--- title: Nevada Smog Checks in Washoe County: Who Needs One url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/smog-check/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- Photo: Bohao Zhao, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving to Reno and Sparks: the complete guide](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/) - Nevada smog checks in Washoe County # Nevada smog checks in Washoe County Gasoline vehicles of model year 1968 or newer based in urban Washoe County need an emission test each year, and a test is valid for 90 days. New vehicles skip the test on their first three registrations, and hybrids are exempt for five model years. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) Nevada calls it the Emission Control Program, and in the Reno and Sparks area it applies to most vehicles that move here from out of state. The test is usually a short stop, but it has to come before registration, and a check-engine light can turn it into a longer errand. ## Which vehicles need a test According to the Nevada DMV, a vehicle needs a test if it is based in the urban areas of Clark or Washoe County and meets all of these conditions. - Model year 1968 or newer. - Gasoline powered, regardless of weight or size, or diesel powered with a gross vehicle weight rating up to 14,000 pounds. - At its fourth registration or later. The first three registrations of a new vehicle are exempt. - A hybrid in its sixth model year or later. Hybrids are exempt for the first five. Exempt categories also include vehicles from 1967 or older, motorcycles and mopeds, electric vehicles, and vehicles based in remote areas of Washoe and Clark counties or in other Nevada counties. Compare your vehicle's model year, fuel type and registration history with the DMV's list before you decide whether you need the test. ## Timing A passing test is valid for 90 days, or 180 days when it comes from a Nevada dealer. Because registration is due within 30 days of becoming a resident, schedule the test in your first week, after the vehicle is parked at your new address and after any long drive that included a repair. ## The check-engine light The DMV's advice is to get tested even if the light is on, since a failing result is the first step in the waiver process. A loose gas cap is one of the most common causes. A flashing light means a serious malfunction, and the DMV says to pull over and stop driving. After repairs or a battery replacement, do not rush. A 1996 or newer vehicle may need to be driven under varying conditions for up to a week so its onboard diagnostics can finish checking, and until then the test may read Rejected. Rejected is not the same as failed. ## If the vehicle fails A failed vehicle must be repaired and retested. If it still fails after qualifying repairs, a waiver may be available, valid for one year, with repair spending requirements that the DMV sets. Waivers are not issued to smoking vehicles, to vehicles tampered with, or to vehicles covered by warranty. Read the waiver rules on the DMV site before paying for repairs. ## Where it fits in your move The test report goes in the registration packet with your insurance and VIN inspection. The [vehicle registration page](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/vehicle-registration/) lists the full set, and the [license page](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/drivers-license/) covers the other 30 day task. If your household is moving by truck and the car is following on its own, keep the test report with the rest of your papers rather than packing it in a box. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [Nevada DMV, Emission Control Program](https://dmv.nv.gov/emission.htm) - [Nevada DMV, New Resident Guide](https://dmv.nv.gov/newresident.htm) ### Licensed movers U.S. DOT No. 30611 MC-109375 Nevada CPCN 1070 Cal PUC T-90973 (as published by O'Brien's) Bekins Van Lines interstate agent since 1955 [Check our USDOT record](https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/query.asp?searchtype=ANY&query_type=queryCarrierSnapshot&query_param=USDOT&query_string=30611) · [Ready to Move? (FMCSA)](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/ReadytoMoveBrochure_2022Update.pdf) [Licenses and authority](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Registering your car in Nevada](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/vehicle-registration/) - [Getting a Nevada driver's license and REAL ID](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/drivers-license/) - [New Nevada resident checklist: first 30, 60, 90 days](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/new-resident-checklist/) Moving to Reno guides ## Read next - [Setting up utilities in Reno and Sparks](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/utilities/) - [Schools and enrolling kids (Washoe County School District)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/schools/) - [Registering to vote in Nevada](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/voter-registration/) - [The Nevada homestead exemption](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/homestead-exemption/) - [Reno weather and climate by month](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/weather-and-climate/) - [Living at 4,500 feet: altitude and moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/altitude/) - [Winter driving and chain controls around Reno and Tahoe](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/winter-driving/) - [Wildfire smoke season: what newcomers should know](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/wildfire-smoke-season/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Do I need a smog check to register my car in Reno? If your vehicle is a gasoline model from 1968 or newer based in urban Washoe County and past its third registration, yes. The DMV's list of exempt vehicles applies to the rest. ### How long is a Nevada emission test valid? Ninety days for a standard test and 180 days when the test comes from a Nevada dealer sale. ### Do electric cars need a test? No. The DMV lists electric vehicles and vehicles that run permanently on non-emitting power among the exempt vehicles. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) M Michelle C. August 28, 2024 Extremely happy with the moving experience. The moving team showed up on time, friendly and polite. They did a wonderful job moving our boxes and furniture to the new location. We moved a three bedroom home and I could not be more pleased with the employees who assisted with the move. Highly recommend O'Brien moving for your move. ### Owner's reply Michelle, thank you so much for taking the time to write this review. We are so happy to hear about the move experience you had with our company and glad to know we met your expectations! It means a lot to us to know that. Thank you for choosing us as your moving partner. S Sonia P. August 4, 2023 Talk about organized people. I peeked in the truck about an hour into the job and was amazed at how well organized it was and how many of my things had protective coverings. Our bed is a mechanical one and a nightmare to us, but these guys had no issue with it at all. Although I have no desire to ever move again--but if I did, I would be calling these guys for sure!!! J Jennifer C. August 3, 2023 Customer service, packers, and loaders were very responsive, professional, and did an overall great job. ## Get a long-distance estimate Tell us where you are going. The estimate for a long-distance move starts with a survey of your Reno-area home. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070