Does Illinois Have Emissions Testing?
Yes, Illinois requires emissions testing for vehicles registered in specific counties. The program has been in operation for decades and is a critical component of the state's air quality management strategy. The current program is governed by the Illinois Vehicle Emissions Inspection Law of 2005 (625 ILCS 5/13C).
Program Administration
The emissions testing program is administered through a partnership between state agencies:
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA)
Air Quality Division - Mobile Sources Section
2520 W Iles Avenue, P.O. Box 19276, Springfield, IL 62794-9276
Phone: (217) 782-3397
Official Website: Illinois EPA
The Illinois EPA oversees the vehicle emissions inspection program and enforces compliance through its contractor, which operates testing facilities. The EPA develops program rules, monitors air quality, and ensures the program meets federal Clean Air Act requirements.
Illinois Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
501 S. Second Street, Room 312, Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: (800) 252-8980 (toll-free in Illinois)
Phone: (217) 785-3000 (outside Illinois)
Official Website: Illinois Secretary of State
The Secretary of State's office integrates emissions test results with vehicle registration renewals and denies license plate registrations to vehicles that have not completed required emissions testing.
Illinois Air Team
P.O. Box 3266, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-9998
Phone: (844) 258-9071
Official Website: Illinois Air Team
The Illinois Air Team is the contractor responsible for operating the day-to-day emissions testing program, encompassing testing facilities, customer service, and online services.
Legal Authority
Illinois's emissions testing program operates under the authority of the Illinois Vehicle Emissions Inspection Law of 2005, codified at 625 ILCS 5/13C. The program's operational regulations are detailed in Title 35 of the Illinois Administrative Code, Part 276.
The program is mandated by the federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7511a), which requires vehicle emissions inspection programs in large urbanized areas that do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone. Although Illinois has made significant progress in improving air quality, pollution levels in the Chicago and Metro-East St. Louis areas still exceed the ozone NAAQS, necessitating continued emissions testing.
Which Counties in Illinois Require Emissions Testing?
Emissions testing is mandatory for vehicles registered in the following counties:
Chicago Metropolitan Area:
- Cook County (all areas)
- DuPage County (all areas)
- Lake County (all areas)
- Kane County (portions/specific ZIP codes)
- Kendall County (portions/specific ZIP codes)
- McHenry County (portions/specific ZIP codes)
- Will County (portions/specific ZIP codes)
Metro-East St. Louis Area:
- Madison County (all areas)
- Monroe County (portions/specific ZIP codes)
- St. Clair County (all areas)
Additionally, specific townships and municipalities may be designated for testing. Grundy County has certain townships within the inspection area.
Determining If Your Vehicle Needs Testing
Even if you reside in a county listed above, your specific location may or may not require testing, depending on your ZIP code. To determine if your vehicle needs testing, use the Vehicle Eligibility Check Tool on the Illinois Air Team website by entering your VIN or license plate number.
Vehicle Requirements in Illinois
Which Vehicles Must Be Tested
For 2025 Testing: Most 1996 and newer gasoline-powered passenger vehicles are subject to emissions testing after they are four years old.
Testing Schedule:
- Testing month coincides with the expiration date of your vehicle license plate
- Even model-year vehicles are typically tested during even years
- Odd model-year vehicles are typically tested in odd years
- Testing is required biennially (every two years)
Vehicle Types Subject to Testing
The following gasoline-powered vehicles require testing:
- Passenger cars
- Sport utility vehicles (SUVs)
- Light-duty trucks and vans
- Vehicles with a Manufacturer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (MGVWR) of 8,500 pounds or less (for model years 2007 and newer)
- Vehicles with MGVWR between 8,501 and 14,000 pounds (model years 2007 and newer only)
- Hybrid vehicles with gasoline engines
Complete List of Exempt Vehicle Categories
The following vehicles are permanently exempt from Illinois emissions testing requirements:
Exempt by Fuel Type:
- Diesel-powered vehicles (all model years)
- Fully electric vehicles (battery electric only, no gasoline engine)
Exempt by Age:
- Vehicles less than four years old (first four model years)
- Antique vehicles (model year 1967 or earlier)
- Vehicles 25 model years or older in certain circumstances
Exempt by Weight:
- Vehicles with MGVWR greater than 14,000 pounds
- Vehicles with MGVWR between 8,501 and 14,000 pounds (model year 2006 or earlier)
Exempt by Type:
- Motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and motorized pedal-cycles
- Farm vehicles and implements of husbandry
- Custom vehicles and street rods
- Expanded-use antique vehicles
- Implements of warfare owned by the state or federal government
Exempt by Registration Status:
- Vehicles not subject to registration
- Vehicles for which a Junking Certificate has been issued
- Vehicles registered in, subject to, and in compliance with emissions requirements of another state
Important Note About Hybrid Vehicles: If your hybrid vehicle has any gasoline engine capability, it is NOT exempt and requires testing. Only fully electric vehicles with no gasoline engine are exempt.
