Can you register a car before passing the smog in CA?
Hi, I just moved to CA and need to register my out of state vehicle. I failed the smog test due to "check engine light" being on but that’s it. I am working on the car to repair the problem. In the mean time, can I get the car registered and then show proof of the smog after (will they give me a time limit to do this) or will I be denied registration entirely until I’ve passed the smog. Was it electronically sent to the DMV that I failed? If so does that mean a "retest" is a different test or exactly the same, just sent twice or more. Thanks!
Whether or not the results of your smog test were sent to the DMV depends on the type of test the smog station used. If they did a "test only", the results were not sent. The best thing for you to do is to ask the testing station what type of test was used and if the results were sent to the DMV or not.
Even if the results were sent to the DMV, you can still go ahead and register your car while you are waiting to complete the repairs required to pass the smog check. The DMV will give you a temporary registration that will allow you to operate your vehicle in CA. You will have a specific time limit to perform the work necessary to complete your registration.
When the smog check is performed at an authorized smog repair station, the passed test automatically gets sent to the DMV. The retest is different in that only the series of tests that failed the first time need to be done again. After you complete the work to your vehicle, you may opt for "test only" at the smog station so that you know in advance whether or not the repairs have been done correctly. That information is not sent to the DMV.
Pay the registration fee even if you haven’t passed the smog test. Once you pass the DMV will be automatically notified. Now, the real question is… Why did you really fail the smog check? It should not be due to the Check Engine Light being on. Mine has been on for the past 5 years because the sensor is broke. Doesn’t affect the performance or operation of my vehicle. So if it is failing simply because the light is on, and there are no other problems, you need to find yourself an honest smog check person. A real failure to pass would be things like a bad or failing EGR valve, a bad O2 sensor, Timing or dwell way off, bad spark plugs and/or wires, etc. BTW the retest is the exact same test.
References :
dmv will let you pay for your registation and give you a temporary pass for one month. once you present your smog certificate you will be issued your tags. The retest is the same test. most smog shops offer a pass or retest for free. meaning the same shop should retest your car for free.
References :
In order to even GET the registration it must past a smog check. If you tested at an approved smog site they are to give you a list of what needs to be done inorder for you car to pass. Once you get those items done you have it retested, if it passes you get a certificate stating so. You take the certificate to the DMV and they will process the registration application & give you plates & tags on site. The info is electronically submitted but still bring proof of the pass in case something funky happened to the computer.
References :
Whether or not the results of your smog test were sent to the DMV depends on the type of test the smog station used. If they did a "test only", the results were not sent. The best thing for you to do is to ask the testing station what type of test was used and if the results were sent to the DMV or not.
Even if the results were sent to the DMV, you can still go ahead and register your car while you are waiting to complete the repairs required to pass the smog check. The DMV will give you a temporary registration that will allow you to operate your vehicle in CA. You will have a specific time limit to perform the work necessary to complete your registration.
When the smog check is performed at an authorized smog repair station, the passed test automatically gets sent to the DMV. The retest is different in that only the series of tests that failed the first time need to be done again. After you complete the work to your vehicle, you may opt for "test only" at the smog station so that you know in advance whether or not the repairs have been done correctly. That information is not sent to the DMV.
References :
Service Adviser in a Smog Authorized Dealership in California