Effective January 1, 2025, the minimum expenditure toward emissions related repairs will increase from $1,111 to $1,146. Applications submitted on or after January 1, 2025, must satisfy the $1,146 minimum requirement.

Illinois law provides that a vehicle that has failed a vehicle emissions retest qualifies for a waiver of the emissions inspection standards if the following requirements are met:

1. The vehicle has received all repairs and adjustments for which it is eligible under any emissions performance warranty provisions pursuant to Section 207 of the Federal Clean Air Act.
2. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) determines by normal inspection procedures that the vehicle's emissions control devices are present and appear to be properly connected and operating. Note: The Malfunction Indicator Lamp/Light (MIL) must be operative in order to qualify for a repair waiver.
3. Pursuant to 35 Ill. Adm. Code Section 276.401, a minimum expenditure of at least $1,111 in emissions-related repairs, exclusive of tampering-related repairs, has been made. Repairs made must be consistent with the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) present at the time of the initial failure. Evidence of the repair(s) performed must be presented and consist of: signed receipts dated not more than 30 days prior to the test eligibility date that identify the vehicle by VIN, describe the diagnostic procedures utilized in determining the repairs, provide justification that repairs performed were appropriate and necessary for the failure and provide the amount charged for eligible emissions-related repairs.
4. Repairs have been conducted by a recognized repair technician.

Note: Waivers must be issued to vehicle owners. In the event a vehicle owner cannot be present, the owner may authorize a designee to request and/or receive a repair waiver on the owner’s behalf by entering the name of the designee in the space provided on the Repair Waiver Application.

Required Documentation

The following documentation must be submitted when applying for a Repair Waiver.

• A completed Repair Waiver Application, typed or legibly printed. Note: when applying electronically via the website, there is no additional paper application to complete and submit.
  
  Important Note About Entering Your “VIN”: Most Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) have 17 digits. Please be sure to include all 17 digits when you complete an application or submit correspondence. Failure to do so could result in delays in processing your request.
  
  Please note: The VIN provided on your Test Notice postcard IS NOT the complete 17-digit VIN; the first 14 digits are accurate, however the last three (3) digits were replaced with asterisks for privacy reasons. When providing your VIN, it must include ALL 17 characters, including the three (3) that were replaced with asterisks.
  
  Your vehicle’s VIN can be found on the driver's side dashboard in the corner near the windshield, or on the label on the inside of the driver's side door (where the door latches when it is closed). VINs are also displayed on: vehicle sales documents, insurance cards and policies, and vehicle title and registration documents.
• Original repair receipts for all “emissions-related repairs”
• Completed receipts must include:
• 
  
  •      Repair shop name, address and phone number;
  •      Minimum of $1,111.00 indicating paid in full;
  •      Itemized parts and labor for the emissions repairs completed that relate to the cause of the test failure(s);
  •      Signed and dated not more than 30 days prior to the test eligibility date; and
  •      Identify VIN or license plate.
• Visual Inspection – What to expect?
• The final step in the Repair Waiver process requires the vehicle to be visually inspected to verify these minimum requirements:
• 
  
  •      The catalytic converter is present and appears to be properly connected and operating.
  •      The gas cap is present and appears to be properly connected and operating.
  •      The oxygen sensor(s) appear to be properly connected and operating.
  •      The Malfunction Indicator Lamp/Check Engine Light (MIL/CEL) is functioning properly (the MIL/CEL must illuminate during the key on engine off test).
  •      All repairs indicated on the receipts you provided with the application have been performed on this vehicle.
• If the vehicle does not meet the minimum requirements listed above, the Repair Waiver application will be denied. In order to be considered for a waiver in the future, you will be required to re-submit an application, including supporting documentation, and meet all waiver requirements.

Applying for a Repair Waiver

For fastest service, submit your Repair Waiver Application online by clicking here.

*Please do not submit duplicate applications as this will delay the processing of your application. *

If submitting your application manually, after printing and completing the pdf, use one (1) of the methods provided below:

• Email: Waivers@IllinoisAirTeam.net
• Fax: 312.327.7640
• Mail: Illinois Air Team, P.O. Box 3266, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-9998

If you have any questions, please call the Illinois Air Team at: 844.258.9071.