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State Emissions Testing Requirements
Everything you need to know about emissions testing across all 50 states. Requirements, costs, exemptions, and how it affects your car's value. Updated for 2024 with the latest regulations.
🚨 Critical Information
Before You Sell
Pass emissions FIRST - failed tests kill deals
Documentation
Recent pass = higher offers (proof of compliance)
Know Your Area
County matters - not all areas require testing
States That Require Emissions Testing
| State | Frequency | Areas | Cost | Key Exemptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Biennial | All counties | $30-90 | New cars (8 years), Electric, 1975 & older |
| Arizona | Biennial | Phoenix & Tucson areas | $15-25 | New cars (5 years), 1966 & older |
| Colorado | Biennial | 9 Front Range counties | $25-40 | New cars (7 years), 1981 & older |
| Connecticut | Biennial | All counties | $20-40 | New cars (4 years), 1995 & older for OBD |
| Delaware | Biennial | New Castle County only | $40 | New cars (5 years), 1967 & older |
| Georgia | Annual | 13 metro Atlanta counties | $25 | New cars (3 years), 1982-1995 vary |
| Illinois | Biennial | Chicago area & Metro East | $30 | New cars (4 years), 1967 & older |
| Indiana | Biennial | Lake & Porter counties only | $20 | New cars (2 years), 1975 & older |
| Maine | Annual | Cumberland County only | $18 | 1995 & older, Farm vehicles |
| Maryland | Biennial | All counties | $14 | Historic vehicles, 1995 & older diesels |
| Massachusetts | Annual | All counties | $35 | New cars (1 year), EVs |
| Missouri | Biennial | St. Louis area only | $24 | New cars (5 years), 1971-1995 vary |
| Nevada | Annual | Clark & Washoe counties | $27 | New cars (2 years), 1967 & older |
| New Hampshire | Annual | All counties | $30-50 | OBD for 1996+ only |
| New Jersey | Biennial | All counties | Free at MVC | New cars (5 years), 1995 & older |
| New Mexico | Biennial | Bernalillo County only | $15-25 | New cars (4 years), 1981 & older |
| New York | Annual | NYC area & upstate vary | $21-37 | New cars (2 years), EVs, 1995 & older |
| North Carolina | Annual | 22 counties | $30 | New cars (3 years), 1995 & older, <70 mi/yr |
| Ohio | Biennial | 7 counties | $18-20 | New cars (4 years), EVs, 25+ years |
| Oregon | Biennial | Portland & Medford areas | $35 | New cars (4 years), 1974 & older |
| Pennsylvania | Annual | 25 counties | $35-65 | 1974 & older gas, 1996 & older diesel |
| Rhode Island | Biennial | All counties | $55 | New cars (2 years), 1994 & older |
| Tennessee | Annual | 6 counties | $9 | New cars (3 years), 1975 & older |
| Texas | Annual | 17 counties | $7-25 | New cars (2 years), Diesels, 24+ years |
| Utah | Biennial | 5 counties | $30-35 | New cars (2-6 years vary), 1967 & older |
| Vermont | Annual | All counties | $35-65 | 1995 & older, Farm vehicles |
| Virginia | Biennial | Northern VA only | $28 | New cars (4 years), 25+ years, EVs |
| Washington | Biennial | Select counties | $15 | New cars (5 years), 2008 & older, EVs |
| Wisconsin | Biennial | 7 southeastern counties | $15-20 | 1995 & older, New cars (3 years) |
| Washington DC | Biennial | District-wide | $35 | 25+ years, EVs |
🎉 States With NO Emissions Testing
These states = easier selling process!
🚗 Common Age Exemptions
- • Classic cars (25+ years) - most states
- • Vintage (1967-1975) - varies by state
- • New vehicles (2-8 years) - grace period
- • Antique plates - usually exempt
- • Historic vehicles - special rules
⚡ Vehicle Type Exemptions
- • Electric vehicles - all states
- • Motorcycles - most states
- • Diesel trucks - some states
- • Farm vehicles - rural exemptions
- • Government vehicles - usually exempt
💰 How Emissions Affects Your Sale
Pass Before Listing
Always pass emissions before selling - increases value by 5-10%
Keep Records
Recent emissions pass certificate adds buyer confidence
Fix Check Engine Light
Will fail emissions - fix first to avoid lowball offers
Know Your State
Understand exemptions - classic cars may be worth more
Consider Timing
Fresh emissions test = 1-2 years before buyer needs to test
Red Flag Alert
Check engine light = automatic fail. Fix before testing!
California
Strictest standards nationwide. CARB certified. Biennial testing.
Northeast
Annual testing common. Combined with safety inspections.
Southwest
Metro areas only. Rural counties often exempt.
🎯 Pro Tips for Maximum Value
Before Testing:
- • Drive 100+ miles to reset monitors
- • Ensure gas cap seals properly
- • Check/replace air filter
- • Use fuel system cleaner
- • Warm up engine before test
Documentation to Keep:
- • All passed emissions certificates
- • Repair receipts if issues fixed
- • Registration showing compliance
- • Any waivers or exemptions
- • Maintenance records
Passed Emissions? Get Top Dollar!
Clean emissions = clean sale. We pay premium for compliant vehicles in all 50 states.