Texas emissions testing is required in 10 counties, not statewide
Texas does not require emissions testing across the entire state. Only 10 counties in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin areas must pass an emissions test before you can register your vehicle. If you live outside these counties, you do not need an emissions inspection, though you still need a safety inspection to register.
The 10 counties that require emissions testing are Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Rockwall, and Tarrant in the Dallas-Fort Worth area; Harris and Fort Bend in the Houston area; and Travis in the Austin area. These counties are designated as nonattainment areas by the Environmental Protection Agency because air quality does not consistently meet federal standards.
If you move to or from one of these counties, or if you are unsure whether your county requires testing, you can check the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) website or call your local emissions testing facility. The requirement applies to most vehicles model year 1996 and newer, though some older vehicles and certain vehicle types are exempt.
Key Takeaways
- Only 10 Texas counties require emissions testing: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Rockwall, and Tarrant (Dallas-Fort Worth area); Harris and Fort Bend (Houston area); and Travis (Austin area).
- Vehicles model year 1996 and newer must pass an emissions test in these counties before registration, though some vehicle types and older models are exempt.
- If you live outside these 10 counties, you need only a safety inspection to register your vehicle in Texas.
- The TCEQ website and local testing facilities can confirm whether your specific county requires emissions testing.
How emissions testing works in Texas counties that require it
In the 10 nonattainment counties, you must take your vehicle to a licensed emissions testing facility and pass a test before you can register or renew your registration. The test measures your vehicle's tailpipe emissions to may support they fall within state limits. Most vehicles are tested using a dynamometer, which simulates driving conditions while measuring what comes out of your exhaust.
The test takes about 30 minutes total, including check-in and paperwork. You do not need an appointment at most facilities, though some accept them. The cost varies by facility but typically ranges from $15 to $30. If your vehicle passes, the facility sends the results electronically to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, and you can register your vehicle when ready. If it fails, you have 14 days to get repairs and retest at no additional charge at the same facility.
You can find a licensed testing facility through the TCEQ website by entering your county and ZIP code. The facility list shows hours, phone numbers, and whether each location accepts walk-ins or requires appointments.
What vehicles are exempt from emissions testing
Not every vehicle in the 10 nonattainment counties must pass an emissions test. Vehicles model year 1995 and older are exempt, as are diesel-powered vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 14,000 pounds. New vehicles with a model year two years newer than the current year are also exempt for their first registration.
Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles are exempt from emissions testing in all Texas counties. If you own a vehicle that you believe should be exempt, the testing facility can verify its status before you pay for a test. Bring your vehicle title and registration to confirm.
Emissions testing requirements by county
| County | Region | Testing Required |
|---|---|---|
| Collin | Dallas-Fort Worth | Yes |
| Dallas | Dallas-Fort Worth | Yes |
| Denton | Dallas-Fort Worth | Yes |
| Ellis | Dallas-Fort Worth | Yes |
| Johnson | Dallas-Fort Worth | Yes |
| Kaufman | Dallas-Fort Worth | Yes |
| Rockwall | Dallas-Fort Worth | Yes |
| Tarrant | Dallas-Fort Worth | Yes |
| Harris | Houston | Yes |
| Fort Bend | Houston | Yes |
| Travis | Austin | Yes |
What happens if you fail an emissions test
If your vehicle does not pass the emissions test, the testing facility will give you a written report showing which emissions standards your vehicle exceeded. You then have 14 days to have the vehicle repaired and retested at the same facility at no charge. The retest must happen within 14 days of the failed test date.
Common reasons for failure include a faulty oxygen sensor, a malfunctioning catalytic converter, a loose or missing gas cap, or an engine running too rich (burning too much fuel). A mechanic can diagnose the specific problem using the test report. Repairs can range from $50 for a gas cap to several hundred dollars for a catalytic converter, depending on what is wrong.
If you cannot afford repairs, some counties offer repair information programs through local nonprofits or government agencies. Contact your county's environmental office or the TCEQ to ask about programs in your area. If you do not retest within 14 days, you cannot register your vehicle in that county.
Registering a vehicle from out of state in a Texas emissions county
If you are moving to one of the 10 nonattainment counties from another state or from a Texas county that does not require emissions testing, your vehicle must pass an emissions test before you can register it in Texas. You cannot use an out-of-state inspection or emissions test result; Texas requires the test to be performed at a licensed Texas facility.
The process is the same as for any vehicle in those counties: take your vehicle to a licensed testing facility, pass the test, and then register with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. If your vehicle fails, you have 14 days to repair and retest. Some people moving to these counties find that their older vehicle fails the first time and budget for repairs before the move.
Emissions testing when you move out of a nonattainment county
If you move from one of the 10 nonattainment counties to a county that does not require emissions testing, you do not need a new emissions test to register your vehicle in the new county. You will need a safety inspection in the new county, but that is a separate test that checks brakes, lights, and other safety equipment, not emissions.
Your emissions test results from the nonattainment county are valid only in that county and do not transfer. When you register in the new county, bring your vehicle title, proof of residency, and proof of a current safety inspection. The emissions test is not part of the registration process outside the 10 designated counties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an emissions test if I live in a Texas county that does not require it?
No. If your county is not one of the 10 nonattainment counties, you do not need an emissions test to register your vehicle. You will still need a safety inspection, which checks brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and other safety equipment. The safety inspection is required statewide in Texas.
Can I get an emissions test waiver if my vehicle is old or has mechanical problems?
No waivers are issued for emissions testing in Texas. However, vehicles model year 1995 and older, diesel vehicles, motorcycles, and electric vehicles are automatically exempt. If your vehicle is exempt, the testing facility can verify this before you pay. If your vehicle fails, you have 14 days to repair and retest at no additional charge.
What if I move to a nonattainment county and my vehicle fails the emissions test?
You have 14 days from the failed test date to have your vehicle repaired and retested at the same facility for free. If you cannot afford repairs, contact your county environmental office or the TCEQ to ask about repair information programs. Without a passing test, you cannot register your vehicle in that county.
How long is an emissions test result valid?
An emissions test result is valid for 120 days from the test date. You must register your vehicle before the 120 days expire. If the result expires before you register, you will need a new emissions test. The test result is tied to the specific vehicle and county where it was performed.
Can I use an emissions test from another state if I move to Texas?
No. If you move to one of the 10 Texas nonattainment counties, your vehicle must be tested at a licensed Texas emissions facility. Out-of-state test results are not accepted. You will need to schedule a test at a facility in your new county before you can register your vehicle.