Does Washington, D.C. Have Emissions Testing?

Washington, D.C., maintains a comprehensive vehicle emissions inspection program for all gasoline-powered vehicles as part of its air quality management strategy. The program, administered jointly by the DC Department of Motor Vehicles and the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), requires biennial emissions testing before vehicle registration can be completed.

Washington D.C.'s emissions inspection program operates under the legal authority of DC Code Title 50, which establishes the framework for biennial vehicle emissions testing throughout the District. The program is jointly managed by two government agencies:

• DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Conducts physical emissions inspections at the District's inspection station, issues inspection stickers, and integrates inspection data with vehicle registration systems
• DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE): Oversees the Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Program, conducts performance audits, ensures compliance with federal Clean Air Act requirements, and reports data to the EPA

The District conformed to the enhanced Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program in 1997 as required by the applicable State Implementation Plan under section 110 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401) and 40 CFR part 51 to meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

Where in Washington, D.C. Require Emissions Testing?

District-Wide Program

Washington D.C. requires emissions inspections for all qualifying vehicles registered in the District, regardless of which ward or neighborhood the vehicle is garaged.

Out-of-District Provisions

The District's emissions testing requirement applies to any vehicle that:

• Is registered with DC DMV
• Parks or operates in the District public space for 60 consecutive days or more

If you maintain a legitimate residence elsewhere and only temporarily park your vehicle in the District, you may qualify for a reciprocity permit that exempts you from DC registration requirements. However, if you establish DC residency, you must register your vehicle and comply with all inspection requirements.

Vehicle Requirements in Washington, D.C.

Vehicles Subject to Testing

The District's emissions inspection program applies to all gasoline-fueled vehicles manufactured in or since 1968, up to 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Specifically, the program covers:

Gasoline-Powered Vehicles:

• Passenger cars (personal use)
• Light-duty trucks and SUVs
• Vehicles with a manufacturer's model year 1968 or newer
• Vehicles with gross vehicle weight up to 26,000 pounds
• Both new and used vehicles (with limited exemptions for new vehicles)

Testing Methods by Vehicle Age:

DC DMV performs three different types of emissions tests depending on the vehicle's age:

1. On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Test: For newer vehicles equipped with OBD-II systems (typically 1996 and newer models)
2. Tailpipe Test: For older vehicles without OBD systems
3. Visual Catalyst Inspection: To verify proper emissions control equipment
4. Gas Cap Test: To check for evaporative emissions leaks

Complete List of Exempt Vehicles

DC DMV inspection exemption regulations establish the following categories of vehicles exempt from emissions testing:

By Vehicle Type:

• Motorcycles and motorized bicycles: Not required to undergo emissions or safety inspections
• Diesel-powered personal vehicles: Completely exempt from emissions testing (must obtain a non-expiring inspection sticker from the Inspection Station)
• 100% electric vehicles: Exempt from emissions testing; receive a non-expiring inspection sticker upon registration
• Trailers: Not subject to emissions inspection requirements

By Vehicle Age:

• Pre-1968 vehicles: Personal vehicles manufactured before 1968 are completely exempt from emissions inspections
• Note: Exempt vehicles must still display a valid inspection sticker on the windshield

New Vehicles:

• Brand new passenger class vehicles with a manufacturer's Certificate of Origin automatically receive a 4-year new car inspection sticker upon registration
• New vehicles should not be physically taken through inspection
• After the 4-year exemption period expires, the vehicle must undergo biennial inspections

Historical Vehicles:

• Vehicles registered under historical/antique classifications may have specific inspection requirements
• F(I) Category historic vehicles (25+ years old or 15+ years old for discontinued makes) receive a two-year inspection sticker, but must return every two years for mileage recording
• Historical vehicles are limited to 1,000 miles annually of operation

Special Circumstances:

• Vehicles being registered for the first time in DC from another jurisdiction must pass emissions inspection before registration

Costs and Fees Inspection in Washington, D.C.

Inspection Fees

Washington D.C. establishes specific fees for vehicle inspections, with the inspection fee paid at the time of vehicle registration, not at the inspection station:

Important Notes:

• The vehicle inspection fee is not paid at the Inspection Station; it is included in and paid at the time of vehicle registration
• You are eligible for two free reinspections during the 20 calendar day period after failing inspection
• After 20 calendar days, a $35 reinspection fee applies
• Late inspection fees are assessed immediately after expiration of the inspection sticker and each 30-day period thereafter (not to exceed $480)

Late Inspection Penalties

If you fail to renew your inspection by the expiration date:

These fees are paid at the time of vehicle registration renewal, not at the inspection station.

Payment Methods

At the DC DMV Inspection Station, the following payment methods are accepted:

• NO CASH ACCEPTED
• Money orders
• Checks
• Contactless and digital wallet payments
• Credit/debit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover)
• Note: DC DMV assesses a 2.5% service fee to all debit and credit card transactions

Where to Get Emissions Testing in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., provides multiple options for completing your emissions inspection:

1. DC DMV Inspection Station

DC DMV Inspection Station
1001 Half Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Phone: 311 or (202) 737-4404
Official Website: DC DMV Inspection Station

2. Self-Service Emissions Inspection Kiosks

For eligible vehicles (private/pleasure class, model year 2005+, previously inspected at DC DMV), you can use 24/7 self-service kiosks:

Fort Stanton Recreation Center Kiosk
1812 Erie Street SE, Washington, DC 20020
Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

