Broomfield emissions testing happens at state-certified stations, not at the DMV

Broomfield is part of the Denver metro area and follows Colorado's emissions testing rules. You cannot get your test done at the DMV or county office—you have to go to a private repair shop or testing station that holds a Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) emissions testing license. These stations are scattered across Broomfield and the surrounding area, and you can find them by searching online or calling ahead to confirm they have an opening.

The test itself takes about 30 minutes and costs between $20 and $30, depending on the station. You will need your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. If your vehicle fails, the station will give you a printed report showing what failed and why—that report is what you take to a repair shop if you need work done.

Key Takeaways

  • Broomfield emissions tests are performed only at private CDPHE-licensed stations, not at government offices.
  • The test costs $20 to $30 and takes about 30 minutes; bring your registration and proof of insurance.
  • You can search for nearby testing stations online or call the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for a list of licensed facilities in your area.
  • If your vehicle fails, the station gives you a report showing what failed; you then take that report to a repair shop for diagnosis and repair.
  • Broomfield vehicles registered after 1975 must pass emissions testing every two years, or every year if the vehicle is a heavy-duty diesel.

How to find a testing station in Broomfield

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains a searchable list of licensed emissions testing stations on its website. You can search by city or ZIP code to find stations near you in Broomfield. Most stations are repair shops that offer emissions testing as part of their services, so you may recognize brand names or local businesses.

Call ahead before you go. Many stations book appointments, and some have walk-in hours but may have a wait. Ask whether they can test your vehicle type—most test gasoline vehicles, but not all test diesel or hybrid vehicles. Confirm the cost and what documents you need to bring.

What to bring and what happens during the test

Bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. The technician will connect your vehicle to a dynamometer (a machine that measures emissions while your engine runs under load) or perform an on-board diagnostic (OBD) test, depending on your vehicle's year and type. Newer vehicles (usually 1996 and later) use the OBD method, which reads data directly from your vehicle's computer. Older vehicles may use the dynamometer.

The test takes 20 to 40 minutes. You do not have to stay in the vehicle during the test, but you should stay at the station. Once the test is complete, the technician will print a report showing whether your vehicle passed or failed. If you passed, you are done—the station sends the results to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles automatically. If you failed, the report will show which emissions systems did not meet standards.

What to do if your vehicle fails the emissions test

A failed test does not mean your vehicle is unsafe to drive, but it does mean you cannot renew your registration until you fix the problem and pass a retest. The failure report will list the specific emissions systems that failed—common failures include the oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, or fuel system leak.

Take the failure report to a repair shop and have them diagnose the problem. Not every repair shop can fix every emissions issue, so ask whether they work on your vehicle type and whether they have experience with the specific system that failed. Once repairs are done, you return to an emissions testing station for a retest. The retest costs the same as the initial test. If you pass the retest, the results are sent to the DMV and you can renew your registration.

Broomfield emissions testing requirements and timing

In Broomfield, you must pass an emissions test every two years if your vehicle was registered after 1975 and is a gasoline vehicle. Heavy-duty diesel vehicles must test every year. Your registration renewal notice will tell you whether your vehicle is due for testing. You can take the test up to 120 days before your registration expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.

If your registration has already expired, you can still take an emissions test, but you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads until you renew the registration. Some people take the test before the registration expires to avoid this problem. If you are unsure whether your vehicle is due, check your registration card or contact the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles.

Emissions testing costs and what affects the price

The base cost of an emissions test in Broomfield is set by Colorado and is typically $20 to $30 per test. Some stations charge slightly more or less depending on their overhead and location. A retest after a repair costs the same as the initial test. If you need a waiver (a document that allows you to renew your registration even if your vehicle failed after you spent a certain amount on repairs), some stations charge an additional fee to process the waiver paperwork, usually $10 to $20.

The cost of repairs after a failed test varies widely depending on what failed. An oxygen sensor replacement might cost $100 to $300; a catalytic converter replacement can cost $500 to $2,000 or more. That is why it is important to get a diagnosis from a trusted repair shop before you commit to any work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I test my vehicle at any emissions station, or does it have to be in Broomfield?

You can test at any CDPHE-licensed station in Colorado, not just in Broomfield. However, the test results must be reported to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles before your registration renewal is processed, so testing at a station outside Broomfield does not change the timeline or cost.

What if I just moved to Broomfield and my vehicle was tested in another state?

Colorado recognizes emissions tests from other states only if that state has an equivalent testing program. If you moved from a state with no emissions testing, you will need to pass a Colorado test before you can renew your registration in Colorado. Contact the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles to confirm whether your previous state's test is recognized.

Do I have to fix my vehicle if it fails, or can I get a waiver?

Colorado offers a repair cost waiver if you spend $500 or more on emissions repairs and your vehicle still fails the retest. You must have documentation of the repairs and the failed retest to request a waiver. Not all stations process waivers, so ask when you schedule your test whether they can help with the waiver process.

What happens if I do not get an emissions test before my registration expires?

You cannot legally renew your registration without a passing emissions test (or a waiver). If your registration expires, you cannot drive the vehicle on public roads. You can still take the test after expiration, but you should renew your registration as soon as you pass to avoid fines or legal trouble.

Can I test a vehicle I just bought if it does not have Colorado plates yet?

You will need a Colorado registration or a temporary registration document to take an emissions test. If you just bought the vehicle out of state, contact the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles about getting a temporary registration so you can take the test and complete the registration process.