Tried to register my new car, needed smog, failed functional check but passed visual and emissions

Question

can i just mail in all these papers to the dmv in sacramento and get a temporary license via mail? or do i have to get it from the DMV office. thanks

Answer 1

FIND MORE INFO AT http://www.SmogTips.com

Here's what you can do.... and BTW... this must be done at a local DMV branch... Go ahead and pay the registration fees and get your "half way papers" (Not valid registration, but an attempt to show responsibility plus not be charged late fees). You may then explain to the DMV agent your vehicle's repair situation and ask for at least a 30 day "Temporary Registration" Tag. This is a Red 5 x 4 Card. You can post this on your vehicle's rear window, and drive your vehicle legally for 30 days or more, depending on the Temporary Tags you are given.

I hope this information is helpful to you. If there is anything we can help with in the future, don't hesitate to e-mail.

Sincerely,

Alec - SmogTips Support

Answer 2

There is no "almost" in smog tests.  You will not get tags until your car passes smog fully.  Find out why it didn't pass smog and fix it.

Passing emissions means there wasn't anything obviously wrong with the exhaust coming out the tailpipe.  (there could still be problems that the test can't detect).

Passing visual means none of the smog equipment is obviously missing.

Failing functional means some of the equipment didn't work when they tested it... and/or the "Check engine" aka "Service engine soon" light was on. I'm sure you would've mentioned the light, though.