Can you sell a car without smog?

Yes. If you are selling your car, you need to give the new owner a valid smog certification when you sell the car. If the car you are selling is less than four years old, you do not need to get a smog inspection. Instead, the new owner of the car will need to pay a smog transfer fee.
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What happens if I sell car without smog?

You can legally sell a vehicle that is in Planned Non-Operation status; however, the buyer will not be able to operate the vehicle legally on state roads and highways until he or he gets the vehicle inspected and it is able to get a clean bill of health in the form of a smog certificate.
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Can you sell without smog?

The state of California has stringent laws around vehicle inspections. As the vehicle seller, you are legally required to provide the buyer with a valid smog certificate at the time of sale. The buyer should also be informed that the provided smog certification is only valid for 90 days after the date it is issued.
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Do you need a smog check to transfer title in California?

Use tax and a smog certification are not required.
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Who is responsible for smog check when selling a car in California?

The seller is responsible for smog inspection

Section 24007 (b)(2) of the California Vehicle Code states it's the responsibility of the seller to provide a valid smog certificate before or during the sale of a vehicle.
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How to avoid Smog Check Legally



Is Smog Check required to sell a car in California?

Yes. If you are selling your car, you need to give the new owner a valid smog certification when you sell the car. If the car you are selling is less than four years old, you do not need to get a smog inspection. Instead, the new owner of the car will need to pay a smog transfer fee.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on dmv.ca.gov


How do I sell a car in California that does not pass smog?

If your car can't pass a smog test and you can't fix it, then you cannot register it in California. Depending on your situation, you may be able to sell your car to your local air quality management district.
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How do I get a smog waiver in California?

Make an appointment at a Referee station and bring documentation of two failed smog tests and receipts for money spent on repairs at a licensed smog repair station as well as diagnostics. If you meet the qualifications, you will be granted a waiver that allows you to pass the test without the repairs.
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How long is a Smog Check good for when selling a car in California?

Your first step as the seller is to have the car inspected, as it is required to sell the car with a valid California Smog Certificate,which is good for 90 days from the date on the document.
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Can I sell a car as is in California?

If you're trying to sell your car in California, chances are you're having a hard time getting rid of your vehicle. It doesn't have to be this way. You can sell your car in the Golden State quickly, and simply as is.
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Can you sell a car with check engine light on in California?

Dealerships are not allowed to sell vehicles with check engine lights on. There is no problem selling it in the USA.
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How do you pass smog?

Here's How to Pass the California Smog Check
  1. Check the “Check Engine” light. ...
  2. Make sure the battery hasn't been recently disconnected. ...
  3. Get an oil change. ...
  4. Get a tune-up—but not right before the test. ...
  5. Fill up the coolant and gas tanks. ...
  6. Drive fast two weeks before the test. ...
  7. Get a pre-inspection.
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What do I need to sell my car in California?

What documents do you need to sell your car in California?
  1. Fill out the official Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) transfer forms.
  2. Get a smog certification.
  3. Submit transfer forms.
  4. Complete the California certificate of title.
  5. Odometer reading.
  6. Any valid warranties or as-is documents.
  7. Maintenance records.
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What is Smogging a car?

A smog check, also known as an emissions test, is designed to make sure every car on the road is running as cleanly as possible. The check involves testing a vehicle's engine emissions to determine how much pollution it's exhausting into the air.
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How much is it to transfer a car title in California?

How Much Does a Vehicle Title Transfer Cost in California? If you complete the vehicle title transfer on time, the CA DMV charges a $15 fee to process your title transfer. California vehicle owners have 30 days from the date they purchase the vehicle to complete a vehicle title transfer.
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What is the CA smog abatement fee?

A: The $20 smog abatement fee is due for registration renewal and a smog certification is due for the transfer. SMOG EXCEPTION: A vehicle that is four model years old or less is exempt from a transfer smog and an $8 fee is due in lieu of the smog certification.
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How many times can a car fail smog in California?

In California, if your car can't pass a smog check, you have to get it repaired and then try again. If the problem still doesn't go away after two tries, you might be required to pay for an emissions test. You do not need to worry about this law; the DMV will contact you if your car needs repairs or an emissions test.
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What cars are exempt from Smog Check in California?

What vehicles do not require a Smog Check?
  • Gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and alternative-fuel vehicles that are model-year 1975 and older.
  • Gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and alternative-fuel vehicles that are eight model years and newer do not require a biennial Smog Check.
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What counties in CA don't require smog?

What Counties in CA Don't Require Smog Check? The countries in CA which do not require smog check are El Dorado, Riverside, Placer, San Diego, San Bernardino, and Sonoma.
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Does a 2016 car need smog in California?

Buying/Selling a vehicle - A Smog Check is needed if it is more than 4 model years old. (In 2020, model year 2016 must be smogged)
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Can I sell my car without a catalytic converter?

(a) No dealer or person holding a retail seller's permit shall sell a new or used vehicle equipped with a catalytic converter unless the catalytic converter has been engraved or etched with the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle to which it is attached.
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How much is a Smog Check in California?

On average, a smog check can cost anywhere between $30-$60. Once your vehicle passes, the smog check administrator provides you with a state-issued sticker to display on your dashboard, proving that your vehicle has passed the smog check.
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Does a 30 year old car need smog in California 2021?

The new law repeals California's current rolling emissions-test exemption for vehicles 30 years old and older and replaces it with a law requiring the lifetime testing of all 1976 and newer model-year vehicles.
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Can I get an extension on my Smog Check in California?

You may be eligible to register your vehicle without a smog certificate. Eligible low income vehicle owners may receive a one time two year extension to complete necessary emissions related repairs.
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