I just bought a secondhand car privately in CA.

Although the vendor had it SMOG'd in December (it passed), is it definitely the case I have to have it SMOG'd again as the new owner before/when I register it?

If so, I could be in trouble as it has just failed it's SMOG.

Is anyone of the opinion it could be worth running again and getting a second opinion before potentially spending a fortune at a mechanic's?

I'm told it only just failed, and in one category - higher than average HydroCarbon level..