# What to Bring to a Smog Check (and What Happens During the Test)

For a California smog check, bring the car, your DMV renewal notice if you have one, and a way to pay. You do not need to bring paperwork to the DMV afterward: when the car passes, the station sends the smog certificate to the DMV electronically. A typical test of a 2000-or-newer car takes 20 to 30 minutes.

## What to bring

- **The vehicle**, warmed up from at least 20 minutes of driving.
- **DMV renewal notice**, which shows whether a STAR station is required.
- **Payment** for the test and the $8.25 state certificate fee if it is charged separately.
- **Wheel lock key** if your car needs to go on a dynamometer.

## What the technician checks

| Part of the test | What happens |
| --- | --- |
| Visual inspection | Required emissions parts are present, connected and California-approved |
| Functional checks | Check engine light, gas cap or fuel-evaporative system, and on some cars ignition timing and EGR |
| OBD II scan (most 2000-and-newer cars) | Fault codes and [readiness monitors](https://appointauto.com/guides/check-engine-light-smog-check/) |
| Tailpipe test (older cars) | Exhaust gases measured, on rollers or at idle |

## Book a station

- [Smog check in San Jose](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/san-jose/) — 2 listings
- [Smog check in Anaheim](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/anaheim/) — 1 listing
- [Smog check in Los Angeles](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/los-angeles/) — 1 listing
- [Smog check in Sacramento](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/sacramento/) — 1 listing
- [Smog check in San Diego](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/san-diego/) — 1 listing
- [Smog check in San Francisco](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/san-francisco/) — 1 listing
- [Smog check in Santa Clara](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/santa-clara/) — 1 listing
- [Smog check in Sunnyvale](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/sunnyvale/) — 1 listing

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need my registration card for a smog check?

It helps but is not usually required. The station identifies the car by its VIN and license plate. The renewal notice tells the station whether you need a STAR test.

### Can someone else take my car for a smog check?

Yes. The registered owner does not have to be present.

### Do I get a paper smog certificate?

The certificate is sent to the DMV electronically. You get a Vehicle Inspection Report as your receipt.

### How long does a smog check take?

Usually 20 to 30 minutes for a car built in 2000 or later, where the test reads the on-board diagnostics (OBD) system. Older vehicles get a tailpipe test that can take longer.

## Related guides

- [How to Pass a California Smog Check: 10 Checks Before You Go](https://appointauto.com/guides/how-to-pass-smog-check/) — A practical pre-test checklist: check engine light, readiness monitors, gas cap, oil change, warm engine and the mistakes that make good cars fail.
- [STAR vs Regular Smog Check: Which One Do You Need?](https://appointauto.com/guides/star-vs-regular-smog-check/) — Your DMV renewal notice tells you whether you need a STAR station. What STAR means, why cars get selected, and how to find a STAR station near you.
- [How Much Does a California Smog Check Cost? (2026)](https://appointauto.com/guides/california-smog-check-cost/) — Smog check prices are set by each station, plus a fixed $8.25 state certificate fee. What changes the price, who is exempt and what happens if you fail.

[Find a shop near you](https://appointauto.com/)

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Source: https://appointauto.com/guides/what-to-bring-to-smog-check/ · Last updated 2026-10-23. Station details are compiled from public listings and can change; call the shop to confirm hours and prices before you go.