1

Emissions Waivers

Applying for Emissions Waiver:

Essential Steps and Requirements | Colorado Department of Revenue, Vehicle Services Section, Emissions Program

  • Please carefully read the application instructions and requirements for the waiver you wish to apply for below. 
  • Waivers can only be considered for vehicles currently in Colorado. Vehicles registered in Colorado but are currently out of state, will not qualify for an emissions waiver. 
  • Gasoline vehicles 1975 and older with a Classic license plate are exempt from emissions testing. If your vehicle is affixed with a metal license plate, please apply at myDMV.Colorado.gov ; Vehicle Services > Apply for an Emissions Waiver.
  • If your vehicle is displaying temporary license plates, please call 303-205-5603 to complete the waiver application.

Gasoline Vehicle Repair Waiver Requirements

Requirements to apply for 1968 and newer gasoline powered vehicles, if the vehicle displays a regular license plate:

  • Failed emissions test no older than 6 months, then
  • $715 in emissions related repairs within the last 6 months.1, 2, 3
  • Second failed emissions test verifying repairs did not bring the vehicle into emissions Compliance.

Requirements to apply for 1967 and older gasoline powered vehicles, if the vehicle displays a regular license plate:

  • Failed emissions tests no older than 6 months, then
  • $75 in emissions related repairs within the last 6 months.1, 2, 3
  • Second failed emissions test verifying repairs did not bring the vehicle into emissions Compliance.

Reasons a repair waiver request will be denied:

  • Visible Smoke4
  • Missing or tampered emissions equipment, including software.4.
  • Failing gas cap, evaporative system.4 Invalid\lack of proof of emissions related repairs or parts installed, cost limit not met, or repairs were not completed between the two most recent failed emissions tests.1, 2, 3
  • Vehicle is still under Emissions Control Systems Performance Warranty.5
  • Vehicle has not been previously registered within the emissions program area with a passing emissions test.6

Additional Information:

  • After your application has been submitted, an Air Environmental Systems Technician (AEST) will need to review your application for compliance with application requirements.
  • A visual verification of the vehicle must be completed by an AEST at either an Air Care Colorado Emissions Testing Facility or a Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Emissions Technical Center to verify the above requirements as determined by the AEST prior to waiver approval.
    • Any individual may bring the vehicle for this visual inspection.
  • Waiver is good for ONE emissions cycle with registration still required annually per county.
  • Additional repair waivers may be obtained by following the same requirements as stated above. Cost limits and failed emissions tests reset annually.

Economic Hardship Waiver Requirements

  • Economic Hardship Waivers only apply to gasoline powered vehicles, diesel powered vehicles are ineligible.

Requirements:

  • One failed emissions test no older than 6 months.
  • The registered vehicle owner must currently be receiving assistance from an established and approved public assistance program.7
  • Applicants are allowed no more than two vehicles titled in their name.8

Additional Information/Requirements:

  • After your application has been submitted, an Air Environmental Systems Technician (AEST) will need to review your application for compliance with application requirements.
  • A visual verification of the vehicle must be completed by an AEST at either an Air Care Colorado Emissions Testing Facility or a Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Emissions Technical Center to verify the above requirements as determined by the AEST prior to waiver approval.4, 9
  • The registered owner of the vehicle must be the same individual receiving public assistance. The verification of the individual’s identity is required for an economic Hardship.9
    • The individual receiving benefits must be present at the time of inspection with a government issued ID.
  • An economic hardship waiver can only be issued once per the life of the vehicle and is good for one emissions cycle with registration required annually per County.10

Reasons an economic hardship waiver request will be denied:

  • Visible Smoke4
  • Missing or tampered emissions equipment including software.4
  • Failing gas cap, evaporative system.4
  • Vehicle is still under Emissions Control Systems Performance Warranty.5
  • Vehicle has not been previously registered within the emissions program area with a passing emissions test.6
  • The vehicle in question has already received an economic hardship waiver.10


Diesel Vehicle Repair Waiver Requirements

Light Duty - GVW or 14,000 lbs or less:

  • Failed emissions test no older than 6 months.
  • $750 in emissions related repairs within the last 6 months.1, 2, 3
  • Second failed emissions test verifying repairs did not bring the vehicle into emissions compliance.

Heavy Duty - GVW 14,001 lbs or more:

  • Failed emissions test no older than 6 months.
  • $1500 in emissions related repairs within the last 6 months.1, 2, 3
  • Second failed emissions test verifying repairs did not bring the vehicle into emissions Compliance.

Additional Information:

  • After your application has been submitted, an Air Environmental Systems Technician (AEST) will need to review your application for compliance with application requirements.
  • A visual verification of the vehicle must be completed by an AEST and a CDPHE technician at a Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Emissions Technical Center to verify the above requirements as determined by the AEST prior to waiver approval.4
    • Any individual may bring the vehicle for this visual inspection.
  • Waiver is good for ONE emissions cycle.&
  • Additional repair waivers may be obtained by following the same requirements as stated above. Cost limits and failed emissions tests reset annually.

Reasons a diesel repair waiver application will be denied:

  • Missing or tampered emissions equipment including software.4
  • Invalid or lack of proof of emissions related repairs or parts installed, cost limit not met, or repairs were not completed between the two most recent failed emissions tests.1, 2, 3
  • Vehicle is still under Emissions Control Systems Performance Warranty.5
  • Vehicle has not been previously registered within the emissions program area with a passing emissions test.6

What if I don’t qualify for a waiver?

If you or your mechanic have completed repairs, but did not meet the cost limit as specified in the above requirements (gas and diesel repair requirements), and your vehicle is still unable to pass an emissions inspection, please contact a Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) emissions technical center to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic evaluation. CDPHE Technical Center locations found here.

1. Emissions related repair costs requirements - Regulation 11 VIII.B.2
2. Repair invoices must follow requirements of Regulation 11 VIII.B.2, C.R.S 42-4-306(7)(a)(II)(A) & C.R.S 42-9-108n.
3. Emissions related repairs - Regulation 11 X.
4. Visual inspection of vehicles required by Regulations 11 VIII.B.1 & VIII.C.
5. Emissions Control Systems Performance Warranty - Regulation 11 VIII.E. 
6. Previous registration with passing test - C.R.S 42-4-310(1)(a)(I).
7. Recognized and approved public assistance program requirement - Regulation 11 VIII.D.3. 
8. Two vehicle maximum for hardship waiver - Regulation 11 VIII.D.4  9 Hardship waiver identification verification - Regulation 11 VIII.D 10 Hardship waiver frequency - Regulation 11 VIII.D.5.