What you need to know about Pasadena smog testing

Pasadena requires a smog test (also called an emissions test) every two years for most vehicles, and annually for vehicles model year 1975 and older. You can take your test at any Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) certified smog station in California — not just in Pasadena. The test itself takes about 10 to 30 minutes and costs between $30 and $70 depending on the station and your vehicle type.

Your vehicle must pass the test to renew your registration. If it fails, you have 30 days to fix the problem and retest at no additional charge at the same station. The smog station sends your passing results directly to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), so you do not need to bring paperwork to the DMV yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • Pasadena requires smog tests every two years for most vehicles, and you can take the test at any BAR-certified station in California, not just in Pasadena.
  • The test costs $30 to $70 and takes 10 to 30 minutes; the station reports your results directly to the DMV.
  • Your vehicle must be in running condition and have a working check engine light to pass inspection.
  • If you fail, you have 30 days to repair and retest for free at the same station.
  • You can find certified stations through the BAR website or by searching online for "smog test near me" in your area.

When your Pasadena vehicle needs a smog test

Your smog test is due every two years if your vehicle is model year 1975 or newer. Vehicles model year 1974 and older require testing every year. The test is required when you renew your registration, so check your registration renewal notice to see the important date.

New vehicles (current model year) are exempt from smog testing for the first six years of registration. If you buy a used vehicle, you will need a smog test before you can register it in California, even if the previous owner had just tested it.

Vehicles registered outside California do not need a Pasadena smog test until they are registered in California. Once registered here, you follow the same two-year or annual schedule as any other vehicle.

Finding a certified smog station in or near Pasadena

The Bureau of Automotive Repair maintains a searchable list of certified smog stations on its website at bar.ca.gov. You can search by zip code or city name. Pasadena has multiple certified stations, and you can also use stations in nearby cities like South Pasadena, Altadena, or Arcadia if they are more convenient.

When you call ahead, ask whether the station tests your vehicle type (some specialize in certain makes or model years) and whether they have same-day appointments. Many stations operate on a walk-in basis, but calling first can save you a trip if they are busy.

The station you choose will be the same station where you must return if you fail and need to retest, so pick one with convenient hours and location for a potential second visit.

What to bring and how to prepare your vehicle

Bring your vehicle registration or renewal notice and a valid photo ID. The smog station will record your vehicle identification number (VIN) and mileage, so have those ready. You do not need to bring your smog certificate from your last test.

Your vehicle must be in running condition and have a functioning check engine light. If your check engine light is on or stuck off, the station will fail your test because they cannot verify the light is working. If the light is stuck on, you will need to have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic trouble codes before testing.

Your vehicle should have been driven at least 20 miles since the last cold start to warm up the engine and catalytic converter. Avoid getting a smog test when ready after starting a cold vehicle, as this can produce inaccurate results.

What happens during the smog test

The technician will visually inspect your vehicle's emissions equipment, including the catalytic converter, air filter, and oxygen sensors. They will check that nothing has been removed or tampered with. Then they will connect your vehicle to a dynamometer (a machine that measures emissions) and run it through a standardized test cycle.

For most vehicles, the test measures hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides. The machine prints out your results on the spot. If your vehicle passes, the technician will give you a receipt and send the results to the DMV electronically.

If your vehicle fails, you will receive a detailed report showing which emissions exceeded the limit. The station is required to give you this report and explain what repairs might fix the problem, though they do not diagnose the specific cause.

What to do if your vehicle fails the smog test

You have 30 days from the test date to repair your vehicle and retest at the same station at no charge. The station will keep your test results on file and waive the retest fee if you return within this window.

The smog station report will tell you which emissions were too high, but it will not tell you which part is broken. You will need to take your vehicle to a repair shop — not necessarily the smog station — to diagnose the problem. Common repairs include replacing the oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, or air filter, or fixing a vacuum leak.

If repairs cost more than a certain amount (this threshold varies by vehicle age and type), you may be may be able to access for the Smog Check Repair information Program, which can help cover costs. Ask the smog station or your repair shop about this program if you are concerned about repair expenses.

After you pass: registration and your smog certificate

Once you pass, the smog station sends your results to the DMV automatically. You do not need to pick up a paper certificate or bring anything to the DMV. Your passing test is linked to your vehicle's registration record.

When you renew your registration online or at the DMV, the system will show that your smog test has been completed. You can renew your registration when ready after passing, or wait until closer to your renewal important date.

Keep your smog test receipt for your records, even though you do not need it for the DMV. If there is ever a question about whether your test was completed, the receipt and the station's name are proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my smog test before my renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You can take your test up to 90 days before your registration expires. The test results are valid for that entire 90-day window, so you can test early and renew your registration whenever you are ready within that timeframe.

What if I take my vehicle to a smog station and they say it cannot be tested?

A station may refuse to test if your vehicle is not running, the check engine light is stuck on or off, or the vehicle is unsafe to drive. In this case, you will need to repair the vehicle first and return to the same station. Ask the technician what specific problem prevents testing so you know what to fix.

Do I have to use a Pasadena smog station, or can I test in another city?

You can use any BAR-certified station in California. Many people test near their workplace or in a nearby city if it is more convenient. The location of the station does not matter — only that it is certified and your vehicle passes.

What if my vehicle is too old to pass a smog test?

Vehicles that repeatedly fail may be may be able to access for the Consumer information Program, which can help with repairs or, in some cases, vehicle replacement. Contact the Bureau of Automotive Repair or your local air quality management district to learn whether your vehicle qualifies.

How long does it take for the DMV to see my passing smog test result?

The station sends results electronically, and they usually appear in the DMV system within one business day. You can renew your registration online or at the DMV as soon as you have your receipt from the station.