The Five Cities don't have their own DMV — but the good news is, you probably don't need to visit one at all.
Here's how it works: we perform your smog check on East Grand Ave and file the certificate with the DMV electronically — same day. Then you go to dmv.ca.gov and renew your registration online from your kitchen table.
No driving to SLO. No waiting at the Santa Maria DMV. No taking a number. For a standard registration renewal, the entire process — smog check plus online payment — takes under 30 minutes total.
The only reasons you'd need to visit a DMV office in person are for things like title transfers, new licenses, Real ID, or out-of-state license conversions.
3190 S Higuera Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
About 15 minutes north on the 101. Full-service DMV field office — licenses, registration, title transfers, road tests, and a self-serve kiosk.
Hours: Mon–Tue, Thu–Fri 8am–5pm. Wed 9am–5pm. Closed weekends.
Tip: Make an appointment online. The SLO DMV handles all of SLO County, so it can get busy.
523 S McClelland St
Santa Maria, CA 93454
About 20 minutes south on the 101. Another full-service option. If you're heading south anyway, it can be a good alternative to SLO.
Hours: Mon–Tue, Thu–Fri 8am–5pm. Wed 9am–5pm. Closed weekends.
Don't need a full DMV office? There are DMV-authorized partner businesses in Grover Beach that handle registration services with much shorter waits. Check 1206 W Grand Ave (805-474-1518) — right on Grand Ave, just minutes from our shop. DMV partners charge a small service fee but can handle most registration transactions without the drive to SLO. Call ahead to confirm they can handle your specific need.
Most gasoline vehicles 1976+ and diesel vehicles 1998+ (under 14,000 lbs) need a smog check every two years. Your DMV renewal notice will specify if it's required.
Sellers must provide buyers a valid smog certificate dated within 90 days. This applies to all private-party vehicle sales.
Vehicles being registered in California for the first time need a California smog check — regardless of testing in the previous state.
First-time CA registration for any reason requires a smog inspection. New dealer purchases are exempt from biennial testing for eight model years.
Brand-new from a CA dealer — exempt from biennial testing for eight model years. Change-of-ownership may still require it.
Fully electric vehicles are exempt. Plug-in hybrids and standard hybrids still require testing.
Gasoline vehicles model year 1975 or older are exempt from smog testing.
Exempt regardless of model year.
Diesel vehicles 1997 or older are exempt. 1998+ under 14,000 lbs must test.
Trailers, off-highway vehicles, and PNO-registered vehicles don't require testing.
Come to East Grand Ave. We run the test and file your certificate electronically with the DMV same day.
Visit the DMV website or app. Select registration renewal and enter your plate or renewal notice info.
System confirms your smog certificate. Pay online and print a temporary receipt as proof of renewal.
New registration sticker arrives in 2–3 weeks. Total process: under 30 minutes.