Do I Need a Smog Check in Sacramento? 2026 Rules by Model Year

Short answer: most gas and hybrid cars in Sacramento need a smog check every other year at registration renewal. The first one comes due 8 years after the model year, so a 2018 car is due in 2026. You also need one when you sell a car that is more than 4 model years old, or register an out-of-state car here for the first time.

If you are reading this with a DMV renewal notice in your hand, you are in the right place. Here is how the rules work in 2026, what to bring, and where to get it done in Sacramento and Rancho Cordova.

Who needs a smog check in Sacramento?

The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) requires smog checks for:

• Gas, hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles, model year 1976 and newer
• Diesel vehicles, model year 1998 and newer
• RVs, motorhomes and collector cars that fall in those model years

Your DMV renewal notice will say if you need one this year. Look for "Smog Certification Required" or "Smog Certification Required at a STAR station."

When does my car need its first smog check?

Add 8 to the model year. Until then, your car skips the test at renewal. After the first check, it is every other year.

• 2018 model year: first renewal smog check in 2026
• 2019 model year: 2027
• 2020 model year: 2028
• 2021 model year: 2029

Diesels are different. BAR has no newer-model-year exception for diesel vehicles, so a 1998-or-newer diesel needs a check when its renewal notice calls for one.

Which vehicles are exempt?

• Electric vehicles
• Gas vehicles from 1975 and older
• Diesels from 1997 and older, or rated over 14,000 lb gross vehicle weight
• Motorcycles

Hybrids are not exempt. A Prius gets tested on the same schedule as any gas car.

Do I need a smog check to sell or buy a car?

Yes, if the car is more than 4 model years old. In California the seller gets the smog check, and the buyer should get a copy of the vehicle inspection report.

• Buying from a private seller: the car must have passed within the last 90 days.
• Buying from a dealer: it must have passed within the past two years.
• Transfers between immediate family members do not need a smog check.
• Cars 4 model years old or newer can be sold without a smog check.

If you are buying a used car on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, ask for the report before you hand over cash. You can also look up a car's past smog results on BAR's website.

Moving to Sacramento from another state?

You need a smog check to register the car in California for the first time, even if it is newer. The test also checks that aftermarket parts meet California rules.

What does "STAR station required" mean?

STAR stations meet higher BAR performance standards and can inspect every vehicle, including ones the state flags as likely high emitters. If your renewal notice says STAR, you have to go to a STAR station. Call the shop before you drive over and ask whether it can do a STAR inspection for your car.

How to pass the first time

1. Fix the check engine light first. A car will not pass with that light on. It points to a problem in the emissions system.
2. Don't clear codes or disconnect the battery right before the test. If the battery was recently replaced or disconnected, drive normally for a week or two so the readiness monitors can reset.
3. Undo engine tunes. Modified or non-approved software fails. Put it back to factory settings or a CARB-approved version.
4. Bring your DMV renewal notice. It helps the station confirm your vehicle information.

How long does it take?

The inspection usually takes about 30 minutes. For most 2000 and newer cars, it is mainly an on-board diagnostic check through the OBD port, plus visual and functional checks. Pre-2000 cars also get a tailpipe test.

The state does not set smog check pricing, so it varies by shop. Every station has to give you an estimate, and you approve it before the test starts. If you pass, the certificate goes to the DMV electronically and is good for 90 days.

We usually have a Smog Check Special running. See our coupons page for the current offer and its terms, or ask the shop when you call. Print the coupon or show it on your phone when the order is written.

What if my car fails?

You get a vehicle inspection report showing why it failed. It also lists any open safety recalls. From there:

• Get the emissions repairs done at a licensed shop, then retest. Some emissions parts are covered by the manufacturer's warranty, so check your owner's manual.
• Look into BAR's Consumer Assistance Program, which offers repair money (or a payment to retire the car) if you meet income and vehicle requirements.
• Contact a Smog Check Referee for a second opinion or help with unusual vehicles.

We can go over the report with you and explain what each failure code means in plain English.

Where to get a smog check in Sacramento and Rancho Cordova

These four Quality Tune-Up Shops list smog checks on their location pages. All are open Monday through Friday 8 to 6 and Saturday 8 to 5.

• Arden Way: 2545 Arden Way at Fulton Ave, Sacramento, CA 95825, (916) 487-6075. Close for Arden-Arcade, Arden Park, Sierra Oaks and west Carmichael. Arden Way shop | Arden smog coupon
• Florin Road: 2221 Florin Rd near 24th St, Sacramento, CA 95822, (916) 424-1450. Handy for Meadowview, Parkway, Golf Course Terrace and the Pocket. Florin Road shop | Florin smog coupon
• Fruitridge: 3846 Fruitridge Rd, east of Highway 99 at MLK Jr Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95820, (916) 392-1917. Serves Oak Park, Tahoe Park, Colonial Heights and Fruitridge Manor. Fruitridge shop | Fruitridge smog coupon
• Rancho Cordova: 10801 Folsom Blvd between Zinfandel Dr and Sunrise Blvd, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670, (916) 635-0500. Easy off Highway 50 for Gold River, Rosemont and Mather. Rancho Cordova shop | Rancho Cordova smog coupon

Got a check engine light, or want a pre-test first? Ask for it when you call. Stations must give you an estimate for a pre-test too. See our smog check service page for more. Our guide to dashboard warning lights explains what that light means.

Common questions

How often do I need a smog check in Sacramento?

Every other year at registration renewal, once your car is past its first 8 model years. You also need one when you sell a car more than 4 model years old or register an out-of-state car.

My car is a 2019. Do I need a smog check in 2026?

No. A 2019 skips the renewal smog check in 2026 and gets its first one in 2027 (2019 + 8). Your DMV notice is the final word.

Do hybrids and electric cars need a smog check in California?

Hybrids do, on the same schedule as gas cars. Fully electric vehicles are exempt.

What does "STAR certified station required" mean?

The state wants your car tested at a station that meets BAR's higher STAR standards. Only a STAR station can do that inspection, so call ahead and confirm.

Do smog check prices vary by shop?

Yes. BAR does not regulate smog check pricing, and every station must give you an estimate before it starts. Call your nearest Quality Tune-Up or check our coupons page for the current smog check offer.

Sources: California Bureau of Automotive Repair, "Smog Check: When you need one and what's required" (bar.ca.gov/smog-check), accessed October 2026. Coupon terms from myqualitytuneup.com.