Join the community and post your question. Use our Ask-A-Tech for free now! ASE experts standing by.

Forum > Failed Smog Test > Question

I qualify for CAP repair assitance. How do I pay my DMV registration in the meantime? 2003 Nissan Xterra.

My car failed smog on hydrocarbons HC by only 10 parts per million; it was at 126 instead of 116. I took it to my mechanic and he made some adjustments but the retest failed by a similar amount. The mechanic tells me that the car needs $400-$500 worth of work and I don't have that kind of money. I do qualify for the repair assistance and I see the application online. It says I must pay all DMV registration fees before I can qualify for the CAP repair assistance. I thought that the DMV doesn't accept payment until after you pass smog? How do I pay DMV/proceed?
Answer:

The DMV will accept your registration renewal payment at anytime. The difference is, when you don't have a passing smog check or smog certificate, they will not complete the renewal; they will give you "half-way" papers. You will get a completed registration renewal after your vehicle passes the smog check. Your vehicles smog check results will be sent to the DMV from the smog station electronically, and the DMV will mail you your vehicle's tags (if all other DMV requirements have been met), or you may visit a DMV field office to pick them up. posted by SmogTips Support

Related questions and answers you might find useful:

How Do I Get a Smog Check Waiver? by Margaret

Do I Need a Smog Check This Year? by Joy

Mini Cooper DMV Registration Due in 5 Day Won't Pass Smog by anne

2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with K&N Air Filter by David

1995 BMW M3 Gross Polluter High HC & NO @ 15MPH by Jared

View SmogTips.com in: Desktop / Mobile