Finding emissions testing locations in Aurora
Aurora has several testing stations where you can complete your emissions test without leaving the city. The Colorado Department of Revenue maintains a searchable list of all licensed testing facilities statewide, and you can filter by zip code or city name to find stations near your address. Most stations in Aurora are independent repair shops, tire shops, or dedicated testing centers that have been certified by the state to perform the test.
You do not need an appointment at most Aurora testing stations, though calling ahead to confirm hours and current wait times is a good idea. Testing typically takes 15 to 30 minutes once you arrive. Bring your vehicle registration and a valid ID. The test itself costs between $25 and $35 at most locations, though prices vary slightly by station.
If you search online for "emissions testing Aurora CO" or "smog check near me," you will see results from Google Maps and other services. Cross-check any location against the state's official list to make sure it is licensed. Unlicensed stations cannot issue a valid test result, and you would have to pay again elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- The Colorado Department of Revenue website lists all licensed emissions testing stations in Aurora, searchable by location and hours.
- Most Aurora stations do not require an appointment and complete testing in 15 to 30 minutes for a fee of $25 to $35.
- You must bring your vehicle registration and a valid ID to any testing station.
- If your vehicle fails, you have 60 days to repair it and retest at the same station or another licensed location without paying the full fee again.
- Testing is required every two years for most vehicles in Aurora, or annually if your vehicle is older or has failed before.
What happens during an emissions test in Colorado
The technician will connect your vehicle to a machine that measures tailpipe emissions. For most vehicles, this is a two-speed idle test that takes a few minutes. The machine reads levels of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other pollutants and compares them to Colorado's standards for your vehicle's model year and engine type.
You will receive a printed result on the spot. If your vehicle passes, the station submits the result electronically to the Colorado Department of Revenue, and your registration is updated. If your vehicle fails, you get a detailed report showing which emissions exceeded the limit. You do not have to repair the vehicle when ready — you have 60 days to make repairs and return for a retest.
On a retest, you pay a reduced fee (usually $10 to $15) rather than the full testing price. Some stations offer repair services in-house, though you are not required to use them. You can take your vehicle to any repair shop you trust, then return to any licensed testing station for the retest.
When your vehicle fails the emissions test
A failed test does not mean your vehicle is unsafe to drive. It means the emissions are above Colorado's limits for that vehicle type. Common reasons for failure include a faulty oxygen sensor, a loose gas cap, a malfunctioning catalytic converter, or an engine that is running too rich (burning too much fuel).
The test report will tell you which emissions failed — usually nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, or hydrocarbons. This information helps a mechanic narrow down the problem. Many repairs are straightforward and inexpensive, such as replacing a gas cap or an oxygen sensor. More complex issues like a failing catalytic converter cost more but are still common fixes.
If you cannot afford repairs right away, you have 60 days from the test date to complete them. After 60 days, your registration will not renew until you pass a retest. If you are struggling with repair costs, some nonprofits and community programs in the Aurora area offer low-cost repair information for emissions-related issues — ask the testing station or your local city government about programs available.
How often you need to test in Aurora
Most vehicles registered in Aurora must be tested every two years. However, the frequency depends on your vehicle's age and whether it has failed before. Vehicles older than 25 years are exempt from testing. Vehicles that have failed an emissions test must be retested annually until they pass twice in a row.
Your vehicle registration notice will tell you whether testing is required and when it is due. If you are unsure, you can call the Colorado Department of Revenue or check your registration status online through their website. Testing is due before your registration expires, so plan ahead — do not wait until the last day.
Preparing your vehicle before testing
Before you go to a testing station, make sure your vehicle has been driven recently. A vehicle that has been sitting for several days may not pass because the engine computer needs time to run through its self-diagnostic cycle. Ideally, drive your vehicle for at least 20 minutes on the highway before testing to warm up the engine and allow the computer to complete its checks.
Check your gas cap to make sure it is tight and not cracked. A loose or damaged gas cap is one of the most common reasons for test failure and is also one of the easiest fixes. If the cap is damaged, replace it before testing — a new cap costs $5 to $15.
Make sure your vehicle's check engine light is not on. If it is, the vehicle will fail the test automatically. Have the code read at a repair shop or auto parts store (often free) to understand what needs to be fixed. Do not ignore the light and hope it goes away — it will not pass testing until the underlying problem is addressed.
Using the Colorado Department of Revenue testing locator
Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue website and look for the emissions testing station locator tool. Enter your city (Aurora) or zip code, and the tool will show all licensed stations near you, including their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. Some stations are open evenings and Saturdays, which can be helpful if you work during the week.
The locator also shows whether each station offers retest discounts and whether they perform repairs on-site. This information helps you decide which station is most convenient for your situation. If a station is very busy, you can call ahead to ask about wait times before you drive over.
Keep in mind that the locator is updated regularly, but hours and services can change. If you find a station online and plan to visit, a quick phone call to confirm they are open and ready to test is always a good idea.
What to bring and what to expect at the station
Bring your vehicle registration and a valid photo ID. The technician will verify that the vehicle you are testing matches the registration. You do not need to bring your title, insurance card, or any other documents — just registration and ID.
Wear comfortable clothes because you will be waiting in the station's waiting area while the test is performed. The test itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. Most stations have a waiting room with seating. Some have coffee or vending machines, but do not count on it.
Payment is usually cash or card. Ask when you call or arrive whether the station takes both. If you fail and need to retest, you will pay the reduced retest fee at that time. Keep your test result paperwork — you may need it for your records or if there is a dispute about the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test my vehicle at any station in Colorado, or does it have to be in Aurora?
You can test at any licensed station in Colorado, not just in Aurora. However, if you fail, you have 60 days to retest, and it is most convenient to return to the same station. If you move or travel, you can retest at a different licensed station — the result is valid statewide.
What if I just bought a used car and do not know when it was last tested?
Check the vehicle's registration or call the Colorado Department of Revenue with the vehicle identification number (VIN). They can tell you when the last test was performed and when the next one is due. If the previous owner did not test it, you are responsible for testing before your registration expires.
Do I have to repair my vehicle at the same station where I failed?
No. You can take your vehicle to any repair shop you trust. When repairs are complete, you can retest at any licensed station in Colorado, not necessarily the one where you failed. You will pay the reduced retest fee at the new station.
What if my vehicle is very old — do I still have to test?
Vehicles 25 years old or older are exempt from emissions testing in Colorado. If your vehicle is close to that age, check your registration or call the Department of Revenue to confirm. The exemption is based on the model year, not the current year.
Can I test my vehicle before my registration expires, or do I have to wait until it is due?
You can test early. In fact, testing early is a good idea because if you fail, you have 60 days to repair and retest before your registration expires. If you wait until the last minute and fail, you may not have time to complete repairs and retest before your registration lapses.