Vehicle Emissions & Insurance Requirements

Notifications:

1. Dependent on staffing, DMV branches will temporarily have rotating closures. View a schedule of all closures.

2. Scam Alert: Fraudulent Texts Impersonate the Colorado DMV - In new fraudulent messages, scammers directly impersonate the DMV, make false claims about unpaid tickets and threatening severe consequences. To learn more about what to do to protect yourself and others, visit the DMV's scam alert page.

Visit Air Care Colorado at AirCareColorado.com to find the emissions station closest to you.

Requirements

When Is An Emissions Test Required?

The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles requires residents of Denver County to get emissions inspections as part of the State's overall strategy to improve air quality throughout Denver and the front range. Vehicles from a model year of 1981 or older must have an emissions test annually; vehicles from model year 1982 and newer must test every other year. You must obtain an emissions test:

When you purchase a vehicle through a private party, or transfer ownership through family or inheritance, even if the current inspection report still has time on it. Visit Air Care Colorado for exceptions to this rule.
If you receive notice on your registration renewal that an emissions inspection is due for your vehicle.
If you relocate to Colorado from another state. Learn more about Colorado residency...

Waivers/Extensions

Students, military personnel, and other Colorado residents who are temporarily out of state may file for an emission extension (DR 2376). For rules and regulations on how to file and other special circumstances, visit the State of Colorado website.

Find Test Locations & More at AirCare Colorado

When is proof of insurance required?

Proof of valid vehicle insurance coverage is required by state law. The Department of Motor Vehicle will accept an insurance card, copy of insurance policy or letter from your insurance company on their letterhead including a description of the vehicle with the following information: year, make, model, vehicle identification number (VIN), effective date and expiration date of the policy. We will also accept proof of insurance displayed electronically via smartphone.

Questions about proof of insurance for registration renewals?

Even if you have provided proof of insurance in the past, you may be asked to provide it again if your insurance carrier has not transmitted data for your proof of insurance to the State of Colorado. Insurance companies are required by law to provide necessary information on their policy holders to the State database by the seventh day of each month. If your insurance company has not submitted this information in time, you will need to provide proof of insurance to the DMV by mail or fax, before your registration can be renewed. If you are renewing at a kiosk, please wait 2-4 days after updating your auto insurance to renew at the kiosk. This allows time for your insurance to provide updated information to our statewide vehicle registration system. The kiosk cannot accept paper proof. Your renewal postcard will indicate if you need proof of insurance.

Contact your insurance company to provide proper verification.

Did you know...

Want to renew online but need an emissions test? No problem! Get your emissions test and wait approximately 48 hours. The emissions information will be uploaded to the state portal during that time frame and you will be able to renew online.

Your registration receipt indicates when your next emissions test is due
Motor vehicle insurance is mandatory in the State of Colorado