Your Resource
for the Illinois Vehicle Emissions Testing Program
Welcome to the Illinois Vehicle Emissions Testing
Website for Motorists
Motor vehicles are one of the largest sources of air pollution in Illinois. The goal of the Illinois Vehicle Emissions Testing Program is to help reduce harmful emissions in the air we breathe to improve air quality and public health.
What Does the Emissions Test Do?
The Illinois vehicle emissions test checks whether the emissions control system on your motor vehicle is working properly. Motor vehicle manufacturers are required to meet increasingly stringent pollution standards, but vehicles that are not properly maintained or that have malfunctioning emissions control systems often exceed these standards. Vehicle emissions tests identify such vehicles, and repairs are then required to reduce the emissions which cause pollution. These repairs help clean the air while improving the vehicle's performance and fuel economy.
Testing Cycle and Process
Your vehicle is scheduled for testing every two years, beginning the fourth model year. If you purchase a vehicle that has an expired vehicle emissions compliance certificate, the vehicle may be required to be tested as soon as the new registration is received. Vehicles failing the emissions test must be repaired, then retested. If your vehicle failed the emissions test, we recommend that you have the vehicle repaired by a qualified technician who is experienced in the diagnosis and repair of emissions control systems. If a vehicle cannot pass the emissions test, a waiver may be available if certain requirements are met. Check the waiver section of the “Questions about Vehicle Emissions Testing” FAQ page for further information about waiver requirements.)
Find Out if Your Vehicle Needs a Test
Motorist can find out when their vehicle is due for an emissions test by entering the vehicle’s VIN or license plate number into this Vehicle Eligibility Check tool.
Please see our helpful Test Day Tips to ensure success on test day.