Who is correct about the certificate of compliance for title transfer?

• A. A government agency can request a certificate of compliance from a Smog Inspection for title transfer purposes
• B. A private party can request a certificate of compliance in any transfer
• C. A certificate of compliance is never required for title transfer
• D. The certificate is automatically issued with every vehicle sale

Answer: (A)

When a title transfer happens, the vehicle’s emissions status must be verified. A certificate of compliance from a smog inspection serves as proof that the vehicle met the required emissions standards (or is exempt), and the entity that can request this certificate is a government agency, most often the DMV, during the title transfer process. That’s why this statement is correct: a government agency can request the certificate for title transfer purposes. Private parties do not have the authority to demand this certificate, it isn’t automatically issued with every sale, and some transfers may not require it if the vehicle is exempt or if the DMV already has the necessary paperwork.