There is normally a smog check exemption that applies to vehicles 4 years and newer, however when the vehicle is bought from out of state and is being importing to California, and even when the vehicle is California emissions certified (50 State), the exemption does not apply. You'll need to obtain a California smog certificate before the DMV will register the vehicle here. The four year and newer smog check exemption (for title transfer) is not applicable to out of state vehicles seeking initial California registration.
posted by SmogTips Support
