Emissions Testing | EZ Title Service
Emissions Testing
Test with ADEQ.
Then finish registration with us.
Arizona emissions testing is administered by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), not EZ Title & Registration. We make the confusing part easier: figure out whether you need a test, find a station, then come to EZ Title once you pass so we can complete your title or registration transaction.
Emissions stations are operated through Arizona’s Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program. EZ Title does not perform the emissions test itself.
Which situation matches your vehicle?
Your registration address, vehicle age, fuel type and use determine whether testing applies. The renewal notice is useful, but the emissions-area rules still matter if you recently moved or commute into a required area.
Phoenix / Tucson Area Vehicle
More than five years old, registered or regularly used for commuting in a required emissions-control area, and no exemption applies.
See testing rules ↓Newer, Older, Electric or Special-Use Vehicle
Five years old or less, 1966 or older, electric, motorcycle, golf cart, qualifying collectible or another statutory exemption.
See exemptions ↓Vehicle Is Out of State at Renewal
ADEQ has separate out-of-state and military exemption processes when the vehicle is outside Arizona at the time testing is due.
See out-of-state rules ↓Everything you need before the registration counter.
ADEQ does the test. MVD uses the result. EZ Title handles the title and registration side. Three systems, because apparently one government workflow would have been dangerously convenient.
If your vehicle needs emissions, pass the test before coming in for registration.
ADOT specifically recommends completing emissions first. Once the passing result reaches MVD electronically, EZ Title can process the applicable registration or title/registration transaction.
You can check live emissions station wait times before leaving home.01 Who Needs Arizona Emissions Testing? Phoenix and Tucson emissions-control areas, vehicle age and commuting rules
Arizona emissions inspections are required primarily in Area A in the Phoenix metropolitan region and Area B in the Tucson metropolitan region.
Testing can apply when
- The vehicle is registered at an address inside Area A or Area B.
- The vehicle is registered outside those areas but is regularly used to commute to the driver’s principal place of employment inside an emissions area.
- You move into a required emissions area and need to complete Arizona registration.
- You purchase or transfer a vehicle that must have current emissions for the registration transaction.
02 Common Emissions Exemptions Vehicles Arizona excludes from routine emissions inspection requirements
Even inside an emissions-control area, Arizona law exempts several categories of vehicles.
Common exemptions include
- Vehicles five years old or less.
- 1966 model year or older.
- Fully electric vehicles.
- Motorcycles.
- Golf carts.
- Vehicles with engines under 90cc.
Other qualifying situations
- Qualifying collectible vehicles with compliant collectible/classic insurance.
- Vehicles outside Arizona at registration time that qualify for an ADEQ exemption process.
- Qualifying active-duty military vehicles not in use while the owner is stationed outside Arizona.
- Other statutory or registration-category exemptions.
Collectible vehicle exemption
Arizona defines a qualifying collectible vehicle based on age or rarity, limited/infrequent use, and collectible/classic insurance that restricts mileage or use and requires another vehicle for personal transportation. The exemption depends on keeping qualifying insurance coverage in force.
03 Before You Go to the Emissions Station A few things that can save you from an extremely avoidable failed trip
ADOT’s current preparation guidance
- Check Engine light must not be on. A vehicle cannot pass emissions with the malfunction indicator illuminated.
- Test with at least half a tank of fresh fuel.
- If the battery was recently disconnected or the computer was cleared, the OBD readiness monitors may need driving time before the vehicle is ready to test.
- Bring a key for a locking fuel cap/tank when applicable.
- Bring a form of payment accepted by the testing station.
New to Arizona?
myAZcar advises new Arizona residents to bring the current title or registration and residence-address information so the station can identify the vehicle and testing area correctly.
04 Current Arizona Emissions Testing Fees The fee depends on testing area, vehicle type and the inspection method required
ADEQ/myAZcar currently lists different fees for Phoenix and Tucson because the test method depends on the vehicle’s age, fuel type, weight and testing area.
