Is Inspection Required for Registration in Illinois?
Illinois does not mandate safety inspections for standard passenger vehicles during vehicle registration or renewal. However, vehicle owners in targeted counties must comply with emissions testing requirements as part of Illinois's air quality program. The state focuses its inspection efforts on commercial second division vehicles rather than private passenger cars.
Emissions Inspection Requirements in Illinois
Illinois requires emissions testing for most gasoline-powered passenger vehicles in the Chicago and Metro-East St. Louis areas. Vehicles manufactured in 1996 and newer must pass an emissions test four years after their model year and biennially (every two years) thereafter. The inspection month aligns with your license plate expiration date. Diesel vehicles, electric vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles registered outside Illinois are exempt from this requirement. Vehicles older than the 1996 model year do not require emissions testing.
Illinois Vehicle Registration Requirements by County and Origin
| Vehicle Origin | Registration Type | VIN Inspection | Safety Inspection | Emissions Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-state | Initial | Not required | Not required | Required (Chicago/Metro-East only) |
| Out-of-state | Renewal | Not required | Not required | Required (Chicago/Metro-East only) |
| In-state | Initial | Not required | Not required | Required (Chicago/Metro-East only) |
| In-state | Renewal | Not required | Not required | Required (Chicago/Metro-East only) |
VIN tag inspection occurs at emissions testing stations during the emissions test. If the VIN tag is not acceptable or is missing, the vehicle receives a rejection and cannot complete emissions testing. For standard vehicle registration purposes, VIN inspections are not required as a separate registration requirement.
Contact Information
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency – Vehicle Emissions Testing
1021 North Grand Avenue
Springfield, Illinois 62794
Phone: 844-258-9071
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Official Website: Illinois EPA Vehicle Emissions Testing Program
Illinois Secretary of State – Vehicle Registration
2701 South Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, Illinois 62723
Phone: 217-782-7520
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Official Website: Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services
