Does Georgia Have Emissions Testing?

Yes, Georgia does require emissions testing, but only for vehicles registered in 13 designated counties within the metro Atlanta area. The program has been in operation since 1996 and is administered under the name Georgia's Clean Air Force.

The emissions testing program is managed through a collaborative partnership between state agencies:

Georgia's Clean Air Force
445 Atlanta South Parkway, Suite 150, Atlanta, GA 30349
Phone: (800) 449-2471
Official Website: Georgia's Clean Air Force

Georgia Environmental Protection Division
4244 International Parkway, Suite 120, Atlanta, GA 30354
Phone: (470) 524-0535
Official Website: Georgia Environmental Protection Division

Georgia Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Division
4125 Welcome All Road, Atlanta, GA 30349
Phone: (855) 406-5221
Official Website: Georgia Department of Revenue

The Department of Revenue integrates emissions test results with vehicle registration renewals and maintains the electronic verification system used by county tag offices.

Legal Authority

Georgia's emissions testing program operates under the authority of the Georgia Motor Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Act, codified in the Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) Title 12, Chapter 9, Article 2, Sections 12-9-40 through 12-9-55. The program's operational rules are detailed in Georgia Administrative Code Chapter 391-3-20 (Enhanced Inspection and Maintenance).

Which Counties in Georgia Require Emissions Testing?

Emissions testing is mandatory in these 13 metro Atlanta counties:

Metro Atlanta Region:

• Cherokee County
• Clayton County
• Cobb County
• Coweta County
• DeKalb County
• Douglas County
• Fayette County
• Forsyth County
• Fulton County
• Gwinnett County
• Henry County
• Paulding County
• Rockdale County

Vehicles can be tested at any state-certified emissions station within the 13-county area, regardless of where you reside within those counties.

Vehicle Requirements in Georgia

Which Vehicles Must Be Tested

For 2026 Registrations: The testing window advances by one year. All gasoline-powered vehicles with model years 2002 through 2023 that meet these criteria:

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 8,500 pounds or less
• Registered in one of the 13 designated counties will require testing.

Age Threshold Rule

Georgia uses a rolling three-year exemption system. The three most recent model years are always exempt from emissions testing. This means:

• In 2026: Model years 2024, 2025, and 2026 will be exempt

This exemption reflects the fact that newer vehicles with modern emissions control systems rarely fail inspections.

Complete List of Exempt Vehicle Categories

The following vehicles are permanently exempt from Georgia's emissions testing requirements:

Exempt by Fuel Type:

• Diesel-powered vehicles (all model years and weights)
• Fully electric vehicles (battery electric vehicles with no gasoline capability)

Exempt by Age:

• Vehicles 25 model years old or older
• Vehicles three model years old or newer (the three most recent model years)

Exempt by Weight:

• Vehicles with a GVWR exceeding 8,500 pounds

Exempt by Type:

• Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles
• Recreational vehicles over 8,500 pounds GVWR
• Farm vehicles used exclusively for agricultural purposes

Exempt by Ownership:

• Vehicles owned by manufacturers or dealers and held for sale (not titled to an individual)
• Government-owned vehicles used exclusively for governmental purposes
• Vehicles with antique or collector license plates (25+ years old)

Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Vehicles: Plug-in hybrid vehicles and vehicles capable of using both gasoline and electricity are NOT exempt if they have gasoline engines. If the vehicle can operate on gasoline, it requires emissions testing regardless of its ability to run on electricity or other fuels.

Special Cases and Exemptions

Senior Citizen Exemption: Vehicle owners who are 65 years of age or older may qualify for a permanent emissions testing exemption if they meet all these requirements:

• Owner is at least 65 years old
• Vehicle is 10 model years old or older
• Vehicle is driven less than 5,000 miles per year
• The owner is the primary driver of the vehicle

Applications must be submitted through Georgia's Clean Air Force and renewed annually.

Out-of-Area Extensions: Temporary exemptions are available for vehicles that will be located outside the 13-county testing area for an extended period. These extensions apply to:

• Military personnel stationed out of area
• Students attending school outside the testing area
• Business travel requiring extended out-of-area presence

Extensions are valid for a maximum of one year and must be reapplied for annually. Applications and supporting documentation must be submitted through Georgia's Clean Air Force.

Repair Waivers: If your vehicle fails emissions testing twice and emissions-related repairs meet or exceed the waiver limit amount ($1,146 for recent program years), you may qualify for a repair waiver. This allows registration renewal without passing the test. Requirements and current waiver amounts can be found on the Repair Waivers page.

Emissions Inspection Fees in Georgia

Maximum Inspection Fee: Up to $25 per test

Individual testing stations set their own fees up to the $25 maximum. The actual fee charged must be posted on the station's official emissions inspection sign. Most stations charge between $20 and $25 for a standard inspection.

Free Re-Test Policy: If your vehicle fails the initial inspection, you are entitled to one free re-test at the original testing station within 30 calendar days of your initial test date.

Fee Structure by Service Type

No Additional State Fees for Compliance

Georgia does not charge separate state-level fees specifically for emissions compliance beyond the testing station's inspection fee. The emissions test cost is not included in your vehicle registration fees—it is a separate expense paid directly to the testing station.

