It's true, there is a difference with California legal and Federal legal
emission requirements. And, for the most part California is stricter.
However, a USED vehicle (your Nissan for instance) which has all the Federal
required emission components, can pass the California smog inspection
process and be legally registered in this state. It is true that California
cars have different, and in some cases more, emission components then
Federal cars, but this does not mean that these cars can't be registered in
California. A vehicle which is equipped with the necessary Federal Emission
Components is eligible for California registration as long as the vehicle's
exhaust emissions fall within California's limits. Upon the initial smog
inspection, a smog check will be required once every two years.
Your Nissan's registration can not be completed with out a smog certificate
and up to one month's time can be given for completion after you move to the
state. You're first step should be to take your 200sx to a reputable smog
station and obtain a California Smog Inspection. Your vehicle should only
require a regular smog check, which may be obtained at either a Test Only
smog station or Test & Repair. Next you will need to visit the DMV and
present the vehicle title and smog certificate to the DMV agent. They will
then register the car. You will also have to show proof of liability
insurance.
