CA people who have sold a car, quick Q

[gault]

I'll probably sell my almost-broken car in the next few days. I have a pretty good handle on what I need to do vs what the buyer needs to do, except for the smog certification.

It's been checked and cleared every two years, per the CA law. It says I need a smog certificate when transferring the vehicle. Does the previous smog check count for that, or do I have to get it checked all over again and present THAT certificate to the new owner when everything is said and done?

Yes, I've checked the DMV website. It says you can get a certificate that is valid within 90 days of selling the car. Does that mean a NEW certification, or something from the DMV stating that my car HAS been checked and is clean until the two-year checkup is due?

[fussbucket]

Hm I wish I could be of more help, but I have only acquired a used car from someone else, never sold one except for trading said car in for a new car and that car was going straight to the crusher, not to be driven again.

My recollection is that to transfer title and register the car to me, I didn't have to do anything special WRT getting it smogged, but this was 10 years ago and things could have changed.

The way I read this:
dmv.ca.gov/vr/smogfaq.htm#BM2537

When a car is sold, who is responsible for the inspection?

The seller is required to provide the buyer with a valid smog inspection certification at the time of the sale or transfer. Smog certifications are good for 90 days from the date of issuance.

The inspection is not required on a transfer if a biennial smog certification was submitted to DMV within 90 days prior to the vehicle transfer date (a vehicle inspection report may be required for proof of certification).

NOTE: Smog certifications are not required for transfers that occur for a gasoline powered motor vehicle that is four or less model years old. (Determine the oldest-qualifying year model by subtracting three from the current year) the four or less model years old rule does not apply to diesel powered vehicles. A smog transfer fee will be collected from the new owner.

You need to get a new smog cert to present to the buyer, if your previous one is older than 90 days.

[kirac]

Yep, I had to get a new smog check.

[gault]

Damn. Thanks, guys. Just wanted to double-check. Getting it smogged again tomorrow.