Car Inspection in Arizona

SUMMARY: Arizona Vehicle Inspection Program

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) governs the state's Vehicle Emissions Control Section. New residents must have your vehicles inspected immediately upon registration. Registered vehicles must complete an emissions inspection every 1 year or 2 years, based on model year and weight. Some types of vehicles are exempt from inspection.

Read on for more information about Arizona emission testing, including which vehicles must be tested, how to apply for testing exemptions, and emissions testing fees.

New Arizona Residents

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (DOT), you must register your vehicle immediately after becoming a resident; because your vehicle must undergo an Arizona emissions test, it's important to bring your vehicle in for testing as soon as possible.

NOTE: Any out-of-state smog and emissions tests do not apply.

Inspection Requirements and Exemptions

Inspection Requirements

Unless they are exempt, all vehicles model year 1967 and newer in the Phoenix and Tucson areas* require ADOT emissions testing. This includes vehicles used to commute to the Phoenix or Tucson areas for purposes such as work or school.

Emissions testing in Arizona must be completed no more than 90 days prior to registration or renewal. Your registration renewal notice will state whether it's time for an emissions test.

Phoenix

If you operate a vehicle in Phoenix, you must abide by the following emissions control guidelines:

  • Vehicles requiring emission testing every 2 years in Phoenix include:
    • Model year 1981 and newer vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) less than 8,500 lbs.
      • This does not include diesel vehicles.
  • Phoenix vehicles requiring emission testing every year include:
    • Vehicles manufactured between 1967 and 1980.
    • All vehicles with a GVWR greater than 8500 lbs.
    • Any vehicles that use diesel fuel.

Tucson

If you're a Tucson driver, your emission testing requirements are as follows:

  • Tucson vehicles that require emission testing every 2 years include:
    • Those manufactured in 1981 or newer with a GVWR of 8,500 lbs. or less.
      • Diesel vehicles are not included.
  • Vehicles that warrant emission testing every year in Tucson include:
    • Cars manufactured between 1967 and 1995 with a GVWR of 8,500 lbs. or less.
    • All 1967 or newer vehicles that require diesel fuel
    • Heavy duty vehicles with a GVWR of more than 8,500 lbs.

* Some partial ZIP codes require testing. Please refer to the state's VEI Address Locator to determine whether your vehicle requires testing.

Inspection Exemptions

The following vehicles are exempt from emissions testing:

  • Vehicles model year 1967 and older.
  • Gasoline-powered and alternative fuel vehicles 5 model years old and newer (this does NOT include reconstructed vehicles).

For questions, call:

  • Phoenix: (602) 771-3950
  • Tucson: (520) 628 - 5651

Out-of-State Exemptions

If your vehicle is out of state 90 days prior to registration expiration, you can apply for an out-of-state exemption, which is valid for 1 year or 2 years of registration.

You have the following options:

If the area you're in has an inspection program, you must:

  • Have the vehicle tested.
  • Mail the following to one of the addresses listed below:
    • The original copy of the vehicle inspection report stating the vehicle passed inspection.
    • A check or money order for $9.50 made payable to the ADEQ. The check or money order must include your name and physical Arizona address; no P.O. boxes allowed.
    • A copy of your Arizona registration.
    • A self-addressed envelope.

If the area you're in doesn't have an inspection program, you must:

  • Request an out-of-state exemption by:
    • Writing the ADEQ at one of the addresses listed below.
    • Calling the ADEQ at (602) 771-3950 in Phoenix or (520) 628-5651 in Tucson.
      OR
    • Completing an Application for Out-of-State Exemption and mail it to one of the addresses listed on the form.
  • Mail the form and the following to one of the addresses listed below:
    • A check or money order for $9.50 made payable to the ADEQ. The check or money order must include your name and physical Arizona address; no P.O. boxes allowed.
    • A copy of your Arizona registration.
    • A self-addressed envelope.

Phoenix area residents mail to:

Vehicle Emissions Control Section
1110 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Tucson area residents mail to:

Vehicle Emissions Control Section
400 W. Congress St., Suite 433.
Tucson, AZ 85701

Military Exemptions

If you're active duty military personnel stationed out of state and aren't using your vehicle*, you can apply for a military exemption using the Application for Military Vehicle Exemption.

* If the vehicle is in use, use one of the applicable out-of-state exemption processes listed above.

Completing a Vehicle Inspection

To complete an emissions inspection in Arizona, find your local emissions testing location and bring your:

  • Current registration.
  • Title.
  • Bill of sale, if applicable.
    • If you failed the first test and are retesting, bring the original vehicle inspection report, with repair information included on the back.
  • Key for any locking gas caps.
  • Payment for applicable fees:
    • Phoenix fees:
      • Passenger cars model year 1981 and newer: $16.
      • Light trucks weighing less than 8,501 lbs.: $17.
      • Heavy-duty diesel vehicles over 8,500 lbs.: $25.
      • Most other vehicle types: $17.
    • Tucson fees: $12.25.

You'll receive documentation that your vehicle was inspected and passed (or failed), but the information is also entered electronically to the DOT.

Failed Vehicle Inspections

If your vehicle fails its Arizona emissions inspection, you must have it repaired and reinspected. Your re-inspection is free if you return to the same inspection location within 60 days and bring your original inspection report with repair information.

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