AppointCan I get a smog check if my registration is expired?
Yes. A smog check station can test a car whose registration has expired; the test is tied to the vehicle, not to current tags. Pay your renewal fees to the DMV as soon as you can, because late penalties grow over time, and if you have paid but still need the smog certificate, the DMV can issue a temporary operating permit for a fee. Driving on expired registration can get you a ticket.
Key facts
- Smog stations can test vehicles with expired registration.
- DMV late fees depend on how late the payment is, not on when the smog check happens.
- The California DMV offers a temporary operating permit (TOP) for some vehicles waiting on a smog certificate; check dmv.ca.gov for current rules and fees.
What to do, in order
- Pay the renewal fees online or at the DMV to stop late penalties growing.
- Get the smog check at the nearest licensed station; the result reaches the DMV automatically.
- If the car fails, see what to do after a failed smog check and whether CAP repair assistance applies to you.
Next step
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