Smog Check and Car Inspection in Utah

SUMMARY: Utah Safety & Emissions Inspections

Some vehicles are required to undergo safety and/or emissions testing for registration and registration renewal. Exact times, fees, and other factors vary depending on the vehicle's location and model year. When applicable, new residents are subject to the same testing procedures, as well as an additional VIN test.

The Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Department of Public Safety (DPS) work together to govern the state's safety and emissions testing programs. Continue reading for information about required testing, fees, how to handle test failures, and more.

New Utah Residents

If you've recently moved to Utah, you must register your vehicle within 60 days of arrival.

If your vehicle qualifies, it must undergo a safety and/or emissions inspection before registration.

Additionally, all vehicles being titled and registered in Utah for the first time must undergo a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection unless they were obtained from a Utah dealer or Utah manufacturer.

Any of the following agents can conduct a VIN inspection and complete the Certificate of Inspection (Form TC-661) for you:

  • Certified safety inspector.
  • DMV employee (out-of-state authorized agents are acceptable).
  • Approved contractor.
  • Utah peace officer (out-of-state peace officers are acceptable).
  • Licensed vehicle dealer.

Bring the completed Certificate of Inspection and any applicable safety and/or emissions certificates to your local DMV office when you title and register your vehicle.

Car Inspection Requirements and Exemptions

Utah Safety Inspections

Certain vehicles are required to undergo a Utah safety inspection, including:

  • Salvaged vehicles whose owners are requesting a rebuilt vehicle title.
  • Commercial vehicles.
  • Street-legal ATVs.
  • School buses.
  • Buses or vans for hire.
  • Ground transportation service providers.
  • Vehicles with 3 axles or more.

You'll need to present your vehicle at a Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS)-approved safety inspection station if it qualifies for a safety inspection. To find out more about safety inspections and to inspection station locations, contact DPS at (801) 965-4889. The maximum safety inspection fee is $40. 

Utah Emissions Inspections

Inspection Requirements

Eligible vehicles in the following Utah counties must undergo emissions inspections:

  • Davis.
  • Salt Lake.
  • Utah.
  • Weber.
  • Cache.

In Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber, vehicles:

  • Under 6 years old must undergo emissions inspections every 2 years.
    • Vehicles with even-numbered model years are tested during even-numbered years; odd-numbered model years are tested during odd-numbered years.
  • 6 years old and older (up to model year 1967) must undergo biennial emissions inspections prior to registration.

In Cache, vehicles 6 years old and older are tested according to their model year:

  • Those with even-numbered model years are tested during even-numbered years.
  • Those with odd-numbered model years are tested during odd-numbered years.

Refer to the state's updated emissions inspections schedules to determine whether it's time for your vehicle's test.

Inspection Exemptions

The following vehicles are exempt from Utah emissions inspections:

  • New vehicles with Manufacturer's States of Origin (MSOs).
  • Vehicles under 2 years old.
  • Vehicles model year 1967 and older ONLY in Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber.
  • Vehicles model year 1968 and older ONLY in Cache.
  • Motorcycles.

Completing a UT Vehicle Inspection

Safety Inspections

Most repair and other service stations are equipped to conduct safety inspections.

Bring your:

  • Current vehicle registration.
  • Maximum applicable fee:
    • Motorcycles: $14
    • Street legal ATVs: $14
    • Cars: $30
    • Trucks: $30
    • Trailers: $40
    • Buses: $40
    • 4-wheel drive vehicles: $40
    • Split-axle vehicles: $40

Once you pass, you'll receive a safety inspection certificate to present when you register or renew your registration.

Emissions Inspections

Contact your local county emissions office to locate the nearest emissions testing facility; call ahead for information on any documents you must bring (such as your vehicle registration).

Bring any required documents and the following fees*:

  • Cache: $20.
  • Weber: $35.
  • Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah: Self-regulated fees; call ahead.

* Additional emissions-related fees are due at the time of registration, too.

Emissions inspections cannot be made more than 2 months prior to registration renewal.

Failed Utah Vehicle Inspections

Safety Inspections

If your vehicle fails its Utah safety inspection, contact DPS at (801) 965-4889 for details on next steps.

Emissions Inspections

If the emissions check results in a failing grade, you must have your vehicle repaired and retested.

If your vehicle continues to fail the emissions inspection, contact your local county emissions office to find out if your vehicle qualifies for an exemption.

Utah Vehicles Out of State

If your vehicle is outside of Utah when your registration renewal comes due, you may qualify for a temporary out-of-state exemption, OR for permission to complete an inspection within a qualifying jurisdiction and mail your proof to the Utah DMV.

To do so:

If your vehicle is not currently in a jurisdiction that provides/requires vehicle inspections, you'll need to have your car inspected upon your return to Utah.

Contact the DMV at (801) 297-7780 or (800) 368-8824 for more information on out-of-state inspection exemptions.

Please enter your ZIP code OR city and state abbreviation

Forms

TC-661
Certificate Of Inspection
Vehicle/Hull identification number (VIN/HIN) verification form for cars and vessels being registered in Utah for the first time.
TC-810
Exemption of Utah Safety and Emission Requirements for Vehicles Not in Utah
Claim exemption from Utah's required safety AND/OR emissions inspection(s) if your vehicle meets the qualifications outlined on this DMV form.
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