Air quality is important to everyone! Colorado has a long history of taking proactive measures to protect the quality of the air we all breathe. The regular inspection of emissions and the maintenance of our vehicles has been a key part of protecting air quality in parts of Colorado since 1981. The current emissions inspection program began in 1995 and applies to most vehicles and locales in the Denver-metropolitan area and the North Front Range of the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Diesel Opacity Pass/Fail Limit Update: The allowable smoke opacity standard for all light-duty and heavy-duty naturally aspirated diesel vehicles has changed to 20% (for 5 seconds). All diesel vehicles, including heavy-duty turbocharged vehicles, which remain unchanged, must now meet this 20% opacity limit or they will fail the emissions test.
Other Emissions Alerts
Starting Aug. 10, 2022, auto dealers will be liable for recently purchased gas-powered motor vehicles' compliance with Colorado emissions standards for five days after purchase. The period was extended from three to five business days after purchase in accordance with the Deter Tampering Motor Vehicle Emissions Control System Act (SB 22-179).
You could possibly obtain an emissions waiver.
A waiver is a certificate of emission control that allows you to register a vehicle without complying with emissions standards. If an emissions waiver is granted, it is valid for one emissions cycle. There are three types of waivers; repair, diagnostic and economic hardship. Waivers cannot be issued for vehicles that smoke or have missing or tampered emission components. Also, waivers cannot be issued to vehicles that failed the emissions test due to a gas cap failure.
Only labor charged by a professional mechanic (someone who performs work as part of a licensed business and conforms to the Garage Repair Act) will be counted towards repair waiver limits. Emission control components include: oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, thermal reactor, EGR valve, fuel filler cap, evaporative canister, PCV valve, air pump, distributor, ignition wires, coil, and spark plugs. The cost of any hoses, gaskets, belts, clamps, brackets or other accessories directly associated with these components may also be applied to the waiver limit. In addition, certain repairs to fuel injection systems, carburetors and internal engine components may apply. Repairs to replace emission components that were tampered or missing does not count toward the waiver limit. An unable to test form is not a failing inspection. You will need to address the issue stated on the unable to test form in order to complete an inspection.
- At the time of sale the seller is required to provide the buyer with a passing emissions test that has not been used previously to register a vehicle or renew a vehicle registration.
- Colorado dealers are required to provide a passing emissions test or a voucher good for one emissions test at the time of sale.
- Starting Aug. 10, 2022, auto dealers will be liable for recently purchased gas-powered motor vehicles' compliance with Colorado emissions standards for five days after purchase. The period was extended from three to five business days after purchase in accordance with the Deter Tampering Motor Vehicle Emissions Control System Act (SB 22-179).
- C.R.S. 42-4-310
You will need to bring the vehicle to be inspected and payment for the inspection (cash, check, VISA, Mastercard, or Discover). If you are concerned about your health and safety, please wear a mask. Thank you.
An inoperable vehicle may legally be transferred or sold in the emissions area if certain criteria is met. Please contact us at 303-205-5603 for assistance in determining if your vehicle may qualify.
Vehicles are currently exempt from the emission inspection for the first seven (7) model years after which, vehicles are inspected on a biennial basis. Please contact us at 303-205-5603 for assistance in determining if your vehicle needs an inspection.
There is no need for a new sticker, if you need to replace your windshield.
You may. Please contact us at 303-205-5603 for more information.
Contact your County Motor Vehicle Office before the registration expires for assistance on obtaining an extension.
Gasoline vehicles are exempt from an emissions test for the first seven model years. Diesel vehicles are exempt from an emissions test for first four model years. However, there is an exception.
If the ownership of a gasoline vehicle is being transferred in the last year of the seven year exemption, an emissions test will be required. For example, in 2025, an emissions test will be required if the ownership of a model year 2019, is transferred.
If the ownership of a diesel vehicle is being transferred in the last year of the four year exemption, an emissions test will be required. For example, in 2025, an emissions test will be required if the ownership of a model year 2022, is transferred.
Additionally, the following vehicle are exempt from an emissions inspections:
- kit cars,
- all-electric vehicles,
- motorcycles and autocycles,
- horseless carriage,
- vehicles registered as street rods
- farm vehicles
If you see a vehicle emitting excessive smoke, please report its license plate number (and, if possible, whether it is a gasoline or diesel-powered vehicle) to:
- Webpage: Colorado's Smoking Vehicle Hotline
- Phone: 303-692-3211
- Email: cdphe.smokeline@state.co.us
If an emissions inspection is required for a vehicle that is temporarily out of state, provide the following to your Colorado County Motor Vehicle Division:
- Completed emissions extension form (DR 2376).
- Proof of a passing emissions test where the vehicle will be located.**
- Provide a copy of current insurance.
- Renewal reminder postcard, if available.
- Registration payment.
- Registrant's contact information including a phone number and email address.
