Emissions Testing Requirements
Vehicle exhaust pipes and clean air

Boulder County Motor Vehicle offices are open Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed Fridays. Appointments are required for in-person services. Registration renewals need to be completed online, by mail or drop box, or at a self-service kiosk and are not an in-person service.

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Emissions Requirements

When gasoline vehicles are 7-years-old, they 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) and for registration renewal, if indicated on the renewal notice.

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

Motor Vehicle Division

a red car parked in front of trees

Gas and 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

Emissions Extensions or Waivers

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

  • Emissions Extension – for vehicles that are temporarily located out-of-state
  • Emissions Waivers
    • 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
    • Repair Waiver – for vehicles that have failed an emissions test after undergoing emissions-related repairs

Contact Us

Motor Vehicle Division

7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday - Thursday
Closed Fridays

Motor Vehicle Homepage
Contact Us Form
Contáctenos - Formulario en línea

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

Office Locations

1750 33rd Street, Boulder
24-Hour Drop Box: Stand-alone box outside doors on parking lot side (Directions)

1755 S. Public Road, Lafayette
24-Hour Drop Box: Slot on exterior wall to the right of the main doors (Directions)

529 Coffman Street, Longmont
24-Hour Drop Box: Stand-alone box at the northeast corner of the building (Directions)

Mailing Address

1750 33rd Street, Suite 100
Boulder, CO 80301

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