Car Inspection in Oregon

SUMMARY: Oregon Vehicle Emissions Inspections

Eligible vehicles in the Portland-Metro and Medford-Ashland areas must undergo emissions tests prior to registration and again every 2 years. Vehicles that fail could be eligible for trip permits or financial assistance. New residents who are required to obtain emission certification, may also obtain a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection at the same time. Current residents must go to the Oregon DMV to be inspected.

The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV) works with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to manage the DEQ Vehicle Inspection Program, which administers vehicle emissions tests.

New Oregon Residents

After moving to Oregon, you have 30 days to register your vehicle; if you register an eligible vehicle within an emissions-testing area, you must have your vehicle checked before registration.

You must also submit your vehicle a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection. VIN inspections cost $9 (collected by the DMV) and can be conducted at:

  • The DMV, IF:
    • You're located outside an emissions-testing area.
    • Your vehicle isn't required to undergo emissions testing.
      OR
    • Your vehicle is salvaged, reconstructed, or from out of the country.
  • A DEQ Testing Station.

Inspection Requirements & Exemptions

Inspection Requirements

Certain vehicles registered within the Portland-Metro and Medford-Ashland areas must undergo an emissions check every 2 years. Your registration renewal notice will indicate when it's time for another emissions test.

Eligible vehicle are as follows:

Portland-Metro:

  • All gas-powered, alternative fuel, and hybrid vehicles model year 1975 and newer.
  • All diesel-powered vehicles model year 1975 or newer weighing 8,500 lbs. or less.

Medford-Ashland:

  • All gas-powered, alternative fuel, and hybrid vehicles 20 years old or newer.
  • All diesel-powered vehicles 20 years old or newer weighing 8,500 lbs. or less.

Inspection Exemptions

Within the testing areas mentioned above, the following vehicles are exempt from Oregon emissions testing:

  • Motorcycles and low-speed vehicles, including:
    • Mopeds.
    • All-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
    • Golf carts.
    • Tractors.
  • Diesel-powered vehicles weighing 8,501 lbs. or more.
  • Vehicles older than:
    • Model year 1975 (Portland-Metro area).
    • 20 years old (Medford-Ashland area).

If your vehicle is exempt, you may need to complete and submit a Declaration of Exemptions: DEQ's Vehicle Inspection Program (Form 735-1400) when you submit your vehicle's registration renewal.

Contact the DEQ at (971) 673-1630 or (877) 476-0583 for details.

Completing an OR Vehicle Inspection

To have your car testing for emissions in Oregon, visit a DEQ Testing Station and bring:

  • Your entire registration renewal form, signed by a registered owner.
    • Section 1 and Section 2 must be completed.
  • Applicable fees*:
    • Portland-Metro area: $25.
    • Medford-Ashland area: $20.

Once your vehicle passes, you'll receive a certificate to use during your registration renewal. The certificate is valid for 180 days; once you use it, your vehicle won't need another inspection for 2 years.

* Emissions testing fees and registration fees are separate, but in most cases the DEQ can accept payment for both. The DEQ accepts ONLY cash, money orders, or VISA, MasterCard, or Discover debit/credit cards that do not require PINs.

Out-of-State Vehicle Inspections

If your vehicle is temporarily out of state when it's time to renew your registration and you're due for an emissions test, contact the DEQ at (877) 476-0583 for instructions.

Failed Vehicle Inspections

If your vehicle fails its initial OR emissions test, that first test will be free; however, your vehicle must be repaired and retested.

When your vehicle fails, you'll receive a test results document to help you and your repair technician correct the problems. The DEQ provides a list of Recognized Auto Repair Shops (RARS) for repairs; however, you can choose any auto repair technician.

Trip Permits

If your vehicle fails but you still need to operate it before you can have it repaired and reinspected, you may be eligible for a 21 day trip permit. The cost $35.

Learn more at the state's page on trip permits.

Clean Air Partners Program

Some low-income residents living in the Portland-Metro area may be eligible for the Clean Air Partners Program, which helps pay for vehicle repairs to meet emissions standards.

To be eligible, your vehicle must:

  • Be a model year 1996 or newer.
  • Fail the OBD test.
  • Require only minor repairs.

Learn more at the Clean Air Partners Program description.

Please enter your ZIP code OR city and state abbreviation

Forms

735-1400
Declaration of Exemption
Use this form to claim exemption from Oregon's required emissions inspection.
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