Smog Certification California law requires the inspection and certification of most vehicle emission control systems every other year upon renewal of registration. This is called the biennial (every other year) smog requirement. If you are renewing your registration during a biennial period, a smog exemption for the family member transfer does not apply.
How Is a Family Member Transfer Different from a Regular Transfer? There are three primary differences between regular transfers and family member transfers: 1. A regular transfer requires smog certification in most cases before the vehicle can be registered in the new owner's name. A family member transfer does not require smog certification (See Smog Certification section) if the vehicle is currently registered and the biennial smog inspection is not due. 2. On a regular transfer, use tax based on the purchase price of the vehicle is due at the time of transfer. A family transfer is exempt from use tax with the exception of a transfer between siblings who are not minors. Transfers between siblings are exempt from smog certification regardless of age, unless a biennial smog is required.