Change of ownership
Change of ownership smog check
Selling privately or transferring a vehicle? Most California transfers need a valid smog certification before the paperwork can go through.
Selling a vehicle
Get the inspection out of the way first
A private sale in California usually needs a valid smog certification as part of the transfer. Getting the inspection done before you list or hand over the vehicle removes the most common reason these deals stall.
Bring the vehicle in, we run the inspection, and the result goes to the state electronically — which is what the transfer relies on. Buyers often appreciate seeing that the inspection came from a test-only station with no repair work to sell.
What we don't do
We don't process the title transfer, the registration change or any other DMV paperwork, and we don't perform repairs if the vehicle doesn't pass. Those are yours to arrange — with the DMV and with the repair provider of your choice.
Test-only station. We inspect vehicles and report the results. We don't perform emissions repairs, and we don't process registration, title transfers or DMV paperwork. If a vehicle needs repairs, you can take the inspection report to the repair provider of your choice.
Questions
Ownership transfer FAQs
General information. Requirements vary by vehicle and transaction; follow your DMV notice and current DMV/BAR guidance.
Keep your sale moving
Request an inspection time and get the smog requirement handled before the paperwork.
Same-day service subject to availability.