If emissions testing is not performed in the state, or county where the vehicle is located, a VIN verification form (DR 2698)) must be completed by a local law enforcement officer (Local Police, Sheriff's Office, State Troopers, Military Police or out of state DMV Office). *Please Note: Campus Security may only be used if they are sworn peace officers.
For questions or concerns regarding the out of state emissions extension process, please call the Colorado Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Emissions Program at 303-205-5603 or apply online at: mydmv.colorado.gov/
**The following states do not have emissions testing: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.
*Please note: The vehicle must also be emissions tested within 15 days of returning to Colorado.
If the vehicle displays a permanent metal license plate, you may apply online at mydmv.colorado.gov > Vehicle Services > Apply for an out of state emission extension. You will need to submit the DR 2376 form, and a passing emission test, or a DR 2698 form if the vehicle is located in a state (or county) that does not participate in an emissions program.
If the vehicle displays a temporary tag, or for questions or concerns regarding the out of state emissions extension process, please call the Colorado Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Emissions Program at 303-205-5603.
For states that do not have emissions testing, form DR 2698 Verification of Vehicle Identification Number, completed by Law Enforcement only is required in place of a passing emissions test.
States not listed above require testing for some vehicles in some areas. Please check with your local out of state motor vehicle office to find out if emissions testing is required for your vehicle.
ADAMS COUNTY
Chase Automotive Repair and Service
Contact: 303-344-4670
Open: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Cost: $25
Rocky Mountain Diesel Emissions
Contact: 303-288-5500
Open: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
Cost: $20
Stewart & Stevenson *Temporarily Closed*
Contact: 303-287-7441
Open: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, appointments recommended
Cost: $75
Dynoman Diesel Emissions
Contact: 303-288-4344
Open: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to noon, Fridays; appointment needed
Cost: $25
Trans West Truck Trailer RV
Contact: 303-289-3161
Open: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
Cost: $114.50
Excel Diesel and SUV - Brighton
Contact: 303-659-0442
Open: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; appointments needed
Cost: $15
Colorado State Patrol, Adams County
Contact: 303-289-4760
Open: Make an appointment at coloradostatepatrol.com
Cost: $15
Air Care Colorado
Contact: 303-456-7090
Open: No appointment needed
Cost: $25
Northglenn Police Department
Contact: 303-450-8853
Open: For Northglenn residents only; walk-ins welcome
Cost: $9
Commerce City Police Department
Contact: 303-287-2844
Open: Walk-ins welcome
Cost: $25 for residents, $35 for non-residents or businesses
Licensed Auto Dealers*
Call for Fee Amount
Adams County Motor Vehicle
Contact: 720-523-6010
Open: No appointment needed
Cost: $15
True Speed
Contact: 303-305-3752
Open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; appointments are needed after 1 p.m.
Cost: $25
Thornton Police Department
Contact: 720-977-5150
Open: For Thornton residents only; appointments need; Wednesdays and Thursdays
Cost: Free
Windways Diesel Emissions
Contact: 303-385-1711
Open: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to noon; appointments needed
Cost: $20
ARAPAHOE COUNTY
Chase Automotive Repair and Service
Contact: 303-344-4670
Open: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Cost: $15
J&J Truck and Auto
Contact: 303-364-4244
Open: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $25
Air Care Colorado
Contact: 303-456-7090
Open: No appointment needed
Cost: $25
Licensed Auto Dealers*
Call for Fee Amount
Arapahoe County Motor Vehicle Division
Contact: 303-795-4500, #2, #4
Open: Appointment needed, weather permitting
Cost: $12
BOULDER COUNTY
Al's Front Range Diesel
Contact: 303-776-6469
Open: Appointment needed
Cost: $20
Air Care Colorado
Contact: 303-456-7090
Open: No appointment needed
Cost: $25
Licensed Auto Dealers*
Call for Fee Amount
Boulder County Motor Vehicle
Contact: 303-413-7710
Open: No appointment needed
Cost: $20
Colorado State Patrol, Boulder County
Contact: 303-469-1966
Open: Appointment needed, visit Coloradostatepatrol.com
Cost: $20
Lee Myles Boulder
Contact: 720-726-7760
Open: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; appointment recommended
Cots: $25
BROOMFIELD COUNTY
Fifth Gear Automotive Inc.
Contact: 303-466-6552
Open: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; appointment needed
Cost: $16
Broomfield Police Department
Contact: 303-438-6483
Open: Residents only
Cost: Free
Licensed Auto Dealers*
Call for Fee Amount
Test My Diesel
Contact: 303-460-7786
Open: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays; appointment needed
Cost: $25
Air Care Colorado
Contact: 303-456-7090
Open: No appointment needed
Cost: $25
DENVER COUNTY
Akisp Diesel Emissions
Contact: 720-434-9343
Open: Appointment needed
Cost: $15
Central Denver Diesel Emissions
Contact: 303-525-8490
Open: Appointment needed
Cost: $20
Iron Buffalo Truck and Trailer
Contact: 303-623-7049
Open: 24 hours, Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
Cost: $60
L&N Diesel Emissions Testing and Repair
Contact: 303-937-8485
Open: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m, Monday through Friday; 8:30 a.m. to noon, Saturdays; appointment needed
Cost: $25
Air Care Colorado
Contact: 303-456-7090
Open: No appointment needed
Cost: $25
MHC Kenworth Inc.
