What Virginia's emissions test measures and who has to take it
Virginia requires an emissions test for most vehicles registered in the state, but not all. The test measures how much nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, and other pollutants your vehicle's exhaust contains. A machine reads your onboard diagnostic system (OBD) and compares the results to federal standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
You need an emissions test if you own a vehicle that is model year 1996 or newer and it is registered in Virginia. The main exceptions are vehicles registered in rural counties (Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell), vehicles that are model year 1995 or older, and vehicles registered as non-road equipment. Diesel vehicles have different testing rules than gasoline vehicles.
The test happens once every two years, and you must pass it before you can renew your vehicle registration. If your vehicle fails, you have 60 days to fix the problem and retest at no additional charge, or your registration will not renew.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia's emissions test is required every two years for most vehicles model year 1996 and newer, and you cannot renew your registration without passing.
- The test reads your vehicle's onboard diagnostic system and takes about 10 to 15 minutes at a certified testing station.
- If you fail, you have 60 days to repair the problem and retest for free before your registration expires.
- The cost of the test itself is set by Virginia and does not vary between stations, though repair costs depend on what is wrong with your vehicle.
Where to get tested and what the test costs
Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality maintains a list of certified emissions testing stations on its website. You can search by county or zip code to find stations near you. Any certified station can perform the test — there is no advantage to choosing one over another for the test itself, since the procedure and cost are the same statewide.
The test fee is set by the state and is currently $20 for most vehicles. You pay this fee whether you pass or fail. If you fail and need to retest within 60 days, the retest is free. Repair costs are separate and depend entirely on what your mechanic finds wrong with your vehicle.
You do not need an appointment at most stations, but calling ahead to confirm hours is a good idea. Bring your vehicle registration and a valid ID. The test itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
What happens if your vehicle fails the test
A failure means your vehicle's emissions are above the federal standard for at least one pollutant. The testing station will give you a printed report showing which emissions exceeded the limit. This report is your starting point for repairs.
You have 60 days from the test date to fix the problem and retest. During this time, your registration is still valid, so you can drive the vehicle. Take the failure report to a mechanic — it tells them exactly what system to investigate. Common failures involve the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, fuel injectors, or the engine control computer.
Once repairs are complete, return to any certified testing station for a retest. If you pass the retest within 60 days, you pay nothing for the second test. If you do not retest within 60 days, your registration will expire and you cannot legally drive the vehicle until you pass the test and renew.
How to prepare your vehicle before testing
The most important step is to make sure your vehicle's check engine light is off. If the light is on, the test station will likely fail your vehicle automatically because the onboard diagnostic system has detected a problem. You do not need to fix the underlying issue before testing — just make sure the light is off or the station will not run the test.
Drive your vehicle normally for at least 100 miles before testing. This allows the engine computer to complete its self-diagnostic cycle, which is necessary for an accurate test. If you have recently replaced your battery or cleared diagnostic codes, wait a few days and drive several miles before testing.
There is no need to have your vehicle serviced or inspected before the emissions test. The test itself is the inspection. However, if your vehicle is very old, has high mileage, or has been sitting unused for a long time, consider having a mechanic check the basics — spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter — because a well-maintained engine is more likely to pass.
Diesel vehicles and special testing rules
Diesel vehicles registered in Virginia follow different emissions testing rules than gasoline vehicles. Diesel tests measure particulate matter and nitrogen oxide but use a different procedure. Not all certified testing stations perform diesel tests, so you will need to find a station that specifically lists diesel testing on the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality website.
Diesel vehicles model year 2007 and newer are tested using the same onboard diagnostic system as gasoline vehicles. Older diesel vehicles may require a different type of test depending on their model year. Call ahead to confirm that the station you choose can test your specific diesel vehicle.
What to do if you cannot pass the test after repairs
If you have made repairs and retested within 60 days but still failed, you have limited options. You can attempt repairs again and retest, but you must do so before the 60-day window closes. After 60 days, your registration expires and you cannot legally drive the vehicle.
If your vehicle repeatedly fails despite repairs, you may be may be able to access for a waiver. Virginia allows a waiver if you have spent at least $200 on repairs and the vehicle still fails. To request a waiver, contact the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality directly — the testing station cannot issue one. A waiver allows you to renew your registration for one year even though your vehicle failed the test.
Another option is to have a certified mechanic perform a pre-test inspection and identify the problem before you pay for the test. This costs more upfront but can save money if the repair is expensive and you want to know the cost before committing.
Renewing your registration after passing the test
Once you pass the emissions test, the testing station sends the results electronically to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. You do not need to bring the test results with you to renew your registration — the DMV will see the passing test automatically.
You can renew your registration online at the Virginia DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if your vehicle passed the test. If you renew in person or by mail, bring your current registration card and proof of insurance. The registration renewal fee varies by vehicle weight and type.
Your new registration is valid for two years from the renewal date. You will need to pass another emissions test before renewing again in two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration if I have not taken the emissions test yet?
No. Virginia will not process a registration renewal without a passing emissions test result on file. If your registration is about to expire and you have not tested, you must take the test and pass before the expiration date or your registration will lapse and you cannot legally drive the vehicle.
What if I just bought a used car and it failed the emissions test?
You still have 60 days to repair and retest. The 60-day clock starts from the test date, not from when you bought the vehicle. If the seller told you the vehicle had passed, ask for proof — you may have a claim against the seller depending on the purchase agreement and Virginia's used car laws.
Do I have to test at the same station where I failed?
No. You can retest at any certified Virginia emissions testing station. There is no penalty for switching stations, and the retest is free within 60 days of the original failure.
What if my vehicle's check engine light comes back on after I pass the test?
Your registration remains valid. The emissions test is a snapshot of your vehicle's condition on the day you tested. If the light comes back on later, you will need to address it before your next emissions test in two years, or before you renew your registration, whichever comes first.
Can I get an extension if I cannot retest within 60 days?
Virginia does not grant extensions to the 60-day retest window. If you cannot retest within 60 days, your registration will expire. You can still retest and renew after expiration, but you cannot legally drive the vehicle in the meantime.