Out-of-state vehicles
Out-of-state vehicle smog check
Bringing a vehicle to California for the first time? A smog inspection is usually part of registering it here.
New to California
The inspection step, handled
When a vehicle is registered in California for the first time, the state generally wants its own smog inspection — regardless of any test the vehicle passed elsewhere. That's the part we take care of.
Bring the vehicle in and we'll run the inspection that applies to it, then report the result to the state electronically so it's on record when you complete your registration with the DMV.
Other steps you may need
Out-of-state registrations often involve additional steps such as a VIN verification and documents from your previous state. We don't perform those and we can't process the registration — the DMV pages below set out the full list.
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
Out-of-state FAQs
General information. Requirements vary by vehicle and transaction; follow your DMV notice and current DMV/BAR guidance.
Welcome to California
Request a smog inspection and get the vehicle ready for its first California registration.
Same-day service subject to availability.