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Parts Locator Service (PLS) – Ask the Ref
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Parts Locator Service (PLS) – Ask the Ref

Phone number
- Consumer Assistance Program (CAP): 866-272-9642 - Financial assistance for repairs - Payless Parts: 800-345-4294 - Supplier of emission control parts (excluding catalytic converters) - Help Smog Parts: 800-544-4357 - Supplier of emission control parts (excluding catalytic converters) - Referee Call Center: 800-622-7733 - Contact for further instructions regarding parts exemption and Limited Parts Exemption
Category
Car
Auto tags
Car
Consumer Assistance Program
Financial assistance for repairs
Referee Call Center
Parts Locator Service
emission control parts
Payless Parts
Help Smog Parts
eligibility criteria
limited parts exemption
Smog Check Referee Program
vehicle repairs
vehicle owners
Catalytic Converters
Other Emission Control Parts
Local Auto Parts Stores
Vehicle Manufacturer Dealerships
Online Retailers
Referee Call Center
Limited Parts Exemption
Smog Check Vehicle Inspection Report
Engine Family Number
Parts Locator Specialist
alternative part
expiration
Alternative Part
Smog Inspection
Eligibility
everyone
Auto Summary
If your car failed its California smog check and the part you need is hard to find (often on older or out-of-production vehicles), the free Parts Locator Service (PLS) from the state Bureau of Automotive Repair Smog Check Referee Program helps you track it down — and if it truly can't be found, can issue a 90-day Limited Parts Exemption so your car can pass smog and register. You must FIRST call the listed suppliers yourself (Payless Parts 800-345-4294, Help Smog Parts 800-544-4357, dealerships, car-part.com) and confirm the part is unavailable, then call the Referee Call Center at 800-622-7733 with your smog report and Engine Family Number. PLS is for biennial registration renewals only (not new registration, ownership transfer, or engine swaps). Need help paying for repairs? The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP, 866-272-9642) may cover up to $1,200 for income-qualified Californians. Verified 2026-05-30.
Value
$0 (free service; parts cost varies)
Espanol
Servicio de Localización de Piezas (PLS) - Pregunta al Ref
URL
https://asktheref.org/services/parts-locator-service/
Last verified 2026-05-17. Program is still active. Run by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Smog Check Referee Program. [Source: asktheref.org/services/parts-locator-service (accessed 2026-05-17)]

What this is

Your car failed its smog check and the part you need to fix it is hard to find — maybe because the car is old or out of production. The Parts Locator Service (PLS) helps you find that part. If the part truly can't be found anywhere, the Referee Program can give you a Limited Parts Exemption so your car can pass smog and get registered.
PLS itself is free. You still pay for the part if one is found. The Smog Check Referee Program does not control parts prices. [Source: asktheref.org/services/parts-locator-service (accessed 2026-05-17)]

Who qualifies

You can use PLS only if all of these are true:
  • You are renewing your registration (the every-two-year renewal) and your car failed a smog inspection.
  • The missing part is what's causing the failure.
  • Any other smog inspection problems on the car have already been fixed.
  • You have already called the suppliers listed below and confirmed the part is not available.
You don't qualify if you are doing initial registration, a transfer of ownership, or an engine change. [Source: asktheref.org/services/parts-locator-service (accessed 2026-05-17)]

What you get

  • Help from a Parts Locator Specialist who searches for the part for you.
  • If they confirm the part is unavailable, you may get an Alternative Part suggestion or a Limited Parts Exemption that lets your car pass smog without that part.

How to apply — step by step

1. Call the suppliers yourself first

You must do this before calling the Referee. Have your part name ready.
For catalytic converters:
  • Call your vehicle manufacturer (the dealership) to check availability.
For other emission control parts (these suppliers do not carry catalytic converters):
  • Payless Parts: (800) 345-4294
  • Help Smog Parts: (800) 544-4357
Also try:
  • Local auto parts stores
  • Vehicle manufacturer dealerships
  • Online retailers like RockAuto, Amazon, eBay

2. Call the Referee Call Center

If no supplier has the part, call (800) 622-7733.
Have these ready:
  • Your Smog Check Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR)
  • Receipts for any repairs and diagnosis you've already paid for
  • The name of the part you need

3. Talk to the Parts Locator Specialist

They will call you back. They will either:
  • Suggest an alternative part that works for your car, or
  • Issue a Limited Parts Exemption.

4. If you get an exemption, act within 90 days

Call the Referee Call Center back at (800) 622-7733 to schedule the inspection at a Referee station. If a replacement part becomes available before your visit — at any price — the exemption is canceled.

Common pitfalls

  • Don't skip calling suppliers first. The Referee will not help until you have done this. They will ask.
  • Fix other smog failures first. PLS only covers the one hard-to-find part.
  • PLS doesn't pay for parts. It only helps you find them or get an exemption.
  • The 90-day clock is real. If you wait too long the exemption expires and you start over.

Need help paying for the repair?

The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) may pay up to $1,200 toward smog repairs for income-qualified Californians, or buy your failing car. Different program, separate application.
  • CAP phone: (866) 272-9642
[Source: bar.ca.gov/Consumer/Consumer_Assistance_Program (accessed 2026-05-17)]

Sources