Short answer: You download the Clean Truck Check compliance certificate from your CTC-VIS account (cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov). It becomes available when three things are in place: the vehicle is reported, the annual fee has cleared (about 1–2 business days for a card, up to 7 for an eCheck) and a passing test from a CARB-credentialed tester is on file. The DMV record can then take another 3–5 business days to update. Testers do not issue the certificate; CARB does, through CTC-VIS.
The four things a certificate needs
| Requirement | Where it happens | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle reported | CTC-VIS (owner account) | Same day |
| Annual fee paid ($32.13 in 2026, $33.12 in 2027) | CTC-VIS, card or TeleCheck eCheck | Card 1–2 business days, eCheck 5–7 |
| Passing emissions test | A CARB-credentialed tester submits it | Same day to a few days |
| No outstanding violations | CTC-VIS | Varies |
Step by step
- Log in to CTC-VIS and open the vehicle. Check that the VIN and plate are right.
- Pay the fee if it shows as due. It is due at the first compliance deadline of each year.
- Get tested by a credentialed tester within 90 days before the deadline. Find a tester near you.
- Wait for the test and payment to post, then download the certificate from the vehicle's page in CTC-VIS.
- Keep a copy (PDF or printed) in the truck and with your records. Ports and railyards may check compliance at the gate.
Plan for about a week between the test and the DMV seeing it, so do not test on the day your registration expires.
DMV registration hold (SB 210 / Q212)
If the DMV will not renew your registration because of Clean Truck Check, the hold shows as SB 210 / Q212. To clear it:
- Find the missing item in CTC-VIS: an unreported vehicle, an unpaid fee or a missing passing test.
- Fix it (report, pay or test).
- Download the certificate, then allow 3–5 business days for the DMV record to update.
- Still stuck? Contact CARB: HDIM@arb.ca.gov or (866) 634-3735.
Certificate problems and fixes
| Problem | Usual cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate not available | Fee still processing or test not posted | Wait for card (1–2 days) or eCheck (5–7 days); ask the tester to confirm submission |
| Test passed but vehicle shows non-compliant | Test done more than 90 days before the deadline, or wrong VIN | Check the test date and VIN in CTC-VIS; retest within the window if needed |
| DMV still shows a hold | DMV record not updated yet | Allow 3–5 business days after download |
| Truck failed the test | OBD fault codes or readiness monitors not set, or excess smoke | Repair, drive until monitors are ready, retest |
Sources
- CARB, Clean Truck Check FAQ
- CARB, Clean Truck Check overview fact sheet
- CARB, DMV registration notice for CARB non-compliance
- CARB, Requirements for seaports and railyards
Frequently asked questions
Where do I download my Clean Truck Check certificate?
In your CTC-VIS account at cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov, after the fee has cleared and a passing test is on file.
Does the tester give me the certificate?
No. The tester submits the test result to CARB. The compliance certificate comes from CARB through your CTC-VIS account.
How long does it take to get the certificate?
About 1–2 business days after a card payment clears, or up to 7 for an eCheck, provided a passing test is on file. The DMV can take another 3–5 business days to update.
What is a Q212 hold?
A DMV registration hold for Clean Truck Check non-compliance (shown as SB 210 / Q212). Fix the missing report, fee or test in CTC-VIS, or contact HDIM@arb.ca.gov.
CTC Finder is an independent directory and is not affiliated with CARB. Rules change; check CARB's Clean Truck Check pages for the official version.