Special Cases and Exemptions
Out-of-Area Exemption: Vehicles located and primarily used outside the Illinois vehicle emissions testing area may qualify for an out-of-area exemption. You must be located in a state or county where vehicle emissions testing is not available. Applications can be submitted through the Illinois Air Team website.
Out-of-State Compliance: If your vehicle is registered in Illinois but you reside out of state, where emissions testing is available, you may satisfy Illinois requirements by completing an emissions test in your state of residence and submitting documentation to the Illinois Air Team.
Economic Hardship Extension: If your vehicle fails emissions testing and you cannot afford the necessary repairs, you may apply for a one-year economic hardship extension. As of January 1, 2025, you must demonstrate a minimum expenditure or estimate of $573 toward emissions-related repairs. Applications are available at the Illinois Air Team website.
Repair Waiver: After spending a specified minimum amount on emissions-related repairs (currently $450 or more) and still failing to pass, you may qualify for a repair waiver. The waiver allows registration renewal without passing the test.
Emissions Inspection Fees in Illinois
Standard Emissions Test: FREE (no charge)
Illinois does not charge motorists for mandatory emissions testing. The test is provided at no cost to vehicle owners at all Illinois Air Team testing facilities.
Voluntary Testing: Vehicles not required to be tested may receive a voluntary emissions test for a $20 fee.
Where to Get Emissions Testing in Illinois
Testing Station Locator: Use the official online locator tool to find emissions testing stations near you: Testing Site Locator
Timing Requirements for Inspections
Testing Window: Your emissions test month coincides with your license plate expiration date. You should receive a registration renewal notice indicating if emissions testing is required.
How Early Can You Test? You can test your vehicle as early as 90 days before your registration expiration date. Testing earlier is recommended to allow time for repairs if needed.
Test Result Validity: A passing emissions test result is valid for one registration renewal cycle (two years).
Registration Renewal Process and Inspection Verification in Illinois
Electronic Verification System: Illinois uses a fully electronic emissions verification system. When your vehicle passes emissions testing, the results are immediately transmitted to the Secretary of State's database and linked to your vehicle registration.
How to Renew with Emissions Compliance:
Online Renewal: After completing your emissions test, you can renew your registration online through the Illinois Secretary of State website. The system automatically verifies your emissions test status.
In-Person Renewal: Visit any Secretary of State facility. The clerk will verify your emissions test status electronically in the state database.
By Mail: Follow the instructions on your renewal notice. The emissions test will be verified electronically when processing your renewal.
If You Haven't Tested Yet: If you attempt to renew without a passing emissions test on file, your renewal will be denied. You must complete emissions testing first.
Out-of-State Vehicle Provisions
New Residents Moving to Illinois: If you move to Illinois from another state, your vehicle will need to comply with Illinois emissions testing requirements when you register it. If you are registering in one of the designated testing counties, you must:
- Complete emissions testing (if vehicle is four years old or older)
- Pass the test before registration can be completed
- Illinois does not accept out-of-state emissions tests for registration purposes
Vehicles Registered in Other States: If your vehicle is registered in another state but primarily operated in Illinois, and that other state has emissions requirements, you are generally exempt as long as you maintain compliance with your home state's program.
Temporary Out-of-Area: If you will be temporarily located outside Illinois (military deployment, extended business travel, college attendance), you may apply for an out-of-area exemption through Illinois Air Team.
