Hypothetical situation. It's been 1 year since someone has had a smog, so another year until they need another one. However, they happen to be at an easier place than they've ever been in their build for smog prep, and it will likely be considerably harder in a year. They also prefer to avoid the "special smog shop" route. Does anyone know of anyone who has had success with shifting their smog date or something similar? I'm thinking they could sell their car to a family member (triggering smog) and then have it gifted back to them sometime in the future (which wouldn't trigger smog). Any other ideas? Asking for a friend.

 

Transferring the vehicle between owners within California does not change the biennial smog date.

--Ian

 

Ni Smog within family either even when “selling” until it’s actually due

 

Okay, and a smog is good for 90 days right? So one could hypothetically get it done a month or two before the expected renewal+smog letter?

 

I do believe it is 90 days.

 

From DMV's site:

So yes

 

Alternately, you could try to register the car in a non-smog county. I'm not sure if it needs a smog now when you change the address, but it'd also save the time and money every two years.
Per https://www.dmv.org/ca-california/smog-check.php.

 

But he has to have an established residence there I believe. He can't just show up in any county's DMV and register it smog free.

 

I need to clarify on my point. If you have friends or family with an address in one of those counties, it can be done. It can't be a PO box, and you need to go and get the registration when they mail it to the address.