buying a non operational car in Cali.

Jim, so smog is just for registration...not title transfer? How do you tell he DMV that its a non running car (if they ask for smog cert) or is that only when you try and register it? Itll be tip top shape when I try and register it....if the guy ever responds to my emails!
>> He just responded....the owner passed away. This isn't getting any easier! <<