What Air Care Colorado Does and Where to Find Testing

Air Care Colorado is the state's vehicle emissions testing program, run by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. It tests whether your vehicle meets Colorado's air quality standards. Testing happens at authorized centers across the state — not at a single location — and you choose which center works for your schedule and location.

The program covers most gasoline vehicles registered in Colorado's ozone nonattainment areas, which include the Denver metro region, parts of the Front Range, and some areas around Fort Collins and Greeley. If you live outside these areas, you may not need to test at all. Your vehicle registration notice will tell you whether testing is required for your specific vehicle and address.

Air Care Colorado does not issue the test results that determine whether you pass or fail — that information comes from the actual emissions test performed at the center. The program sets the standards and manages which vehicles must test, but the testing facility itself conducts the exam and reports the outcome.

Key Takeaways

  • Air Care Colorado testing is required only for vehicles registered in certain Colorado counties and regions, and your registration notice will state whether your vehicle needs it.
  • You can choose from multiple authorized testing centers across the state, and the test typically takes 10 to 15 minutes once you arrive.
  • The test costs money (the fee varies by testing center), and you pay at the center when you test, not in advance.
  • Your vehicle must pass the emissions test to renew your registration, and if it fails, you have options to repair and retest or request a waiver in some cases.
  • You can schedule an appointment at most centers, though some accept walk-ins; calling ahead or checking the center's website tells you their process.

Finding an Authorized Testing Center Near You

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains a list of authorized Air Care Colorado testing centers on its website. You can search by county or city to find centers near your home or workplace. Each center operates independently, so hours, appointment policies, and fees vary.

When you contact a center, ask whether they take appointments or walk-ins, what their current wait time is, and what payment methods they accept. Some centers are busier during certain times of year — typically before registration renewal important date — so calling ahead can save you time. Many centers now allow you to schedule online through their own websites.

You will need your vehicle's registration and proof of insurance to test. Bring a valid photo ID as well. Have your vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number) ready when you call or book online, as the center will need it to pull up your vehicle's test requirements.

What Happens During the Emissions Test

The test itself is straightforward and non-invasive. A technician will connect your vehicle to a dynamometer (a machine that measures emissions) or perform an on-board diagnostic (OBD) test, depending on your vehicle's year and type. The technician does not need to take your vehicle apart or make any changes to it.

The test measures your vehicle's exhaust for nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants. For most vehicles, the test takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will remain in the vehicle during the test. The technician will tell you on the spot whether your vehicle passed or failed.

If your vehicle passes, you receive a passing certificate that you can use to renew your registration. If it fails, the center will provide a written report showing which emissions standards your vehicle did not meet. You can then decide whether to repair the vehicle and retest, or explore other options depending on your situation.

Cost and Payment

Air Care Colorado testing centers charge a fee for each test. The exact amount varies by center — there is no single statewide price set by the program. Fees typically range from around $20 to $40 per test, though you should confirm the current price with your chosen center before you arrive.

You pay the testing center directly at the time of your test. Most centers accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some may accept checks, but card payment is more common. If you fail and need to retest after repairs, you will pay the testing fee again.

If your vehicle fails and you cannot afford repairs, some Colorado counties offer repair information programs or waivers for vehicles that fail emissions testing. Contact your local air quality office or the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to learn whether your county has such a program.

What to Do If Your Vehicle Fails

A failing result does not automatically mean you cannot renew your registration. You have several paths forward. The most common is to have the vehicle repaired and retested. The repair shop will diagnose what caused the failure — often a faulty oxygen sensor, catalytic converter issue, or engine problem — and fix it. After repair, you return to any authorized testing center and pay the test fee again.

If repairs are too expensive or your vehicle is older, you may be able to request a waiver. Colorado allows waivers in certain cases: if you have already spent money on repairs that did not fix the problem, if your vehicle is very old, or if you meet other hardship criteria. The rules vary by county. Contact your local air quality office to ask whether a waiver is an option for your situation.

Some vehicles can also may have access to for an extension, which gives you extra time to complete repairs before your registration expires. Again, your local air quality office can tell you whether an extension is available in your county and what you need to show to request one.

Scheduling and Timing

You can test any time during your vehicle's registration year, but it makes sense to test early — at least a few weeks before your registration expires. This gives you time to address any failures without rushing into expensive repairs or missing your renewal important date.

If you schedule an appointment, most centers will confirm it by phone or email and may send you a reminder. If you go to a walk-in center, arrive during their posted hours and expect to wait depending on how busy they are. During peak times (late summer and fall, when many registrations are due), wait times can be longer.

Once you pass, the testing center sends your passing result to the Colorado Department of Revenue, which manages vehicle registration. You can then renew your registration online, by mail, or in person at a county clerk's office. You do not need to bring the passing certificate with you — the state has the record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to test at Air Care Colorado if I live in Colorado?

Only if your vehicle is registered in one of Colorado's ozone nonattainment areas and meets the program's vehicle requirements. Your registration renewal notice will clearly state whether testing is required. If you are unsure, contact your county clerk's office or the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

What if I just moved to Colorado or bought a used car?

If you register a vehicle in a county that requires Air Care Colorado testing, you will need to test before you can renew or transfer the registration. If you moved from out of state, your new registration notice will tell you the testing requirement. For a used car purchase, the previous owner's test status does not carry over — you are responsible for testing under your new registration.

Can I test my vehicle before my registration expires?

Yes. You can test any time during your registration year. Testing early is actually a smart move because it gives you time to address any failures without rushing. Once you pass, your result is valid for your registration renewal.

What if the testing center says my vehicle cannot be tested?

This can happen if your vehicle has a serious mechanical problem that makes it unsafe to test, or if the center's equipment cannot read your vehicle's diagnostic system. The technician will explain why and may recommend you have the vehicle serviced before returning. You can also try a different authorized center if you want a second opinion.

How long does a passing result stay valid?

Your passing result is valid for your current registration year. When you renew your registration the following year, you will need to test again if your vehicle is still required to test. The result does not carry over to the next registration period.