---
title: "Clean Truck Check Certificate: How to Get, Download and Fix a DMV Hold"
description: "Your Clean Truck Check compliance certificate is downloaded from CTC-VIS once the vehicle is reported, the annual fee has cleared and a passing test is on…"
url: "https://ctcfinder.com/guide/compliance-certificate/"
updated: "2026-11-01"
publisher: "CTC Finder (independent directory, not affiliated with CARB)"
---

# How to get your Clean Truck Check compliance certificate

Updated 2026-11-01. Source: CTC Finder (https://ctcfinder.com/guide/compliance-certificate/). Independent; not affiliated with CARB.

**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

1. **Log in to CTC-VIS** and open the vehicle. Check that the VIN and plate are right.
2. **Pay the fee** if it shows as due. It is due at the first compliance deadline of each year.
3. **Get tested** by a credentialed tester within 90 days before the deadline. [Find a tester near you](https://ctcfinder.com/testers/).
4. **Wait for the test and payment to post**, then download the certificate from the vehicle's page in CTC-VIS.
5. **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:

1. Find the missing item in CTC-VIS: an unreported vehicle, an unpaid fee or a missing passing test.
2. Fix it (report, pay or test).
3. Download the certificate, then allow 3–5 business days for the DMV record to update.
4. 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 |

## 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.

## Sources

- CARB, [Clean Truck Check FAQ](https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fact-sheets/clean-truck-check-faq-0)
- CARB, [Clean Truck Check overview fact sheet](https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/clean-truck-check-overview-fact-sheet)
- CARB, [DMV registration notice for CARB non-compliance](https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/inspection-and-maintenance-program/dmv-registration-notice-carb-non-compliant)
- CARB, [Requirements for seaports and railyards](https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/clean-truck-check-requirements-requirements-operations-seaports-and-railyards)