Question about CA smog check on out-of-state car

logan2z · 10-04-2009, 08:39 PM

I'm getting pretty close to purchasing a car from out-of-state and bringing it into California. The seller has agreed to meet me with the car in CA and have it smogged before we seal the deal. For those of you who have bought a 911 out-of-state and brought it into CA, does the CA resident have to already be the registered owner of the car in order to submit it for the smog test, or can the car still be registered to the out-of-state seller? I hunted around on the CA DMV site but couldn't find an answer.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Anyone can smog the car, not an issue.

Wayne

PCA7GGR · 10-05-2009, 06:38 AM

I just bought a '06 Cayman that came from NV and I plan to get a smog check today so that I can get the registration done. As Wayne stated, any smog check place can do it. I don't expect any issues to arise.

logan2z · 10-05-2009, 06:44 AM

Great, thanks for the responses.

RNajarian · RNajarian's Garage

I asked my patient who is a muckey muck with the CA DMV about this question.

This is what she said;

Either party can smog the car though the seller is technically responsible. The smog certificate is good for 90 days. Take the car to a regular smog check place, NOT a test only place.

To register the car in CA you need

The Smog Certificate (which the DMV has electronically)
The title (SIGNED)
AND
A form called a REG 343.

She also mentioned the CA DMV web site has steps posted somewhere how to do this.

Hope it helps

logan2z · 10-05-2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RNajarian

She also mentioned the CA DMV web site has steps posted somewhere how to do this.

Thanks, I did read the checklist on the CA DMV site, but it wasn't specific about who *can* submit the car for a smog test. It's true that if the seller is in California, then they are responsible for smogging the car before it's sold. I doubt that rule applies to an out-of-state seller since they could simply ship the car to the buyer and not have any obligation to meet the buyer's state smog requirements.

McLovin · 10-05-2009, 10:47 AM

You get the smog done.

Also, for a car coming from out of state, you will have to get it "verified." That means it will have to be inspected by a licensed verifier. This can be done at the DMV, AAA, CHP or any other licensed verifier.

They will look to see that all the VIN plates are in place and correct. They will also look to be sure the car is certified for sale in California. That will be on the emissions sticker, the one that says something like "This vehicle meets California emissions requirements." They are going to search for that sticker, so make sure it is there.

Good luck. Hope this is "the one!"

logan2z · 10-05-2009, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McLovin

You get the smog done.

Also, for a car coming from out of state, you will have to get it "verified." That means it will have to be inspected by a licensed verifier. This can be done at the DMV, AAA, CHP or any other licensed verifier.

They will look to see that all the VIN plates are in place and correct. They will also look to be sure the car is certified for sale in California. That will be on the emissions sticker, the one that says something like "This vehicle meets California emissions requirements." They are going to search for that sticker, so make sure it is there.

Good luck. Hope this is "the one!"

I read about this 'verifier' requirement on the DMV site. I'll ask the seller to make sure the emissions sticker is in place on the car. Thanks for the info.