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How do I know if my car needs a smog check?

I’ve heard of a smog check for your car before, but I don’t really know what that entails or when my car needs to get one. How do I know if my car needs a smog check?

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Andrew Biro · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Great question! In general, a recently sold car needs a smog check before or immediately after the sale. After this initial smog check, you’ll need to consult your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to determine when future smog checks must be scheduled.
You’ll be able to find out if and when your car needs a smog check based on your vehicle year, make, model, and the number of miles you’ve driven within the past 12 months.
If you find that your vehicle needs to undergo a smog check, you can find an authorized testing site on your state’s DMV website and schedule an appointment—make sure to bring your vehicle license and registration with you.
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