Contact: 720-941-0833
Open: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday
Cost: $25
Denver County Motor Vehicle Division
Contact: 720-865-4600 #5, #1, #5
Open: Denver County residents only; weather permitting
Cost: $20
Licensed Auto Dealers*
Call for Fee Amount
DOUGLAS COUNTY
Diesel Repair & Performance
Contact: 303-841-6527
Open: Call ahead
Cost: $10
Excel Diesel & SUV - Castle Rock
Contact: 720-524-6221
Open: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Cost: $15
Excel Diesel & SUV - Littleton
Contact: 303-904-1500
Open: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; appointment needed
Cost: $15
Excel Diesel & SUV - Parker
Contact: 303-400-6040
Open: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday;
Cost: $20
Parker Police Department
Contact: 303-841-9800
Open: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Cost: $25
Branch Automotive & Diesel Emissions LLC.
Contact: 303-771-2224
Open: Appointment needed
Cost: $40
H&M Transmissions and Automotive
Contact: 303-663-5578
Open: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; appointment needed
Cost: $20
Douglas County Sheriff's Office
Contact: 303-660-7500
Open: Appointment needed
Cost: $8
Air Care Colorado
Contact: 303-456-7090
Open: No appointment needed
Cost: $25
Licensed Auto Dealers*
Call for Fee Amount
Colorado State Patrol, Douglas County
Contact: 303-688-3115
Open: Appointment needed; visit Coloradostatepatrol.com
Cost: Free
EL PASO COUNTY
Exhaust Readers I
Contact: 719-260-6629
Open: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; appointment needed
Cost: $15
Exhaust Readers II
Contact: 719-260-6629
Open: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; appointment recommended
Cost: $25
Licensed Auto Dealers*
Call for Fee Amount
JEFFERSON COUNTY
Diesel Testing Systems
Contact: 303-550-7250
Open: Appointment only, Monday through Thursday
Cost: $25
Lake Arbor Automotive and Truck
Contact: 303-429-7700
Open: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Cost: $20
Mountain Air Emissions
Contact: 303-697-6850
Open: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; appointment needed
Cost: $15
Golden Police Department
Contact: 303-384-8045
Open: Residents only
Cost: $10
Licensed Auto Dealers*
Call for Fee Amount
Air Care Colorado
Contact: 303-456-7090
Open: No appointment needed
Cost: $25
LARIMER COUNTY
Engle Automotive
Contact: 970-635-9760
Open: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; appointment needed
Cost: $20
Houska
Contact: 970-482-0156
Open: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 4p.m. Saturdays; appointment needed
Cost: $20
Nelsen's Auto Tech Center
Contact: 970-484-0834
Open: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; appointment needed
Cost: $10
Proformance Diesel & Auto Repair
Contact: 970-667-7396
Open: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; appointment needed
Cost: $7
Air Care Colorado
Contact: 303-456-7090
Open: No appointment needed
Cost: $25
Larimer County Motor Vehicle Division, Ft. Collins
Contact: 970-498-7878
Open: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
Cost: $25
Larimer County Motor Vehicle Division, Estes Park
Contact: 970-577-2025
Open: 8 to 11:30 a.m. / 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Cost: $25
Larimer County Sheriff’s Office - Ft. Collins
Contact: 970-498-5160
Open: 9 to 11 a.m. / 2 to 4 p.m.; cash or check; walk-ins welcome
Cost: $20
Larimer County Sheriff’s Office - Berthoud
Contact: 970-532-2611
Open: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
Cost: $20
Licensed Auto Dealers*
Call for Fee Amount
CSU Police Department
Contact: 970-491-7693 * 5
Open: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month; CSU students only
Cost: $50
Fort Collins Police Department
Contact: 970-221-6540
Open: 8:15 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays
Colorado State Patrol - Fort Collins
Contact: 970-224-3027
Open: Call for appointment and fee
Lundstedt Auto
Contact: 970-221-9400
Open: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; appointment recommended
Cost: Free
WELD COUNTY
Rocky Mountain Diesel Services, Inc.
Contact: 970-356-2672
Open: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
Cost: $20
Greeley Automotive Machine
Contact: 970-352-4342
Open: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; appointment needed
Cost: $20
Licensed Auto Dealers*
Call for Fee Amount
Air Care Colorado
Contact: 303-456-7090
Open: No appointment needed
Cost: $25