California Smog Checks when selling a car

Check the change-of-ownership requirement

BAR says a Smog Check is generally required for a change of ownership. For a private sale, the vehicle must have passed within the preceding 90 days. The seller should provide the inspection report to the buyer.

Renewal and sale exemptions differ

The newer-vehicle exemption for registration renewal is different from the change-of-ownership exemption. Fuel type, model year and vehicle category matter. Use BAR’s current list rather than assuming an eight-year renewal exemption applies to a sale.

If the car cannot pass

Keep the failed inspection report and explain the known condition. Ask DMV about the requirements for the actual transfer or dismantling route. Calling a vehicle a junk car does not establish a blanket exemption from every requirement.

Official sources.

BAR Smog Check requirements and exceptions

Sources reviewed September 10, 2026. Use the current instructions for your vehicle and transaction.

Continue with your California sale.

California Notice of Transfer and Release of LiabilityReport the sale separately from signing the title.Selling a California car with a missing titleCheck the ownership record and lender involvement before choosing replacement paperwork.Selling a California vehicle on planned nonoperationA car that does not run is not automatically recorded as PNO.California salvage and nonrepairable vehicle documentsRead the certificate before choosing a sale, repair or disposal route.Junking or dismantling a vehicle in CaliforniaSelling a car to a dismantler and dismantling it yourself involve different responsibilities.Selling an inherited vehicle in CaliforniaEstablish who can sign before arranging a sale or collection.California odometer disclosures and signaturesPrepare the correct mileage disclosure for the vehicle and transfer.Keeping California personalized or special-interest platesDecide what happens to your special plates before the car leaves.Selling a California car with a lender or lienResolve the lender’s interest alongside the vehicle offer.Correcting a California title before sellingResolve an incorrect entry before completing the transfer.Selling a car in California with an out-of-state titleThe vehicle’s location and its title jurisdiction are separate details.California vehicle retirement versus a private junk-car saleCompare the state program’s eligibility and process with a private offer.California vehicle pickup and sale recordsPrepare the car, ownership documents and follow-up before collection.A vehicle left on California property: removal and ownershipEstablish who owns the vehicle before choosing a sale or removal route.Selling a California vehicle through an authorized representativePrepare the owner’s authorization before someone else signs the sale documents.California car-selling forms and document checklistChoose documents for your situation instead of completing every form.