Many vehicles registered in Illinois are required by the state's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to have their emissions checked every two years. A notice will be sent to you when it is time to get your car smog-checked.

In many states, failing to obtain a smog certificate makes it illegal to register and operate the vehicle. But in Illinois, it also makes the driver illegal. If you do not get your vehicle tested on schedule, or you do not bring a failing vehicle into compliance, your Illinois driver's license may be suspended.

The State of Illinois EPA oversees smog testing. The type of test varies based on the age and type of the vehicle. You can get a lot of your questions about emissions inspections answered on the EPA's FAQ page.

It can sometimes be expensive to bring older cars into compliance after they have failed an inspection. If you need more time to have the necessary repairs done, you can submit an Economic Hardship Extension Application for a year-long extension.

To have your vehicle checked, drive it to your nearest emissions inspection station. Bring along your test notice, if you have it. The results of the test will be automatically transmitted to the Secretary of State and the EPA.

Top Exempt Vehicles

The following vehicles are exempt from inspection:

• Motorcycles

• Vehicles first registered in 1967 or earlier

• Farm vehicles and "implements of husbandry"

• Antique vehicles 25 years or older

• Diesel-powered vehicles

• Electric vehicles (most hybrids will not be exempt)

• Vehicles for which a Junking Certificate has been issued

Top Out-of-State Testing

If you have a vehicle registered in Illinois but temporarily located out of state, you must be in compliance with the emissions regulations where the vehicle is located, or you can have your vehicle tested out of state. If the vehicle is located in a place that does not require emissions testing, you can be exempt from the current test cycle. You will have to complete the proper paperwork―to receive an application, contact the Illinois EPA at (847) 758-3400 or see the list of compliance forms.

If your vehicle is temporarily located in Illinois but has out-of-state plates, you are not required to pass an Illinois emissions inspection. If you require an emissions test to stay current with your home state's regulations, you may be tested at an Illinois station on a voluntary basis for a $20 fee.

Top Reducing Pollution

Illinois does not currently have a program for reporting gross polluters or smoking vehicles. But you can be proactive by reducing your own impact on the environment. See the Illinois EPA's Green Tips to find out how you can do more to reduce pollution.

Top Affected Counties

In these counties, all cars must be smogged except exempt vehicles:

• All of Cook County

• All of Dupage County

• All of Lake County

In the following counties, all cars must be smogged EXCEPT those registered in the listed ZIP codes:

Kane County

Smog certificates are required for vehicles registered in all ZIP codes except those in:

60109, 60119, 60135, 60140, 60142, 60144, 60147, 60151, 60152, 60178, 60182, 60511, 60520, 60545, and 60554.

Kendall County

Smog certificates are required for vehicles registered in all ZIP codes except those in:

60447, 60512, 60536, 60537, 60541, 60543 (those parts that are not within the census-defined urbanized area), 60545, and 60560.

McHenry County

Smog certificates are required for vehicles registered in all ZIP codes except those in:

60001, 60003, 60034, 60071, 60072, 60097, 60098, 60142, 60152, and 60180.

Will County

Smog certificates are required for vehicles registered in all ZIP codes except those in:

60401, 60407, 60408, 60410, 60416, 60418, 60421, 60442, 60447, 60468, 60481, 60935, and 69050.

Madison County

Smog certificates are required for vehicles registered in all ZIP codes except those in:

62001, 62012, 62021, 62026, 62046, 62058, 62061, 62067, 62074, 62088, 62097, 62249, 62275, and 62281.

Monroe County

Smog certificates are required for vehicles registered in all ZIP codes except those in:

62244, 62248, 62256, 62261, 62276, 62278, 62279, 62295, and 62298.

St. Clair County

Smog certificates are required for vehicles registered in all ZIP codes except those in:

62224, 62243, 62248, 62254, 62255, 62257, 62258, 62260, 62264, 62265, 62269, 62278, 62282, 62285, 62289, and 62298.

Our content is updated based on input from users like you. Help make it better!