Which Type of Smog Test Do I Choose?

The California DMV requires vehicles undergo one of two different smog check inspections based randomly or determined by a vehicle's specific smog check history.

The DMV will require you obtain either a "test only or gold shield" smog check or a "regular" smog check. It's that simple.

Where it gets complicated is when figuring out which type of smog station you can visit to fulfill the DMV's requirement.

Older vehicles will typically need a test only smog check, where newer cars, trucks, vans, SUVs and motorhomes will require a regular smog test.

Your DMV paperwork will indicate your vehicle's particular requirement.

1. Regular Smog Test Inspection

A regular smog test can be obtained at any type of smog station. Refer to your DMV paperwork. Locate the smog check requirement section. The DMV should only ask for a smog check certificate and make no mention of Test Only or Gold Shield. This is considered a "regular" smog check.

All California certified smog stations can perform a "regular" smog check: test only smog centers, test & repair smog stations or gold shield smog test centers.

A regular smog check will suffice when obtaining a smog check for initial California registration, or when buying or selling a vehicle in California.

2. Test Only or Gold Shield Smog Check

These two types of smog tests can be obtained at any test only smog center or Gold Shield certified smog check & repair station. Smog test only centers and Gold Shield stations are allowed to inspect and certify all vehicles requiring smog checks.

• Smog Test Only Centers are only authorized to perform test only inspections and are not allowed to perform smog check repairs.

• Gold Shield Smog Stations are authorized to perform test only inspections, as well as repair and certify all vehicles.

If the DMV is asking for a Test Only or Gold Shield station certification you can visit either of these two types of smog test centers. If you have no DMV paperwork and are unsure of the type of smog check your car, truck, van, SUV, or motorhome requires call the DMV at (800)777-0133.

3. Smog Check Repair Stations

If your vehicle has failed the smog check, the Bureau of Automotive Repairs requires that only you (the vehicle's owner), licensed California smog check repair stations, or CAP Gold Shield repair centers perform diagnosis and/or repairs.

Research Data: A smog test only center is authorized to perform test only inspections and not allowed to perform smog check repairs. State research has shown these smog stations to provide a more accurate inspection then their counterparts. Test only centers are not allowed to perform or profit from any automotive, smog, or emission repairs.

If your vehicle fails at a test only smog test center or any of California's test only smog stations, you will need to seek repairs at a regular smog check & repair center or Gold Shield station. Gold Shield stations are allowed to perform Test Only inspections as well as smog check repairs. They are monitored by the Bureau of Automotive Repair on a monthly basis and held to the highest smog check standards.