Type a VIN, see the smog test it needs
Know whether a car needs a California smog check, and which test, before it reaches the bay. It’s free, with no account.
Or try a sample car
Sample car
2012 Nissan Altima
VIN1N4AL2AP0CN512874
Needs a smog check
OIS test
Plug the analyzer into the car's OBD port. No tailpipe probe.
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 4 cyl
- Model year
- 2012
Your analyzer has the final word.
Reason for the check
Tap Renewal, Transfer or Out of state to see the answer change.
How it works
You type the VIN
17 letters and numbers, from the dashboard, the door jamb or the registration.
NHTSA decodes it
The U.S. government’s free vehicle database (NHTSA vPIC) gives the model year, the fuel and the engine.
BAR’s rules pick the test
The same rules SmogScanner uses at the counter, from BAR’s Smog Check Manual and the DMV.
You see the answer
Needs a smog check and which test, exempt and why, or can’t tell. Your analyzer has the final word.
Common questions
Is the VIN check free?
Yes. Checking a VIN here is free, and so is scanning VINs in the SmogScanner app.
Is the answer always right?
It’s a guide. The car’s details come from NHTSA and the test comes from BAR’s rules. Your BAR analyzer has the final word.
Where do I find the VIN?
On the dashboard by the windshield, on the driver’s door jamb, or on the registration.
Why does an older car say ASM or TSI?
For 1976–1999 gasoline cars it depends on your station’s program area: ASM in Enhanced areas, two-speed idle in Basic and Change of Ownership areas. In the app you set your area once.
Does the reason for the check matter?
Yes. A gasoline car four model years old or newer skips the smog check when it’s sold, and one less than eight model years old skips it at renewal. Tap Renewal, Transfer or Out of state to see the answer change.