- According to section 24007 (b) (2) of the Vehicle Code, it is the seller's responsibility to provide a valid smog certificate to the buyer of the automobile issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 90 days prior to the sale of a vehicle.
- The buyer of a vehicle is responsible for registration. This process cannot be completed without a valid smog certificate. As the seller is required by law to provide a certificate at the time of sale, it is the buyer's responsibility to ensure this is received during the payment and vehicle transfer process.
- The DMV requires annual payment on all operational vehicles. Upon payment of renewal fees, the vehicle owner receives a proof of registration sticker to be placed on the rear license plate. This process does not apply to vehicles classified as "non-operational."
- The correlation between registration and smog check is vital to the legal operation of a vehicle. Smog tests may be performed annually or biennially, depending on the model of the vehicle in question. Without valid certification of a positive result, registration may be put on hold until proof has been provided.
- Although cost may vary by state and location, smog test fees are generally inexpensive. Registration fees also vary by state. For a list of registration and smog certificate costs, visit your state's DMV website.
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