Stations accept cash, qualifying personal checks, and major credit/debit cards listed by myAZcar. The initial test fee is paid even if the vehicle fails.
05 What If My Vehicle Fails? Free retest window, repairs and ADEQ’s Voluntary Vehicle Repair Program
A failed emissions test does not mean you immediately need a new vehicle, despite what your dashboard may be emotionally suggesting. The report identifies the failure information so the vehicle can be diagnosed and repaired.
Free retest
myAZcar currently provides a free retest when the failing vehicle is retested within 60 days of the initial inspection.
Voluntary Vehicle Repair Program (VVRP)
Qualifying Arizona vehicle owners may receive state assistance after failing a required emissions test. ADEQ’s current VVRP pays up to $900 toward qualifying emissions-related repairs.
Current VVRP basics
- Vehicle must have failed a required emissions test.
- Applicant must meet all program eligibility rules.
- Owner pays a $100 co-pay.
- ADEQ pays up to $900 in qualifying repairs.
Timing matters
- Failure must generally be within 90 days of registration expiration.
- Apply within 60 days after the failed emissions test.
- Approved repairs must be performed through a participating repair facility.
06 Out-of-State & Military Exemptions When the Arizona-registered vehicle is outside the state when emissions is due
Out-of-state vehicle
ADEQ currently requires the vehicle to be outside Arizona for at least 90 days before the registration expires to qualify for the out-of-state exemption process.
- If the vehicle is in an area of another state that requires emissions testing, have it tested there and submit the passing report to ADEQ.
- If the vehicle is in an area that does not require emissions testing, apply for the out-of-state exemption through ADEQ.
Active-duty military
A separate military exemption is available when active military service stations the owner outside Arizona and the vehicle is not in use. If someone else will be driving the vehicle, ADEQ directs customers to the regular out-of-state exemption process instead.
07 Buying or Transferring a Vehicle Current emissions may be required before Arizona registration can be completed
If the vehicle and registration address are subject to emissions testing, the emissions requirement may need to be satisfied before the Arizona title/registration transfer can be completed.
Private-party Arizona transfer
ADOT’s current eTitle Transfer requirements call for current emissions when applicable, unless the vehicle is being sold to a buyer in a non-emissions area.
Out-of-state vehicle coming to Arizona
ADOT requires emissions compliance for applicable vehicles being titled and registered in the Phoenix and Tucson areas. If emissions applies, complete the test before coming to EZ Title for the title/registration transaction.
08 Check a Vehicle’s Arizona Emissions History Look up prior Arizona inspection results using the VIN
Arizona’s Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program provides an online VIN history inquiry. It is useful when checking whether a recent test is already on file or reviewing prior Arizona emissions inspections.
Your emissions result goes to MVD electronically.
That means there is normally no emissions certificate to hand-carry around Arizona like a sacred scroll. Once the result is on the MVD record, you can complete the registration transaction.
Complete the required ADEQ test before the registration transaction.
The passing result is transmitted electronically. Most results appear promptly, though a mismatch can delay posting.
Walk into an EZ Title location and complete the applicable renewal, title transfer or Arizona registration.
The questions that usually happen in the parking lot.
Preferably before driving across town with a glowing Check Engine light and optimism as the only diagnostic tool.
Does EZ Title perform emissions testing?
Does every Arizona vehicle need emissions?
How early can I test for registration renewal?
Can I pass with the Check Engine light on?
Do I have to pay for a retest after failing?
My vehicle passed but MVD does not see it yet. What should I do?
Now come to us for the title or registration part.
Once ADEQ’s passing result is on the MVD record, visit an EZ Title & Registration location for your renewal, Arizona registration, title transfer or other qualifying vehicle transaction.
General information: Arizona vehicle emissions testing is administered by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), not EZ Title & Registration. Testing requirements, fees, test methods, exemptions and program rules can change based on vehicle year, fuel type, weight, registration address and use. EZ Title & Registration is an Arizona Authorized Third Party provider for qualifying MVD title and registration services.