What Long Beach requires for smog checks

Long Beach follows California's statewide smog check program, which means your vehicle must pass an emissions test before you can register or renew registration. The test itself is the same across the state — a technician plugs a diagnostic machine into your vehicle's onboard computer to measure tailpipe emissions. What differs in Long Beach is which vehicles need testing and when, based on your vehicle's age and the type of engine it has.

Most vehicles registered in Long Beach need a smog check every two years. Vehicles that are four model years old or newer are exempt. Diesel vehicles have different rules: those under 14,001 pounds need testing every year, while heavier diesel trucks follow a separate schedule. If your vehicle is brand new to California registration, you may not need a test for the first registration, but you will need one for renewal.

The test costs between $30 and $70 depending on which smog station you choose. You cannot use the same station two years in a row — California requires you to alternate between different stations to prevent fraud. The test itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Long Beach vehicles need a smog check every two years, but vehicles four model years old or newer are exempt from testing.
  • The test measures your vehicle's emissions through a diagnostic machine connected to your onboard computer and costs $30 to $70.
  • You must use a different smog station each time you test — you cannot return to the same station two years in a row.
  • Your vehicle must pass the test before you can complete registration or renewal with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • If your vehicle fails, you have 30 days to repair it and retest at no additional charge at the same station.

Finding a smog check station in Long Beach

The California Bureau of Automotive Repair maintains an official list of licensed smog stations. You can search by ZIP code on their website at bar.ca.gov to find stations near you in Long Beach. The search tool shows you the station's address, phone number, and hours. Call ahead before you go — some stations fill up during peak hours and may ask you to come back later or make an appointment.

Many independent mechanics and tire shops in Long Beach are licensed to perform smog checks. You do not have to go to a dealership. In fact, dealerships often charge more than independent stations for the same test. Ask for the smog check price when you call, and compare a few stations before you choose.

What happens if your vehicle fails the smog check

If your vehicle fails the test, the technician will give you a printed report showing which emissions standards it did not meet. You have 30 days from the test date to repair the vehicle and retest at the same station at no charge. The station must offer this free retest — it is required by California law.

Common reasons for failure include a faulty oxygen sensor, a loose gas cap, a bad catalytic converter, or an engine problem that triggers the check engine light. Some repairs are inexpensive (a gas cap costs $10 to $20), while others are costly (a catalytic converter can run $500 to $1,500). If you are unsure what is wrong, take the failure report to a trusted mechanic and ask them to diagnose the problem before you authorize repairs.

If you cannot afford the repair, Long Beach residents may be able to get help through California's Consumer information Program, which provides repair information or vehicle replacement for low-income owners whose vehicles fail smog checks. You can learn more through the California Air Resources Board website.

Timing your smog check before registration renewal

Your smog check is valid for 30 days. The test date on your report is the date that counts — you have 30 days from that date to submit your results to the DMV as part of your registration renewal. Do not wait until the last day of your registration to get tested, because if you fail, you will not have time to repair and retest within the 30-day window.

Plan to get your smog check at least 45 days before your registration expires. This gives you time to test, fail if needed, repair, and retest without rushing. Once you pass, you can renew your registration online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. You will need to provide your smog check report number or upload a copy of the passing report.

Vehicles exempt from Long Beach smog checks

Vehicles that are four model years old or newer do not need a smog check in California, including Long Beach. For example, if the current year is 2024, vehicles from 2021 and newer are exempt. This changes each January 1st when the model year cutoff moves forward.

Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are also exempt from smog checks, since they produce zero or very low tailpipe emissions. Motorcycles and motorized bicycles have their own separate inspection rules and are not part of the standard smog check program. If you are unsure whether your vehicle is exempt, the California Bureau of Automotive Repair website has a tool to check your specific vehicle.

Smog check requirements when buying a used vehicle in Long Beach

If you buy a used vehicle in California, the seller must provide a smog check report dated within 90 days of the sale. The seller is responsible for getting the test done and passing it before they can legally sell the vehicle to you. You cannot register a used vehicle without a passing smog check report from the seller, even if the vehicle is exempt from future testing.

When you buy the vehicle, ask the seller for the original smog check report. Keep it with your purchase paperwork. If the seller cannot provide a report, do not complete the purchase until they do — you will not be able to register the vehicle without it. Once you own the vehicle and register it in your name, you follow the standard testing schedule based on your vehicle's age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a smog check waiver if my vehicle keeps failing?

California offers a smog check waiver for vehicles that fail twice in a row despite repairs costing $500 or more. You must have repair receipts showing the work done. Contact the California Bureau of Automotive Repair to request a waiver process. The waiver is temporary and usually lasts one or two years, after which you must test again.

What if I move out of Long Beach but still own a vehicle registered here?

Your vehicle still needs to pass a California smog check before you can renew registration, even if you move to another state. However, if you register your vehicle in a different state, you follow that state's emissions rules instead. Contact the DMV to update your address and learn about re-registration in your new state.

Do I need a smog check if I only drive my vehicle occasionally?

Yes. Smog check requirements are based on your vehicle's registration, not how often you drive it. If your vehicle is registered in California and is not exempt by age, you must pass a smog check every two years to renew your registration, regardless of mileage or how frequently you use the vehicle.

Can I renew my registration without a smog check?

No, unless your vehicle is exempt by age. The DMV will not process your registration renewal without a passing smog check report. If your registration expires before you get tested, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. Plan ahead and test at least 45 days before your expiration date.