I have seen numerous threads on the Cali emissions requirements and what it takes to pass smog in Cali. I am looking for some info that is a bit different - I hope other Cali owners might be able to assist me.

My 85 GT finally passed smog - I replaced most emissions modules, added carb compliant cat, etc. My problem came when attempting to register the car for the first time in CA from out of state. While doing the vehicle inspection and VIN verification, the agent told me the emissions sticker on the inside of the deck lid was not the right one and therefore he could not process the registration. He said the manufacturer had to provide a sticker saying the car was legal for CA. The sticker on my car references Federal EPA standards but not specifically CA CARB standards. Anybody know where and how I can get this sticker almost 40 years later?

Again - car passed smog no issue. This only came up when registering.

Appreciate any and all thoughts!

Thanks

They are wrong and its a common thing.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/port...lifornia-ffvr-29-pdf

What paperwork have they left you with vin verification?

[This message has been edited by skywurz (edited 04-22-2022).]

Thanks skywurz-

The first linked FAQ you provided sort of says it all. I think it is best I just take it to DMV and let them process it. AAA didn’t seem to have much guidance nor did they leave me with any paperwork. Off to DMV. Appreciate the quick reply.

yeah AAA is not suppose to do out of state or at least they used to not.

Here are 2 different stickers from 2 different cars that used to be registered in CA.



The last time I went to dmv for an out of state vehicle it did not have the sticker and they just wrote missing and moved on. I think the big thing they look for is the CYTALYST part.

Just finished at DMV. You are exactly right - they never even mentioned the sticker. I was in and out in just about an hour. I was reluctant to go spend the time at the DMV until I read the links you provided. So thanks very much. I did two other vehicles at AAA from out of state previously, but they were much more modern so that probably made the difference. But DMV took care of me right away today.

Thanks again for the information.

For future Ref:
Label is called "VECI" tag/label often said Vee chee short for name at the top and Can Not be change to say "Cali Emissions."

All data there is required by Fed rules for 49 states and Fed & Ca for Car made to sell first time in CA.

But Note that the Vac Lines shown are only ones used by E-controls. You can have a few or allot more vac lines depended on car that's not shown and hooked up wrong or leak can cause a lot of headaches.
Brake Booster is a common "not shown" on many car lines but can have way more then that. Vacuum lines to Cruise and heater controls are too.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

The CA DMV has more idiots behind the counter than a McDonalds.