Emissions Testing Requirements
Vehicle exhaust pipes and clean air

Appointments now required for in-person visits. Additionally, registration renewals need to be completed out of office. Options include online, by mail or drop box, or at a self-service kiosk. Read about these changes (including benefits, and FAQs). Información en español.

October Vehicle Registration Renewals Alert: If your vehicle registration is up for Oct renewal, the postcard will say proof of insurance required. For 99% of residents, it is not. We have it in our records. Try to renew online or other method first as you should be fine if nothing has changed with your car insurance. See the Colorado Dept of Motor Vehicle statement for more information.

Emissions Requirements

When gasoline vehicles are 7-years-old, vehicles must pass an emissions inspection in order to be registered in Boulder County (4-years-old for diesel vehicles.) Testing is required when a gasoline vehicle changes ownership in their 7th model year or later (even if there is time left on the previous test, 2016 vehicles in 2022) and for registration renewal, if indicated on the renewal notice. Please consult Gas and Diesel Emissions pages links to the right.

The following vehicle types do not require emissions testing:

  • Motorcycles
  • All-electric vehicles
  • Gas-fueled or hybrid vehicles within the first seven model years
  • Diesel-fueled vehicles with GVWR under 26,000 pounds are exempt for the first four model years
  • Diesel-fueled vehicles with GVWR 26,000 pounds or more are exempt for the first six model years
  • Vehicles 1975 and older with collector plates
  • Kit cars
  • Horseless carriages
  • Vehicles registered as farm trucks
  • Vehicles registered as street rods
A red car parked in the woods

Gas & Alternative Emissions

Testing requirements, locations, and exemptions for gas, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles

White old fashioned pick up truck

Diesel Emissions

Testing requirements, locations, and exemptions for diesel vehicles

Extensions and Waivers

There are three situations where emissions requirements may temporarily be extended or waived:

  1. Emissions Extension – for vehicles that are temporarily located out-of-state
  2. Hardship Waiver – for vehicles that have recently failed an emissions test and the owner is unable to obtain necessary repairs due to a financial hardship
  3. Repair Waiver – for vehicles that have failed an emissions test after undergoing emissions-related repairs

Out of State Emissions ExtensionFinancial Hardship/Repair Waiver

Contact Us

Motor Vehicle Division

7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday-Thursday
Closed Fridays
Online Motor Vehicle Contact Us Form
Contáctenos - Formulario en línea

Phone: 303-413-7710
Fax: 303-413-7706

Location

Boulder: 1750 33rd St.
Map and Directions Boulder Location

Longmont: 529 Coffman St.
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Lafayette: 1755 S. Public Road
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Mailing Address

1750 33rd St., Suite 100
Boulder, CO 80301

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