CA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
California DMV Registration & Requirement

Although the Bureau of Automotive Repair is the enforcer and decision maker in terms of California's smog check program, ultimately your vehicle's smog check results are sent to and required by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Here are some registration requirements by the DMV in regards to CA vehicles, owners and the auto registration renewal process.

STEP 1. HOW TO REGISTER A VEHICLE

a1. California Vehicles - If you become the owner of a California car you must register and transfer the title into your name at your local DMV office. The following form will be required. CA Registration Application

a2. Out of State Vehicles - Whether you moved to California or bought a car from out of state, registering with the California Department of Motor Vehicles will be required. The following document is required to register your vehicle in this state. CA Registration Application.

b. In both of the above cases, a vehicle in the title transfer process will also require a Bill of Sale between the seller and buyer, as well as a valid smog test. If you are purchasing a vehicle from either a used or new car dealership, they will prepare these forms and documents for you.

c. California law requires a seller of a vehicle to provide the buyer with a valid Smog Check certification at the time of the sale or transfer. Smog certifications obtained for the purpose of title transfer or vehicle sale, are good for 90 days from the date of issuance.

A smog check is not required on a title or pink slip transfer if the vehicle's biennial smog certification was submitted to DMV within 60 days prior to the transfer date.

Smog certifications for the purposes of vehicle registration or title transfer are not required for any motor vehicle that is four or less model years old. Revised 2008