| Model Year | Gas or Hybrid | Frequency of Test | Testing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Exempt | n/a | n/a |
| 2025 | Exempt | n/a | n/a |
| 2024 | Exempt | n/a | n/a |
| 2023 | Exempt | n/a | n/a |
| 2022 | Exempt | n/a | n/a |
| 2021 | Exempt | n/a | n/a |
| 2020 | Renewals are Exempt ------------------- Need test if transfer of ownership | n/a ---------- Every two years | n/a -------- $35.00 |
| 1994-2019 | Need test | Every two years | $35.00 |
| 1976-1994 with Collector Plates | Need test | Every five years | 1976 - 1981 = $20.00 1982 - 1994 = $35.00 |
| 1976-1994 without Collector Plates | Need test | 1976 - 1981 = Annually -------------------- 1983 - 1994 = Every two years | 1976 - 1994 = $20.00 ------------------- 1982 - 1994 = $35.00 |
| 1976 or newer Grandfathered* | Exempt | n/a | n/a |
| 1975 and older with Collector Plates | Exempt | n/a | n/a |
| 1975 and older without Collector Plates | Need test | Annually | $35.00 |
| Horseless Carriage / Kit Cars / All-Electric Vehicles / Motorcycles and Street Rods | No test needed | n/a | n/a |
| *Vehicles model year 1976 or newer that have been registered as a "collector's item" prior to September 1, 2009, and the registration has never lapsed or expired or had a change of ownership. | |||
- 1982 and newer vehicles: An emissions test is required every two years for vehicles more than seven model years old. Your vehicle registration renewal postcard will state whether or not a test is required, or if your vehicle has qualified for the roadside emissions test. The fee is $35.
- 1981 and older vehicles without collector plates: A two-speed idle test is required every year at an Air Care Colorado station or at an independent, license test station. The fee is $20.
- Change of ownership: An emissions test is required when a vehicle is sold or its ownership changes. The seller is responsible for obtaining the test. The dealer is responsible for repairing or repurchasing the vehicle if it fails the emissions test, but the consumer must return the vehicle to the dealer within 3 days of the purchase.
- New MSO (Manufacturer Statement of Origin), MCO (Manufacturer Certificate of Origin) vehicles purchased from a dealer are exempt from emissions
testing for seven years.
Important Notice: Be sure your vehicle is due for an emissions test before going to an Air Care Colorado testing station.
State regulation requires testing stations to test all vehicles that are presented for testing. If you are not sure if your vehicle needs an emissions test, call
the State Emissions Program at (303) 205-5603.