The renewal notice and the smog line on it
Your Nevada renewal notice tells you whether a smog check is required for the coming registration year, and you bring it along when you renew at an emission station. If no notice arrives, you are still responsible for renewing on time.
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The notice from the DMV is the document that sets this whole trip in motion. Here is how drivers usually put it to work, based on the DMV's registration renewal page.
Where on the notice do I find the smog requirement?
The notice states whether a smog check is required for that renewal. When it says so, a passing result needs to be on file before the DMV completes the renewal, which is why the test comes first.
The notice says Smog Check Required but my plates are classic. Do I still test?
The DMV says classic plate notices still print Smog Check Required, but alternate renewal methods work for those plates. Classic plates cannot be renewed by internet, emission station or kiosk, only in person with documents. See classic and exempt vehicles.
Do I have to bring the notice to the station?
The DMV's emission station checklist says to bring your renewal notice. It puts your plate and vehicle details in one place, and it is needed if you want the station to handle the renewal along with the test.
What if I never got a notice?
The DMV is clear that you are responsible for renewing on time even when no notice arrives. Look at the expiration date on your current registration and plan the smog check ahead of it.
How early can I renew?
About 35 days before the expiration date. The DMV also lets you renew up to 18 months after expiration, with late fees, but the cleaner path is to renew before the date passes.
Does the notice say anything about vehicle weight?
The DMV notes that a diesel's manufacturer weight rating decides whether it is tested, and that this can differ from the declared weight used for fees, so it tells owners to check the notice. If your truck is a diesel, call the service center before you bring it.
What if I think my vehicle is exempt but the notice disagrees?
The notice reflects what the DMV has on record. If you believe your vehicle qualifies for an exemption that the notice does not show, the Reno DMV Emissions Lab at (775) 684-3580 is the office to ask. You can also try our smog check helper first.
What else should I have ready at renewal?
The odometer reading, which the DMV asks for, plus the notice and your payment. For a renewal handled at an emission station the DMV lists cash, check or card.
Does the DMV get the smog result for me?
Yes. The result of the test is sent to the Nevada DMV electronically, so the system can see your pass when the renewal is processed.
Can I test before the notice comes?
Yes. A passing test is good for 90 days, and testing early leaves time for repairs if something fails.
Notice in hand, next steps
Read the expiration date, find the smog line, and plan the test inside the 90 days before you want to renew. Both Reno locations take drive-ins during posted hours, Monday through Saturday.
The renewal step by step guide lays out the whole sequence from the notice to the new decal.
Sources
- dmv.nv.gov/regrenewal.htm (Nevada DMV Registration Renewal; read 10/19/26)
- dmv.nv.gov/emission.htm (Nevada DMV Emission Control Program; read 10/19/26)
- dmv.nv.gov/emission_obd.htm (Nevada DMV On-Board Diagnostics page; read 10/19/26)
More questions by topic
Who needs a smog check in NevadaWhere in Washoe County a test is requiredThe renewal notice and the smog line on itYour result and the DMV linkHow long a passing test is good forRenewing your registration with the smog checkWhat a smog check costsDriving in without an appointmentHours and the quiet times to come inWhich service center to useAn oil change in the same visitCheck engine light questionsAfter a failed testSmog waiver questionsNot ready and rejected resultsAfter a battery change or a repairGas caps and small fixes before a testInsurance trackers and OBD port devicesNew vehicles and the first three registrationsHybrid and electric vehicle questionsDiesel truck questionsMotorhomes and heavier gas trucksClassic car and Old Timer plate questionsMotorcycles and other exempt vehiclesMoving to Reno or SparksLeaving Nevada or living away part of the yearMilitary members and studentsPrivate party salesBuying from a Nevada dealerSmoking vehicles and visible exhaustEngine swaps and modified vehiclesRegistered outside the Washoe testing area
Your location: Reno South
- Call(775) 828-6996Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm, Sat 8 am-3 pm, Sun closed
- Address4993 Longley Ln, Reno, NV 89502
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Two Reno locations inside Xpress Oil & Lube Center. Questions first? Send the form and the location you pick answers during business hours.
4.7 stars from 550 Google reviews of the two Reno Xpress Oil & Lube Centers
- No appointment needed
- Located inside Xpress Oil & Lube Center
- Two Reno service centers
- Results go to the DMV electronically