Los Angeles Smog Check
DMV lists Los Angeles County among counties that require a Smog Check, so cars registered in Los Angeles need one when they renew registration every other year. Each station chooses its own price, then adds the $8.25 certificate fee.
- Once every 2 years
- Los Angeles County Smog Check at registration renewal
- Station price plus $8.25
- The station determines what to charge, and the state certificate fee comes to $8.25.
- OBD or tailpipe check
- Most cars from 2000 and newer have an OBD check. Older cars get a tailpipe test.
- Los Angeles County
- listed among the counties on the DMV list where a smog inspection is required
Who must get a smog check in Los Angeles?
The DMV's county list includes Los Angeles County. Registration renewal there requires a smog inspection. According to our California Smog Check guide, the statewide rules call for one inspection every other year, along with another if you sell a car or bring one from another state. Check your DMV renewal notice for "Smog Certification Required."
- Cars that use gas, hybrid power, or alternative fuel need the check from model year 1976. The newest eight model years pay a smog abatement fee instead.
- The newest-years break doesn't apply to diesels from model year 1998.
- Electric cars and motorcycles don't need the check.
Because Long Beach is in the same county, the same rules apply there. See Long Beach smog check.
Los Angeles smog check cost
| Charge | What BAR says |
|---|---|
| Inspection price | Varies by station; BAR does not regulate it |
| Certificate fee | $8.25, charged by the station |
| Time | Usually about 30 minutes |
First, you'll receive an estimate. You must approve it before the inspection starts.
Where to get a smog check in Los Angeles
Look in the BAR Auto Shop Locator for either Smog Check Inspection or STAR Inspection. If STAR appears on your notice, only a STAR station may certify the car. BAR's guide explains that BAR chooses those cars using either a 2% random sample or a failure-risk profile. The STAR program page sets out station standards.
The locator includes a State of CA Smog Check Referee center at 400 West Washington Blvd in Los Angeles. It also lists centers in Pasadena, Compton, and Whittier. Call (800) 622-7733 for any of them.
If your Los Angeles car does not pass
Repair the car first, and if your notice calls for a STAR station, have it retested there. To drivers who qualify, BAR offers repair help or retirement through the Consumer Assistance Program. The page includes the Old-Vehicle Scrapping Program along with Replace Your Ride, which serves the Greater Los Angeles Area. Before paying for costly repairs, read about the emissions waiver, and browse our emissions test by city list for more locations.
Los Angeles smog check questions
Do I need a Los Angeles smog check every year?
It's not required every year. BAR says registration renewal needs a Smog Check every other year. Whether the check is due appears on your renewal notice.
How long does a Los Angeles smog certificate stay valid?
A passing certificate is sent to DMV electronically and remains valid for 90 days, so complete your renewal during that period.