Smog Check in Nevada

SUMMARY: Nevada Emissions Control Program

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees the Nevada Emissions Control Program, including which vehicles require testing, how to complete a vehicle inspection, and how to apply for waivers if a vehicle fails an emissions test. Note that each requirement also applies to new residents.

Continue reading for information on how the Nevada Emissions Control Program handles emissions tests regarding specific state locations, fees, and waiver applications for failed smog tests.

New Nevada Residents

If you've just moved to Nevada, your vehicle may require smog and emissions inspections before it can be registered. You must register your vehicle within 30 days of becoming a Nevada resident.

It's best to bring your vehicle to a licensed inspection facility as soon as possible in order to leave time for any necessary repairs or waiver applications.

NOTE: Out-of-state smog or emissions tests are not valid in Nevada if your vehicle is going to be based here.

Inspection Requirements and Exemptions in Nevada

Inspection Requirements

Currently, only vehicles based in urban areas of Clark County or Washoe County are required to undergo Nevada emissions tests.

Those vehicles must be inspected if they meet the following criteria:

  • Either:
    • Gasoline-powered vehicles (all weights and sizes).
      OR
    • Diesel-powered vehicles weighing up to 14,000 lbs.
  • Vehicles model year 1968 and newer UNLESS the vehicle meets the requirements for a Classic Vehicle Exemption.
  • New vehicles on their 3rd registration or later.
    • Hybrid vehicles are exempt for their first 5 model years.

Your vehicle's emissions test is valid for 90 days.

For questions about testing locations, call:

  • DMV Emissions Lab:
    • Las Vegas: (702) 486-4981.
    • Reno: (775) 684-3580.
  • DMV Compliance Enforcement Division: (775) 684-4790.

Inspection Exemptions

Nevada exempts several vehicles from smog checks and emissions tests, including:

  • Alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) for the first 5 model years.
  • New vehicles on their first 3 registrations.
  • Vehicles model year 1967 and older.
  • Motorcycles and mopeds.
  • Diesel-powered vehicles weighing 14,001 lbs. or more.
  • Registered Replica Vehicles.
  • Registered Classic Rods, Classic Vehicles, or Old Timer Vehicles driven no more than 5,000 miles per year.
  • Certain ownership/registration-transferred vehicles. These include:
    • Transfers between:
    • Husbands and wives.
    • Leasing vehicle companies IF the lessee or operator stays the same.
    • Transfers when the last emissions test took place no more than 90 days before the transfer.

Out-of-State Testing

Nevada residents whose vehicles are outside the state should renew their registration by completing the Emission Control Exemption Application (Form EC-8). If your car is in an area/state that requires emission testing, you'll need to have your vehicle inspected in that state. This will take care of your Nevada emission inspection requirement for the next year.

If the state you're in does not require emission testing, then you'll also need to fill out the Emission Control Exemption Application (Form EC-8) and indicate that there is no inspection station near you. You will have to have your vehicle inspected as soon as you return to the state.

After completing the affidavit, mail it along with your registration renewal form, the emission certificate from the state (if applicable), and a check or money order for your fees to the address on the form.

Call the Compliance Enforcement Division at (775) 684-4690 with questions.

How to Get a Nevada Vehicle Inspection

To complete a vehicle inspection in Nevada, visit a department-licensed emission station in your area and bring:

  • Your registration.
    • Not required, but helpful for your technician, as they need your county and ZIP code.
  • Payment for the applicable fee.*

Once you pass your vehicle inspection, you'll receive a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) for your records. The inspection station will also enter your vehicle's results electronically into the DMV system.

* Each emissions station sets its own fees, but the state implements a maximum fee based on vehicle type as well as fee type (inspection fees and certification fees). Visit the Emissions Testing Fees page for a complete list of maximum fees.

Failed Vehicle Inspections

Upon failing an initial emissions inspection, your vehicle must be repaired and retested; if it fails again, you might be eligible for a waiver.

Waivers are not available for vehicles that emit visible smoke, are eligible for warranty coverage, or show evidence of emission device tampering.

Refer to the state's Test Failures & Waivers for information on:

  • Repair stations (based on location).
  • Costs: Each area has a set amount of money you must spend before you can apply for a waiver.
  • Diesel waivers (based on factors such as shop and/or self repairs).

Please enter your ZIP code OR city and state abbreviation

Forms

EC-8
Emission Control Exemption Affidavit
Claim exemption from Nevada's emission inspection requirement if your vehicle meets the criteria outlined on the form.
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