Everything you need to know about how your smog check connects to your DMV registration — and why most people never need to visit the DMV at all.
Here's how it works: we perform your smog inspection and file the certificate with the DMV electronically — same day. Once that's filed, you can complete your registration renewal online at dmv.ca.gov from your couch.
No driving to the DMV. No waiting in line. No taking a number. Just get your smog check done here on upper State Street, go home, and renew online. Your registration sticker arrives in the mail.
The only reasons you'd still need to visit a DMV office in person are for things like title transfers, new licenses, or other transactions that can't be completed online. For a straightforward registration renewal with a smog requirement? We handle the hard part.
If you need to visit a DMV office in person, here are your closest options from our State Street location.
535 Castillo Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
About 10 minutes south of our shop, downtown near the waterfront. This is a full-service DMV field office handling licenses, registration, title transfers, and road tests.
Hours: Mon–Tue, Thu–Fri 8am–5pm. Wed 9am–5pm. Closed weekends.
Tip: Make an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov — walk-in waits can be significant. Wednesday mornings tend to be less crowded since they open later.
7127 Hollister Avenue, Suite 24/26
Goleta, CA 93117
About 15 minutes west on the 101. If you live on the north side of town or closer to Goleta, this office may actually be faster than driving downtown — especially if you're avoiding lower State Street traffic.
Hours: Mon–Tue, Thu–Fri 8am–5pm. Wed 9am–5pm. Closed weekends.
Tip: The Goleta office is generally less busy than the downtown Santa Barbara location. It also has a DMV kiosk on-site for quick registration transactions.
There's also a DMV-authorized partner business at 1433 State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. DMV partners can handle certain registration services — often with shorter wait times than the field office. They may charge an additional service fee. Call ahead at (805) 618-1885 to confirm they can handle your specific transaction.
California requires a smog inspection every other year (every two years) for most gasoline-powered vehicles 1976 and newer, and most diesel vehicles 1998 and newer with a gross weight under 14,000 lbs. The DMV will note the smog requirement on your renewal notice when it's due.
When selling a vehicle, the seller must provide the buyer with a valid smog certificate dated within 90 days of the transfer. This applies to all private-party sales. Dealers handle their own inspections. If you're selling a car, get the smog done before listing it.
Vehicles being registered in California for the first time — whether you moved from another state, purchased a vehicle out of state, or are importing one — need a California smog check before the DMV will issue registration. This is separate from any inspection the vehicle may have passed in its previous state.
First-time California registration for any reason — purchase, gift, inheritance, or transfer from another state — requires a smog inspection. The only exceptions are brand-new vehicles purchased from a dealer (first six years are exempt from biennial testing) and certain specialty vehicles.
Not every vehicle requires testing. Here are the main exemptions under California law.
Brand-new vehicles purchased from a California dealer are exempt from biennial smog testing for the first eight model years. You'll still need one for any change-of-ownership transfer during that period.
Fully electric vehicles (EVs) are exempt from smog testing — they produce zero tailpipe emissions. Plug-in hybrids and standard hybrids still require testing since they have gasoline engines. Santa Barbara has a lot of EVs, so this comes up often.
Gasoline vehicles model year 1975 or older are exempt from smog inspections. Classic car collectors, take note — your vintage ride doesn't need to be tested.
Motorcycles are exempt from California smog testing regardless of model year.
Diesel-powered vehicles model year 1997 or older are exempt. Diesels from 1998 onward with a gross vehicle weight under 14,000 lbs are required to test.
Trailers, off-highway vehicles, and vehicles registered as non-operational (PNO) don't require smog inspections.
After we file your smog certificate, here's how to complete your registration renewal without visiting the DMV.
Come to our upper State Street location. We run the inspection and file your certificate electronically with the DMV the same day.
Visit the DMV website and select "Registration Renewal." You can also use the DMV mobile app. Have your renewal notice or license plate number handy.
The DMV system will confirm your smog certificate is on file. Pay your registration fees with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
Your new registration sticker arrives at your address within 2–3 weeks. You can print a temporary receipt immediately as proof of renewal while you wait.