Washington Vehicle Emission Check Program

Washington Vehicle Emission Check Program
An Applus+ Technologies, Inc. Website

Mt Rainier / Photo: Lewis County Convention & Visitor Bureau - Loren Lane

Frequently Asked Questions



		Where is testing required?
		Most of Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish and Spokane counties. Click here for a list of zip codes where testing is required.	Home

		Where can I get an emission test?
		You may take your vehicle to any Washington test station. These test stations charge $15 for the initial test and provide 1 free retest, within 365 days, for vehicles that fail the initial test. Click here for locations and hours of operation.	Home

		When will my vehicle need an emission test?
		Vehicles between five and twenty-five years old require testing every other year. If you are new to the state or for licenses that expire in 2012, even model year vehicles 1988 through 1994 and odd model year vehicles 1997 through 2007 need to test before licensing. See chart. A test is also required to transfer the registered ownership between private parties for 1988 through 2007 model year vehicles unless the vehicle has been tested within the last 365 days. A test is not required to transfer the registered ownership between parents, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, spouses, legal domestic partners, or present co-owners or to change the legal owner. You may sign up to receive renewal notices by email at the Washington State Department of Licensing website.	Home

		What if my vehicle is out of the area?
		Do not test in another state. Tests from other states are not accepted in Washington. Download and print the Out of Area Form or contact a vehicle licensing office. Military personnel and students do not need to have the form notarized. If you are in the military, an officer's signature will be accepted. If you are a student or the parent of a student, a school ID card will be accepted. If you need further assistance, please contact a vehicle licensing office. In the future if you know you will be out of the area when a test is due, you can test up to 365 days before the tabs expire. Then you can buy the new tabs up to six months ahead of time.	Home

		What if the tabs have expired?
		Get a one-day trip permit from any vehicle licensing office so your vehicle can be legally driven to a test station.	Home

		How much will it cost to get my vehicle tested?
		If you have your vehicle tested at a Washington test station: 1. Initial test—$15 2. Retest—free if initial test failed within the last 365 days. 3. All subsequent tests—$15 Accepted payment methods: • Cash—no bills over $50 • Check—with preprinted name and address, phone number, and photo ID that matches the name on the check (In state business checks will require a photo ID of the driver, but the ID does not have to match the check information) • Most major credit/debit cards—No cards that require a PIN code.	Home

		What can I do to help my vehicle pass?
		Be sure vehicle is fully warmed up (ideally 15 minutes of freeway driving). Keep your vehicle running while you wait for the test. Turn off your radio and air conditioning before the test. If your vehicle has recently had a dead battery or the battery has been disconnected, drive it for at least a week before testing. Please avoid making emission-related repairs before testing.	Home

		How do I make sure my vehicle will be tested?
		• Bring the test fee. (photo ID with matching address required for checks). • Make sure your vehicle’s exhaust system has no obvious holes or leaks. • Make sure your vehicle is not leaking gasoline, oil, or coolant. • Do not bring any pets or passengers. • Do not bring a trailer.	Home

		Who may bring in my vehicle for a test?
		Anyone can bring your vehicle in for testing. However only the vehicle owner may obtain a waiver from further testing if the vehicle fails a retest. If you are paying by check, the preprinted name and address on the check must match the driver’s photo ID.	Home

		When can I get a test or renew my tabs?
		You can get an emission test any time up to 365 days before your tabs expire. You can buy the tabs, once the vehicle has passed the test or has been waived, online at http://www.dol.wa.gov or in person at any vehicle licensing office without the vehicle test report printout.	Home

		Do I need a renewal notice to get a test or buy tabs?
		No.	Home

		Where can a large vehicle be tested?
		All Washington test stations can test large vehicles. However, we recommend the station with ++ on the station list.	Home

		Does my Prius or Insight need testing?
		No. If you own a Toyota Prius or a Honda Insight and your renewal notice says you need an emission test, this is an error. Visit a vehicle licensing office to correct the licensing record.	Home

		What if my vehicle does not pass the test?
		If your vehicle does not pass the test, the tester will give you a printout that shows where your vehicle failed. The tester will also give you an Authorized Emission Specialist List. These documents will assist you and your repair technician with the repair process. After your vehicle is diagnosed and repaired, return to any test station for 1 free retest (within 365 days).	Home

		Who can repair my vehicle if it fails its emission test?
		Anyone can repair your vehicle. However, repair costs will only apply toward a waiver when an Authorized Emission Specialist (AES) performs the repairs. Because some repairs may be very costly, your vehicle could be eligible for a waiver if it fails a retest. The vehicle owner may request a waiver if the vehicle fails the retest and there has been at least $150 spent on appropriate diagnosis/repairs by an AES. Click here to find an AES shop in your area	Home

		What if my vehicle fails a retest?
		The vehicle owner may request a waiver at any Washington emission test station if an Ecology Authorized Emission Specialist (AES) has repaired the vehicle after the initial test failure. Vehicles with missing or tampered emission control equipment will not be waived. You will need to provide itemized receipts that show that at least $150 was spent on emission diagnosis/repairs of the test failure. You will also need the failed test report signed by the AES. Refer to the brochure given to you when your vehicle failed for additional information.	Home

		Who can I contact if I still have questions?
		If you still have questions about vehicle repairs or testing, please contact the Department of Ecology’s office for your county. Clark and Pierce Counties E-mail: Southwest Region King and Snohomish Counties E-mail: Northwest Region Spokane County E-mail: Eastern Region Please contact Applus+ Technologies for questions about: • License Number or VIN errors • Unable to renew vehicle tabs online • Emission test station service/personnel Note: Please allow up to five business days for response For questions about vehicle licensing: Please call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3770 or any vehicle licensing office	Home

HOME | Find A Station | Station Information | Test Record | Contact Us

Applus+ Technologies, Inc. is contracted by the State of Washington to provide Vehicle Emission Inspections