Quick Consumer Information

Make sure you need a test before you present your vehicle for testing! State regulation requires testing centers to test all vehicles that are presented for testing. Emissions inspectors are prohibited from making a judgment on whether your vehicle really needs a test. No refunds can be given for emissions tests on vehicles that were not actually due for a test. If you are not sure, call the Air Care Colorado Hotline at 303-456-7090, or your county motor vehicle office to ask. Effective July 1, 2001, window stickers were eliminated by state law.

1982 and newer vehicles require an enhanced emissions test every two years at a cost of $25.

1981 and older vehicles require a two-speed idle test every year at a cost of $15.00.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verifications are also available at a cost of $20.00.

Payment for the test may be made by cash or check. (Please make checks payable to: ACC.)


Please Note: We cannot accept "temporary" checks, i.e., checks without printed identification.

There is a 30-day grace period for your annual or biennial emissions test expiration. However, keep in mind that more than 30 days over the expiration could cost you a $50 ticket. To request an extension, please visit your Motor Vehicle office.

If your vehicle fails the emissions test, the first retest is free within ten calendar days (not ten business days). If the 10th calendar day falls on a Sunday or holiday when the stations are closed, the free retest will be extended to the 11th day.

Avoid waiting in line. Come on Saturdays, early mornings, and during the middle two weeks of the month.

High volume times to avoid are Mondays, the lunch hour, the first business day after any holiday, and the first few and last few days of the month.

Front wheel and all wheel drive vehicles with low profile rim sizes 17 inches or larger in diameter, or vehicles with wheel sizes larger than 34 inches cannot be safely tested on the dynamometer.

Only vehicles with manufacturer-equipped undersized or oversized tires that do not fit safely on the dynamometer will be authorized by the state to undergo an idle test instead of a dynamometer test. Vehicles with tires larger or smaller than original equipment that do not fit safely on the dynamometer must be returned to stock condition for testing. Vehicles with non-original undersized or oversized tires will not receive authorization from the state for an idle test.

If your vehicle has not been registered within the state of Colorado in the past, in addition to an emissions test, you must also obtain a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification prior to registering your vehicle. VIN Verifications may be obtained at an Air Care Colorado test center; however, they are not performed in the test lanes. They must be requested at the station office. Fee is $20.

Brand New Vehicles
If you are bringing into the program area a brand new vehicle that has never been registered in any state, you do not need an emissions test. If the vehicle has never before been registered anywhere in the state of Colorado, you will need a VIN verification. Do not drive the vehicle into the testing lanes for a VIN verification; request a VIN verification at the office.

The following provide VIN verifications:

• Centralized Air Care Colorado emissions inspection centers
• Licensed diesel emissions inspection stations
• Some motor vehicle dealerships
• Some County Clerk and Recorder offices
• Some law enforcement agencies

Important Note: Some county clerks and law enforcement agencies do not provide this service. Call ahead to make sure this service is available before going to a county clerk's office or law enforcement agency for a VIN verification. For more information on the VIN verification requirement, call the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles at 303-205-5603 or your county motor vehicle office.