after a transmission swap do i need to ref'd it?

I'm afraid JC has given you some very bad info. He implies that you can swap at will and it won't affect emissions. If you swap a same model engine it should work, but a different model or even a different year may have an incompatibility with the computer which could make it fail emissions. The trans may or may not depending on the trans and the car. Best bet is to check with the dealers maintenance people. They should be able to give you the straight scoop.

On any car, in any state, changing things like the engine, transmission, color, etc. dont matter. As long as you dont do like Michael Westin in Burn Notice and get rid of the VIN numbers (I have to look at that again that will come in useful on some cars,) you can change the components.

About registration, it is the same. As long as the License Plate matches your car VIN, yyou are OK. THis technically allows engines and stuff from stolen cars to be used and sold, but that is OK because the car was stolen. Only a loss to the person whom it was stolen from. Not advocating stealing, but if those parts work your way into the car, nobody would ever know, and no harm done. Same with Transmission.

Emissions is just see if it will pas. Most people remove tibts and stuff that would fail it for emossions, then put it back on. This is OK, since every car should have tints and its just a fine, you pay it and drop it in the mail. Doesnt even post to your record.

That system is good. I hope this helps;

Sincerely, - Joseph. Shamelessly asking for Best Answer if I have shed light for you.