Takoma Recreation Center Kiosk
300 Van Buren Street NW, Washington, DC 20012
Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

How the Kiosks Work:

• Available only for model year 2005 or newer private vehicles previously inspected at DC DMV
• Kiosk prints a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) and a temporary paper inspection certificate
• Valid temporary certificate prevents ticketing for inspection violations
• DC DMV mails a two-year or fail inspection sticker to your address of record
• Visual tutorial available

Checking Your Inspection Status

To verify your vehicle's current inspection status or expiration date:

• Check your windshield sticker – The expiration date is displayed on the inspection sticker on the front passenger side, lower corner of the windshield
• Review your renewal notice – DC DMV sends renewal notices 60 calendar days before expiration (by email if provided)
• Contact DC DMV – Call 311 or (202) 737-4404 for assistance

Registration and Emissions Testing Requirements in Washington, D.C.

When registering a vehicle in Washington D.C. for the first time, emissions testing requirements depend on several factors:

New Vehicle Purchases

Brand new vehicles (never previously titled):

• Receive automatic 4-year exemption from emissions and safety inspections
• Automatically receive a 4-year new car inspection sticker upon registration
• Should not be physically taken to the inspection station
• Must still display valid inspection sticker
• After 4 years, must undergo biennial emissions inspections

Used vehicle purchases:

• Must pass emissions inspection before initial DC registration
• Take vehicle to DC DMV Inspection Station at 1001 Half Street SW
• Inspection must be completed before registration can be processed
• Vehicles registered elsewhere do not need prior out-of-state registration documentation for inspection

Out-of-State Vehicles

When bringing a vehicle from another state to register in DC:

Standard Requirements:

• Vehicle must pass DC emissions inspection before registration
• Out-of-state emissions certificates are generally not accepted
• You must complete the inspection at the DC DMV Inspection Station

Out-of-Town Inspection Renewals:

• For DC-registered vehicles temporarily located out of state, out-of-town inspection procedures may apply
• DC DMV will review out-of-state inspection results to ensure compliance with District emissions requirements
• Contact DC DMV at 311 or (202) 737-4404 for specific guidance on your situation

Title Transfers

When transferring the title of a used vehicle:

• The vehicle must have a valid, current DC emissions inspection
• If the existing inspection sticker has expired or will expire soon, a new inspection is required before title transfer
• The inspection sticker must be valid at the time of title transfer and registration.

Renewal Registration Requirements

Testing Frequency and Timing

Emissions inspections in Washington, D.C. are valid for two years from the date of inspection (personal vehicles). When planning your registration renewal:

Timing Your Inspection:

• You will receive a renewal notice 60 calendar days before your vehicle inspection expires
• Renewal notices are sent by email if you have provided an email address to DC DMV
• Complete your inspection before the expiration date shown on your windshield sticker
• New inspection stickers are dated two years from the inspection date, not from the original sticker date

Certificate Validity Periods

Registration Renewal Process

Step 1: Complete Emissions Inspection (if due)

• Check your windshield sticker expiration date
• Visit DC DMV Inspection Station or use self-service kiosk (if eligible)
• Complete inspection before expiration date
• Receive new inspection sticker (or temporary certificate from kiosk)

Step 2: Renew Vehicle Registration

Washington D.C., offers multiple convenient renewal methods:

Online Renewal:

• Visit DC DMV Online Services
• Available only after initial in-person visit to DMV
• DMV automatically verifies your inspection status
• Note: In-person registration renewals have been eliminated

By Mail:

• Complete the renewal notice sent by DMV
• Mail with payment to the address provided
• DMV verifies inspection status automatically

Dropbox Service:

• Use DC DMV dropbox service for registration renewals
• Submit renewal notice with payment

Step 3: Receive Registration Credentials

• A new registration card will be mailed to your address
• License plates remain the same (unless requesting new plates)

Special Registration Situations

Vehicles Failing Inspection

If your vehicle fails inspection:

Immediate Steps:

1. Receive a detailed report of failure reasons
2. You have 20 calendar days to complete repairs and return for reinspection
3. Two free reinspections are available within the 20-day period
4. After 20 days, a $35 reinspection fee applies

Repair Requirements:

• Repairs must address all failure points identified in the inspection report
• Keep all repair receipts and documentation
• Repairs must be completed within 60 days for waiver eligibility

Emissions Inspection Waivers

If your vehicle fails and repair costs are high, you may qualify for a waiver:

Waiver Eligibility:

• Vehicle has failed emission inspection
• You have spent $1,180.00 or more in emission-related repairs
• Repairs were completed within 60 days of the failed inspection
• Vehicle is still unable to pass the emission inspection after repairs

Contact Information

Government Agencies

DC Department of Motor Vehicles
1001 Half Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Phone: 311 or (202) 737-4404
Official Website: DC DMV
Vehicle Inspections Information
Submit 311 Request Online

DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE)
1200 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 535-2600
Official Website: DC DOEE
Vehicle Emissions Program
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Inspection Locations

DC DMV Inspection Station
1001 Half Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Phone: 311 or (202) 737-4404
Hours and Information

Self-Service Kiosk - Fort Stanton
Fort Stanton Recreation Center
1812 Erie Street SE, Washington, DC 20020
Hours: 24/7

Self-Service Kiosk - Takoma
Takoma Recreation Center
300 Van Buren Street NW, Washington, DC 20012
Hours: 24/7