Certificates last 90 days
A passing smog certificate is generally valid for 90 days for a change of ownership.
Failed smog
Run by Hassan IlyasSouthern California car buyer · 109K+ YouTube views
Failed smog? Skip the repair bill.
California smog repairs can cost more than an older car is worth. Get a cash offer for the car as it is, and let us deal with it from here.
- No smog repairs
- Free pickup
- Paid at pickup
- No fees
Run by Hassan IlyasSouthern California car buyer · 109K+ YouTube views
Get your cash offer
Takes about two minutes. Costs nothing.
Your details go to Carquired only. We never sell or share them.
- LookupPlate or VINWe pull the year, make, model and trim so you skip the typing.
- OfferA number in minutesBased on live market data for your exact car and miles.
- PickupFrom your drivewayHome, work, or wherever the car is parked. No trip to a lot.
- PaymentPaid on the spotSign the title, hand over the keys, get paid. That is it.
California smog rules
What a failed smog check means for selling.
In a private sale in California, the seller is generally responsible for providing a valid smog certificate. That catches a lot of people out. If your car fails, you cannot just hand it to a private buyer and let them sort it out, and many will not buy it at all.
Smog failures range from a cheap fix, like a loose gas cap or a sensor, to expensive ones like a catalytic converter replacement or engine work. The state’s Consumer Assistance Program can help some owners with repair costs or vehicle retirement, but it has eligibility rules and takes time.
If you would rather not spend more on the car, sell it to us as it is. Tell us it failed smog on the form and, if you have it, what the report said. We price it accordingly and you do not have to fix anything.
Smog basics
Smog check facts every California seller should know.
Newer cars are different
Gas vehicles four or fewer model years old usually do not need a smog certificate when sold. A smog transfer fee is paid instead.
Some vehicles are exempt
Electric vehicles, gas vehicles from 1975 and older, and some others are exempt. Check the DMV and Bureau of Automotive Repair for your car.
Catalytic converter theft
A stolen converter means an automatic smog failure. We buy cars missing converters too. Just say so on the form.
What we buy
We buy more than clean, paid-off cars.
Whatever shape your car is in, the form takes about two minutes. These pages explain how each situation works.
Questions
Good questions, straight answers.
Not seeing yours? Start the form anyway. A real person reviews every offer and will answer anything when they reach out.
Can I sell a car that failed smog in California?
Yes, to a buyer like us. Tell us it failed on the form and we price it as it is.
Do I need to pass smog before you buy my car?
No. Get your offer first. We will tell you if anything is needed for your specific car.
Is it worth fixing the smog problem first?
Sometimes. If the fix is cheap, like a gas cap, do it. If it is a converter or engine work, compare the repair quote with our offer.
My catalytic converter was stolen. Can I still sell?
Yes. Tell us on the form and it will be priced in.
Areas we serve
Where we buy
Free pickup across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties.
Find out what your car is worth today.
Two minutes, your plate number, and you will know. No fees, no pressure, no obligation.
Hassan IlyasOwner, Carquired