Once a smog certificate has been issued no part of the certificate can be modified. For cases involving incorrect VIN numbers, a new smog check must be obtained. There is a specific method which must be followed when identifying a vehicle in preparation for a smog check.
- The bar code scanner must be used as the first method of entry. The scanner may be used on either the VIN label affixed to the vehicle, or registration documentation. Manual entry must only be used in cases where the vehicle is not equipped with a bar code or the bar code is damaged, and registration documents are unavailable or do not include a bar code. In these cases, a smog technician may manually enter the vehicle identification information and proceed with the inspection.
- When using the vehicle registration documents to scan VIN information, a smog technician must first verify the VIN shown on the registration document matches the VIN on the vehicle. If the VIN does not match, the smog technician shall use the VIN affixed to the vehicle and inform the customer of the mismatch and that it may cause the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) not to accept the test results.
For all inspections, inspectors must verify that all vehicle information is complete and correct. Each inspector is responsible for the accuracy of the test. Once a certificate is issued it is impossible to void that certificate.
