Smog & Emission Checks

There's always a price to pay for the convenience of living in the city. In this case, that price comes in the form of mandatory vehicle emissions testing, also known as I/M testing. Depending upon which section of the municipality of Anchorage, or the Fairbanks North Star borough you reside, your vehicle may be required to successfully complete and emissions inspection before you will be allowed to renew your registration.

What Are I/M Inspections?

These inspections, known as I/M tests in Alaska, are done in order to determine that your vehicle's combustion and exhaust systems do not exceed the federal standards for carbon monoxide pollution.

The inspection program targets gasoline-powered vehicles, since these are the primary carbon monoxide polluters, but it also includes inspections on dual-fuels, and diesels. The programs are run by the Anchorage and the Fairbanks city governments, and only an I/M certificate issued in Alaska can be accepted in Alaska. If you're new to either area, you have 30 days to have your vehicle I/M inspected.

Who's in Charge of the I/M Testing?

The I/M inspection program is not part of the Alaska DMV; however, the DMV does help enforce the program by requiring certification of compliance with I/M testing before a title or registration will be issued.

What Determines Testing Requirements?

Inspections are based on the vehicle owner's home address, vehicle class, model year, and fuel source. Contact the Municipality of Anchorage or the Fairbanks North Star Borough for more information.

List of Vehicles Subject to I/M Testing

Testing is required if you live in the municipality of Anchorage, your vehicle is model year 1968 or newer, and live in any of the following areas:

• Fort Richardson

• Elmendorf AFB

• Indian

• Chugiak

• Eagle River

• Girdwood

• Eklutna

Testing is required if you live in the Fairbanks North Star borough, your vehicle is model year 1975 or newer, and you live in any of the following areas:

• Eielson AFB

• Fort Wainwright

• Salcha

• North Pole

Diesel and Duel-Fuel Vehicle Inspections

Owners of vehicles powered by diesel and dual-fuel must be inspected one time per owner. It must be inspected when it is purchased, and an inspection will be required again when the vehicle is sold. Inspections fees are the responsibility of each seller, so that you are only required to pay the fee one time.

Testing Exceptions

There are some exceptions to the testing requirement, as follows:

• Vehicles weighing more then 12,000 pounds when empty

• Motorcycles

• Motor scooters

• Trailers

• Snow vehicles

• New vehicles, for the first four years

Testing Stations

There are a number of I/M testing facilities in both cities. Some testing facilities are also licensed to process your registration, thus saving you the time and extra effort of having to do both the inspection and take care of registration.

Testing Certificates

Once your vehicle has passed the I/M inspection, you will be issued a certificate to be submitted along with your registration renewal request. The certificate is good for 90 days from the date of the inspection.

Note:

Extensions may not be granted on I/M certificates. If you do not register your vehicle within 90 days of the date on the I/M certificate, your vehicle must undergo testing again.

Inspection Frequency

Vehicles must pass an I/M inspection at least every two years at the time the registration is due. An I/M certificate is required when a vehicle is first registered in an area requiring certification, if it is sold to a person living in an area requiring certification, or if the vehicle has carried a government, charitable or other waiver and has not been inspected within the last 90 days.

You can find more information in the Emissions Testing section of the Alaska DMV Web site.

I/M Waivers for Fairbanks

I/M waivers are available for out-of-state guests and seasonal visitors. To qualify, you must submit a completed Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program Waiver Form along with a $23 fee (senior citizens older than 65 who have a senior citizen's exemption on the vehicle being renewed are not charged). Keep in mind that your signature on the waiver form must be notarized.

I/M Waivers for Anchorage

Seasonal drivers: You can apply for a seasonal waiver if you plan to drive your vehicle in Anchorage only between April 1-October 31. To apply, submit a completed Seasonal Use Waiver application.

Outside-use waivers: You are eligible if you have an Anchorage address but do not actually reside within the Municipality of Anchorage. To apply, simply submit a completed Outside Use Waiver application.

Repair-cost minimums: You may be eligible for a waiver if you performed more than $450 of repairs attempting to make your vehicle environmentally compliant, yet it still fails the test. Call the Environmental Services Division at (907) 343-4200 for more information on this. Bear in mind that this waiver only covers the current inspection period.

Parts-on-order waivers: You can qualify for this waiver if parts needed for your vehicle to pass an I/M exam need to be ordered. To be eligible, you must provide proof to the Environmental Services Division that a certified I/M station attendant has ordered the parts and that you have already paid for them.

Special-circumstances waiver: Call the Environmental Services Division at (907) 343-4200 for exact specifics. This waiver covers vehicles with unique problems or circumstances that go beyond the usual technical and mechanical kinks.

Reporting a Gross Polluter

If you suspect someone of blatantly violating Alaska's air quality regulations, you can report the driver by dialing (907) 269-7698 in Anchorage or (907) 451-2191 in Fairbanks.