Renewing your registration with the smog check
Ask about renewing your registration in the same visit. The DMV allows an emission station to renew your registration while it does the smog check, updating your record instantly for up to $10 extra.
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- No appointment needed
- Located inside Xpress Oil & Lube Center
- Two Reno service centers
- Results go to the DMV electronically
Combining the two saves a stop. These answers rely on the DMV's registration renewal page and on what Google reviews of both Reno service centers say about renewing during a smog check.
Can I renew while I get the smog check?
The DMV lists the emission station as a renewal option: renew while getting the smog check. Ask about renewing your registration in the same visit, and the service center will tell you how it works that day.
Is my record updated right away?
The DMV says the record is updated instantly when the renewal is done at an emission station.
What arrives in the mail afterward?
The DMV says the decal and certificate are mailed to you, so there is nothing to pick up at the counter.
What should I bring?
The DMV's checklist says to bring your renewal notice. Have the odometer reading ready too, since the DMV asks for it at renewal.
How can I pay?
The DMV lists cash, check or card for a renewal at an emission station.
Is there an extra charge?
The DMV allows an emission station that offers renewal to charge up to $10 for the service. Call either service center to ask what applies to you.
Why will I get two receipts?
One receipt covers the smog check and the other covers the DMV renewal. They are separate payments, and the DMV asks stations to keep them apart.
Does every registration qualify?
No. The DMV says classic plates cannot be renewed by internet, emission station or kiosk. Those must be renewed in person with documents.
What are the other ways to renew?
Online, at a DMV Now kiosk, or in person at the DMV. The DMV says to renew about 35 days before expiration, and you can still renew up to 18 months afterward with late fees.
What happens if the vehicle does not pass?
The renewal waits until you have a passing result. See after a failed test for what to do next.
Can I renew if my registration has already expired?
The DMV allows renewal from about 35 days before expiration up to 18 months after, with late fees after the date passes. Bring the renewal notice if you still have it, and ask the service center what applies to your case.
Why do drivers like renewing during the test?
Google reviews of the two Reno service centers mention smog checks and registration renewal handled together by the staff, including submitting the state payment. That is the convenience the DMV's emission station option is built for.
One visit, two jobs
Arrive with the renewal notice and a way to pay. After the test, ask whether the service center can finish the renewal for you. The registration renewal page shows the full picture, including the other ways to renew.
If you would rather renew yourself, the DMV's online, kiosk and in-person options remain open. The station option simply folds the renewal into a trip you were making anyway.
Whichever route you pick, keep the smog report and both receipts together until the new decal arrives, and remember that the DMV holds you responsible for renewing on time whether or not a notice reached you. Both Reno locations are open Monday through Saturday, with Sunday closed, so a Saturday morning visit works for many people.
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/registervehicle.htm (Nevada DMV Register a Vehicle; 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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Located inside Xpress Oil & Lube Center
Both smog check locations sit inside an Xpress Oil & Lube Center, the locally owned Reno drive-in that has served this town since 1983. Drive in, no appointment; get your oil changed in the same visit.
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Two Reno locations, no appointment
Drive in for your smog check. No appointment.
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