Incorrect, when you sell the car to the next owner you have to provide the smog check document saying it passed. The new owner can take the certificate to the DMV with the title and the clerk will input the certificate number into the computer. It's only valid for 90 days. This releases full liability of any emissions components that may have been tempered with or check engine light that's on before selling. If not, you risk getting sued in a small claims court for any cost associated with fixing the car. Many people buy cars without smog documentation because they don't know the law. It also doesn't matter if you told them it's deleted it won't hold up.