How can I get a smog check if I am not in California?

Question

my son is registered in CA but is in Louisiana temporarily and needs to re-register his car. Ideas? Suggestions?

Answer 1

Check with the DMV and see if you can get an extension on the smog check because he is out of state.  A smog check in another state is meaningless in CA because of differing criteria.

Answer 2

The only Smog Check stations acceptable to California DMV are in California.  You will not be able to get a smog certificate in another state.

How long is the car going to be in Louisiana?  If it's less than a month, then California DMV may give you a temporary registration extension (1-2 months) provided that you pay the registration fees on time and explain that the car is currently out-of-state.

If the car is going to be staying in Louisiana for a while, it will probably be simpler to just register the car in Louisiana.

Answer 3

A CA smog check can only be performed in CA.