There is a difference with 49-state emissions legal systems and 50-state (California) emissions however a USED 49-state emissions equipped vehicle, such as in the case of your Ford diesel truck from out-of-state can pass the California smog test and receive DMV registration. Note, a new vehicle on the other hand, can not be registered (or pass smog) in California if it is not California emissions certified.
Since 2010 California has required all diesel trucks and diesel passenger cars which are 1998 model year or newer, and weight 14,000 GVWR or under, undergo a biennial smog inspection similar to their gasoline counterparts.
California certified smog check stations are allowed to perform a diesel engine smog inspection if they possess OIS Smog Test equipment. The diesel smog test will not include the emissions test portion of the regular inspection. There will be no tailpipe emissions inspection either. Read more about California Diesel Smog Check.
