California Smog Check for Registration Renewal: What Rancho Cordova Drivers Need to Know

You open your California DMV registration renewal notice and see “Smog Certification Required.” What happens next?

For most drivers, the process is straightforward: get the required Smog Check, pass the inspection, and the smog station sends your certificate electronically to DMV. You normally do not need to take a paper certificate to DMV yourself.

Here’s what Rancho Cordova-area drivers should know before coming in.

How Do I Know If My Registration Requires a Smog Check?

Check your California DMV registration renewal notice.

If an inspection is required, the notice will generally state either:

“Smog Certification Required”

or

“Smog Certification Required at a STAR station.”

California generally requires a Smog Check every other year for vehicles subject to the biennial Smog Check Program.

What If My Renewal Says I Need a STAR Station?

Pay attention to the exact wording on your renewal notice.

If it says “Smog Certification Required at a STAR station,” you must have the inspection performed at a STAR-certified station.

California BAR says STAR stations meet higher inspection-performance standards and are authorized to inspect directed vehicles.

Smog Tech Pros is STAR Certified, so Rancho Cordova customers can bring both regular Smog Check vehicles and vehicles directed to a STAR station.

Does Every California Vehicle Need Smog Every Two Years?

No.

California BAR currently lists several exemptions.

For registration renewal, gasoline, hybrid and applicable alternative-fuel vehicles eight model years and newer generally do not need the regular Smog Check. Instead, California requires a smog abatement fee.

Gasoline, hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles from 1975 and earlier are also exempt.

Fully electric vehicles and motorcycles do not require a Smog Check.

Diesel rules are different. Diesel vehicles from model year 1998 and newer with a GVWR of 14,000 pounds or less are generally subject to the Smog Check Program, while 1997-and-older diesels and diesels over 14,000 pounds GVWR are outside the regular Smog Check requirements described by BAR.

How Do I Know When a Newer Car Gets Its First Smog Check?

California BAR provides a simple rule for applicable gasoline, hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles:

Add eight to the model year.

For example, BAR says a 2020 model-year vehicle first becomes subject to its biennial registration-renewal Smog Check in 2028.

Remember that change-of-ownership rules are different, so don't use the eight-year rule when determining whether you need smog to sell a vehicle.

What Should I Bring to the Smog Station?

If you have your DMV renewal notice, bring it with you.

BAR recommends bringing the notice because it helps the station verify your vehicle information.

At Smog Tech Pros, no appointment is necessary. You can simply bring your vehicle to our Folsom Boulevard location during business hours.

What Should I Check Before Coming In?

A few simple things can help prevent an unnecessary failure.

If your check engine light is on, have the problem diagnosed and repaired before your Smog Check. BAR states that a vehicle will not pass with the check engine light illuminated because of an emissions-system problem.

If you recently disconnected or replaced your battery, BAR recommends driving the vehicle for a week or two before testing so its readiness monitors have an opportunity to reset.

And don't erase trouble codes immediately before your inspection simply to turn off the check engine light. Doing so can reset readiness information needed for the inspection.

What Happens During the Smog Check?

The exact inspection depends on the vehicle.

California BAR says most 2000-and-newer vehicles use the BAR On-Board Diagnostic Inspection System, which obtains emissions-related information from the vehicle's onboard computer.

Many 1999-and-older vehicles receive a tailpipe emissions inspection using BAR-97 equipment.

Depending on the vehicle, a Smog Check can also include visual and functional inspections of emissions-control systems.

What Happens After My Car Passes?

This is one of the most common questions we hear.

Once your vehicle passes, the smog station issues an electronic certificate.

The certificate is sent electronically to DMV.

California BAR says a Smog Check certificate is valid for 90 days.

You can then complete your registration renewal. California DMV notes that electronic smog certification must be on file when it is required for an eligible online renewal.

Do I Need to Take Smog Paperwork to DMV?

Normally, no.

Your smog certification is transmitted electronically.

You will still receive a Vehicle Inspection Report, and it is a good idea to keep that report for your records.

What If I Already Paid My Registration Fees Before Getting Smog?

If DMV still requires a Smog Check, paying your registration fees does not eliminate the inspection requirement.

Complete the required inspection so DMV can receive the electronic certification and finish processing the registration.

What If My Vehicle Fails?

You'll receive a Vehicle Inspection Report showing the results.

BAR recommends reviewing the report, completing the necessary repairs, and having the vehicle inspected again. If your DMV notice requires a STAR station, your inspection must satisfy that STAR requirement.

At Smog Tech Pros, a free retest is included, subject to applicable restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does California require a smog check every year?

Generally no. Vehicles subject to California's biennial Smog Check requirement are typically inspected every other year for registration renewal.

How do I know whether I need a STAR smog check?

Look at your DMV renewal notice. If it says “Smog Certification Required at a STAR station,” use a STAR-certified station.

Does Smog Tech Pros perform STAR inspections?

Yes. Smog Tech Pros is STAR Certified.

Does the smog shop send my results to DMV?

Yes. When your vehicle passes, the certificate is transmitted electronically to DMV.

How long is my California smog certificate valid?

BAR currently states that the certificate is valid for 90 days.

Can I renew my registration online after passing smog?

If you're otherwise eligible for online renewal, DMV can use the electronic smog certification it has on file.

Need a Smog Check for Your Registration Renewal?

Bring your vehicle to Smog Tech Pros:

10751 Folsom Blvd
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
916-638-4700

STAR Certified • No Appointment Necessary • Free Retest Included

Found another smog coupon in Rancho Cordova?

We will match or beat any coupon in Rancho Cordova.

Restrictions apply.

For customers who want to verify California's rules directly, see the California Bureau of Automotive Repair Smog Check guide and California DMV registration-renewal information.