States
Georgia

Emissions Testing in Georgia

Updated December 2025

Georgia runs a targeted emissions program rather than a statewide smog check. Most gasoline powered passenger vehicles and light trucks of certain model years must pass an annual emissions test if they are registered in one of the metro Atlanta counties that participate in the program. Vehicles registered outside these counties, very new vehicles, antiques, some diesels, and certain heavy vehicles are usually exempt. Testing is normally required before renewing registration and is performed at licensed inspection stations. Because covered counties, model years, fuel types, and exemption criteria can change, Georgia drivers should confirm current requirements with the Georgia Clean Air Force program and official state motor vehicle resources.

80 Cities
368+ Stations

Find Emissions Testing Locations in Georgia

You can browse certified testing stations by city using the directory above the grid. Regulations and station availability differ depending on location. Major metro cities generally offer many testing options, while smaller communities may have fewer. Always verify that a station is officially certified before visiting.

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Atlanta

37 Listings

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Marietta

20 Listings

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Decatur

16 Listings

Popular

Lawrenceville

14 Listings

Norcross

11 Listings

Newnan

11 Listings

Duluth

11 Listings

Douglasville

11 Listings

Alpharetta

10 Listings

Woodstock

10 Listings

Fayetteville

10 Listings

Cumming

10 Listings

Jonesboro

9 Listings

Mableton

8 Listings

Kennesaw

8 Listings

Dallas

7 Listings

Savannah

7 Listings

Snellville

7 Listings

Stone Mountain

7 Listings

Suwanee

6 Listings

Canton

6 Listings

McDonough

5 Listings

Austell

5 Listings

Hiram

5 Listings

Chamblee

4 Listings

Lilburn

4 Listings

Johns Creek

4 Listings

Macon

4 Listings

Augusta

4 Listings

Union City

4 Listings

Conyers

4 Listings

Tucker

4 Listings

Stockbridge

4 Listings

Sandy Springs

4 Listings

Fairburn

3 Listings

Lithia Springs

3 Listings

Milledgeville

3 Listings

Smyrna

3 Listings

Forest Park

3 Listings

Riverdale

3 Listings

Roswell

3 Listings

Ellenwood

3 Listings

Morrow

2 Listings

Athens

2 Listings

Stonecrest

2 Listings

Sugar Hill

2 Listings

Peachtree City

2 Listings

Warner Robins

2 Listings

Lithonia

2 Listings

Gainesville

2 Listings

Buford

2 Listings

Loganville

2 Listings

Doraville

2 Listings

Dacula

2 Listings

College Park

2 Listings

LaGrange

2 Listings

Clarkston

2 Listings

Tyrone

1 Listings

Carrollton

1 Listings

Tifton

1 Listings

Brunswick

1 Listings

Dahlonega

1 Listings

Dalton

1 Listings

Dawsonville

1 Listings

Valdosta

1 Listings

Statesboro

1 Listings

Acworth

1 Listings

Dublin

1 Listings

East Point

1 Listings

Bogart

1 Listings

Flowery Branch

1 Listings

Powder Springs

1 Listings

Pooler

1 Listings

Palmetto

1 Listings

Grayson

1 Listings

Hampton

1 Listings

Hinesville

1 Listings

Ball Ground

1 Listings

Cartersville

1 Listings

Locust Grove

1 Listings

Testing Requirements

Current Testing Requirements in Georgia

Emissions testing requirements in Georgia cover most gasoline‑powered cars and light‑duty trucks under 8,500 pounds in selected metro counties. Requirements vary by model year and fuel type, and exemptions apply to newer vehicles, older vehicles, alternative fuel, and heavier vehicles.

Who Needs an Emissions Test or Smog Check

In Georgia, vehicles needing an emissions test generally include gasoline‑powered cars and light‑duty trucks with GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less registered in the designated metro Atlanta counties. For 2025 registration, model years 2001 through 2022 must be tested. Hybrids running on gasoline also fall under this requirement, while motorcycles, RVs, diesel, and alternative‑fuel vehicles operating on non‑gasoline are exempt.

