer fee for newer cars, and inspection prices, which the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) doesn’t regulate. Each rule links to the DMV or BAR page behind it.

Smog rules have exceptions that depend on the vehicle. If anything here is close to your situation, confirm it with the DMV for your vehicle.

Do you need a smog check to sell your car in California?

Usually, yes. The DMV’s smog page asks the question directly, “If I sell my car, do I have to get it inspected first?”, and answers yes: “If you are selling your car, you need to give the new owner a valid smog certification when you sell the car” (DMV smog page).

BAR says the same: if you’re selling your vehicle, a Smog Check is required before you sell it, and you should give the buyer a copy of the vehicle inspection report (BAR: Smog Check). BAR’s reference guide adds that the change-of-ownership requirement applies in all of its program areas, with the exception of the newer gasoline vehicles covered below (BAR reference guide).

Who is responsible, the buyer or the seller?

The seller. Both the DMV and BAR put it on the person selling: you get the inspection and hand over the certification. Buyers have a reason to ask for it too, because BAR says a car bought from a private seller must have passed a Smog Check within the last 90 days.

How long is a smog check good for when you sell?

BAR says a passing certificate is sent to the DMV electronically and is valid for 90 days (BAR: Smog Check). So timing matters: if you get the check early and the sale takes longer than you expected, the 90 days can run out. It makes sense to get it close to when you expect to sell.

If you renewed your registration recently

BAR’s reference guide lists an exception for a car that had a Smog Check certificate for its registration renewal, when the transfer happens within 90 days of that renewal (BAR reference guide). In that situation, the DMV’s Vehicle Emission System Statement (REG 139) is the statement the seller gives the buyer. It’s for your records and the buyer’s, and it isn’t sent to the DMV (REG 139).

Which cars don’t need a smog certificate when sold?

Newer gasoline vehicles

BAR says a gasoline vehicle that is four model years old or newer doesn’t need a Smog Check for a change of ownership. Instead, California law requires a smog transfer fee, due to the DMV to transfer the title (BAR: Smog Check). The DMV’s smog page says the new owner pays it (DMV smog page), and the DMV’s fee table lists the smog transfer fee at $8 (DMV fee table).

The DMV and BAR word the age cut-off slightly differently, so if your car is near it, confirm with the DMV for your vehicle before you skip the check.

Electric vehicles

Electric vehicles don’t need a Smog Check. BAR lists them among the vehicles that are exempt (BAR: Smog Check).

Other vehicles

Some vehicles are exempt depending on fuel type, weight and age. Check the DMV smog page for your vehicle.

Other transfers that don’t need a smog check

BAR’s reference guide lists other transfers that don’t need a change-of-ownership Smog Check. They include a transfer between a person’s spouse, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent or sibling, adding another person to the title, and certain transfers between a leasing company and its lessee (BAR reference guide). If you lease, see selling a leased car in California.

A family member gave me a car. Do I need a smog inspection?

Usually a gift between close family is exempt, but the DMV flags one catch: if a family member bought the car for you without first titling it in their name, a smog inspection is required (DMV smog page). The DMV also says there’s no military exception: active duty military and veterans still need a smog inspection.

Getting the smog check

BAR’s Smog Check page covers the practical side.

  • Find a licensed station. BAR lists three kinds of station licensed to perform Smog Check inspections: test-and-repair, test-only and STAR. Its Auto Shop Locator finds licensed Smog Check stations near you.
  • Check the dashboard first. BAR says a vehicle won’t pass a Smog Check with the check engine light on.
  • Know the fees. The station must charge an $8.25 Smog Check certificate fee. BAR doesn’t regulate inspection prices, so ask the station for its price.
  • Look up the history if you need it. BAR says you can check a vehicle’s inspection history online.

After a pass, the certificate goes to the DMV electronically. Give your buyer a copy of the vehicle inspection report (BAR: Smog Check).

Where the smog check fits in the sale

The smog certificate is one item on a short list. You also sign the title, record the odometer reading where it’s required, and file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability with the DMV within 5 calendar days of the sale (DMV NRL page). Our California selling checklist covers each step. If a lender is still on your title, read selling a car you still owe money on first.

Selling to a dealership? Ask the dealership what it needs from you, including whether to bring a smog certificate. Through CarLinks, you tell us about your car and an agent reaches out to you. Should a dealership we work with be interested, your agent handles the price conversation and the visit, and the dealership makes its own decision to buy after inspecting the car.

Telling us about your car doesn’t commit you to anything. Start on the Sell my car page when you’re ready.

Sources

Checked October 2026.