Where to Get Emissions Testing in Georgia

Testing Station Locator: Use the official online locator tool to find state-certified emissions testing stations near you: Find a Testing Location

Georgia's Clean Air Force Customer Service Centers: GCAF operates full-service customer service centers throughout metro Atlanta for assistance with waivers, exemptions, and extensions:

Clayton County Service Center
445 Atlanta South Parkway, Suite 150, Atlanta, GA 30349
Phone: (800) 449-2471
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Cobb County Service Center
2130 Northwest Parkway, Suite E, Marietta, GA 30067
Phone: (800) 449-2471
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

DeKalb County Service Center
2260 Northlake Parkway, Suite 204, Tucker, GA 30084
Phone: (800) 449-2471
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Gwinnett County Service Center
1810 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Suite 239, Duluth, GA 30097
Phone: (800) 449-2471
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Fayette County Service Center (Part-Time)
205 LaFayette Avenue - Building E, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Phone: (800) 449-2471
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Finding Qualified Repair Facilities in Georgia

After a Failed Test: If your vehicle fails emissions testing, you'll need to have it repaired by a qualified automotive repair facility. Georgia does not maintain a list of "approved" repair shops, but testing stations can typically recommend local repair facilities experienced with emissions-related issues.

Federal Emissions Warranty: Federal law requires emissions control systems on 1995 and newer model-year vehicles to be warranted by the manufacturer for at least two years or 24,000 miles. Many emission components have extended warranties of 8 years or 80,000 miles. Check your vehicle's warranty status before paying for emissions-related repairs, as covered repairs should be performed free of charge by the manufacturer.

Timing Requirements for Inspections in Georgia

Recommended Testing Timeline: Georgia's Clean Air Force recommends testing your vehicle four to six weeks prior to your registration renewal date. This allows adequate time for repairs if your vehicle fails and helps avoid late registration penalties.

Registration Renewal Dates: In Georgia, vehicle registrations expire at midnight on the owner's birthday. The owner's birthday becomes the annual registration renewal deadline. You should receive a renewal notice approximately 60 days before your birthday.

How Early Can You Test? There is no limit on how early you can have your vehicle tested. An emissions test is valid for 12 months or for one registration renewal by the same owner, whichever comes first. This flexibility is particularly helpful for:

• Vehicle owners who will be traveling during their birthday month
• Those applying for out-of-area extensions
• Anyone who wants to avoid last-minute testing pressure

Test Result Validity: Once your vehicle passes emissions testing, the results are electronically transmitted to the state's database and remain valid for 12 months. If you sell the vehicle before that 12-month period expires, the passing test cannot be transferred to the new owner—they must obtain their own passing test for their registration renewal.

Registration Renewal Process and Inspection Verification

Electronic Verification System: Georgia uses a fully electronic emissions verification system. When your vehicle passes emissions testing, the inspection station immediately transmits the results to the state database. This electronic record is automatically linked to your vehicle's registration information.

How to Renew with Emissions Compliance:

Online Renewal: If your county participates in online renewal through Georgia DRIVES e-Services, the system automatically verifies your emissions test status. If a valid passing test is on file, you can complete your renewal online without providing any paper documentation.

Renewal by Mail: When renewing by mail, include your vehicle registration renewal form and payment. The county tag office will verify your emissions test electronically. Some counties may request a copy of your emissions certificate as backup documentation.

In-Person Renewal: When renewing in person at your county tag office, the clerk will verify your emissions test status electronically. You may be asked to show your emissions certificate for verification purposes.

Kiosk Renewal: Many counties offer self-service renewal kiosks at convenient locations. The kiosks automatically verify emissions test status electronically before processing your renewal.

If You Haven't Tested Yet: If you attempt to renew your registration without a passing emissions test on file, the system will reject your renewal. You must complete emissions testing and pass before the registration can be renewed.

Checking Your Test Status: You can verify your most recent emissions test results online using the VIR Lookup Tool provided by Georgia's Clean Air Force. You'll need your license plate number or VIN.

Out-of-State Vehicle Provisions

New Residents Moving to Georgia: If you move to Georgia from another state and register your vehicle in one of the 13 emissions testing counties, you will need to obtain a Georgia emissions test before your first registration renewal. Georgia does not accept out-of-state emissions inspections as proof of compliance.

Military and Student Exemptions: Active-duty military personnel and full-time students temporarily residing outside the 13-county testing area may apply for out-of-area extensions. Acceptable documentation includes:

• Military: Current military orders or military ID showing out-of-area assignment
• Students: Current student transcript, registration documents, or tuition bill from an out-of-area educational institution

Applications can be submitted online or at any Georgia's Clean Air Force Customer Service Center.

Using Out-of-State Tests for Extension Proof: While Georgia does not accept out-of-state emissions tests for compliance purposes, an emissions inspection from another state may be used as supporting documentation to prove your vehicle is located outside the testing area when applying for an out-of-area extension.

Vehicles Purchased Out of State: If you purchase a vehicle while living outside Georgia and then move to the state, the vehicle must pass a Georgia emissions test before registration if it will be registered in one of the 13 designated counties. The vehicle's history of passing tests in other states does not transfer.