How Often Tests Are Required

Testing must be completed every year before registration renewal, which aligns with the vehicle owner’s birthday. Most vehicles must be tested annually in designated counties. The three newest model years and very old vehicles are exempt, so they avoid this annual requirement.

Where Emissions Testing Is Required

Emissions testing is required only in 13 metro Atlanta‑area counties designated due to air quality concerns. Vehicles registered elsewhere in Georgia are not subject to this testing requirement. In required counties, testing is tied to registration renewal and only applies to specific vehicle types and model years.

What Happens During the Test

During a test, technicians perform an OBD‑II scan that checks emissions equipment, inspect the fuel cap for proper sealing, and conduct a visual check of the catalytic converter to ensure it has not been removed or tampered with. The vehicle must be safe to test. Stations post fees which do not exceed $25, and results are transmitted electronically to the state DMV.

Areas in Georgia That Require Emissions Testing

Emissions testing locations in Georgia concentrate in the metro Atlanta region where air quality concerns are elevated. Cities such as Atlanta, Marietta, Decatur, Lawrenceville, Norcross, Douglasville, Newnan, Duluth, Alpharetta, and Fayetteville fall within counties that require emissions testing. These areas often host more testing stations due to population density and regulatory need. Rural or less populated counties outside this region do not require testing. Availability of certified stations aligns with demand in each area, so urban locations generally offer more options while more distant areas may have fewer or none.

How the Emissions Test Works in Georgia

An emissions test typically takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete. Bring your current registration and a valid ID to the testing station. First, a technician verifies vehicle details, then connects to the On‑Board Diagnostics (OBD‑II) port for scanning, inspects the fuel cap seal, and visually examines the catalytic converter. Common failures include illuminated check engine lights, incomplete readiness monitors, leaking fuel caps, or tampered converters. If your vehicle fails, repairs must be done and you return to the same station within 30 days for a free retest. Costs vary by station but stay under the posted maximum. Once passed, results are sent electronically to the tag office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover quick and comprehensive answers to common questions about our platform, listings, and services.

Georgia requires emissions testing only in certain metro Atlanta area counties. Most gasoline‑powered cars and light‑duty trucks of specified model years must pass a test before registration renewal. Outside these areas, testing is not required. Always verify with official state sources for current 2025 rules.
Gasoline‑powered passenger vehicles and light‑duty trucks (8,500 pounds GVWR or less) from model years 2001 through 2022 need an emissions test if registered in the specified metro counties. Exemptions apply for other fuels, vehicle types, or model years.
Testing is required annually, before your vehicle registration renewal, which typically aligns with the vehicle owner’s birth date. The inspection lasts for 12 months or one registration cycle. Exempt vehicles do not need testing.
Only vehicles registered in the designated metro area counties are subject to emissions testing. Other areas of Georgia do not require it. These rules reflect regional air quality needs, not a statewide requirement.
Dedicated alternative‑fuel vehicles that do not use gasoline—like electric, propane, natural gas, or hydrogen—are exempt. Hybrid vehicles that run on gasoline still require testing. Always check exemptions before visiting a station when preparing for emissions testing in Georgia.
Diesel vehicles are exempt and do not require emissions testing. This waiver applies statewide and not just in the metro test area.
If your vehicle fails the test, repairs must be completed and you may return to the same station within 30 days for a free retest. After a failed test, you may also inquire about waivers or repair extensions at your local tag office.
Testing stations post their own fees up to a maximum of $25. Costs vary by location. Check the station sign for the actual fee. Additional fees may apply if you need retests beyond the one free retest window.
Most stations allow walk‑ins, but an appointment may reduce wait times. It is recommended you test four to six weeks before your registration renewal to allow time for repairs and a potential retest if needed.
You can use the city‑based directory above to find certified testing stations. Check each listing to ensure the station is officially recognized. For assistance with emissions testing in Georgia contact Georgia’s Clean Air Force or your local tag office.

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Related Guides and Resources

Helpful resources include information on state emissions regulations, preparing your vehicle for a test, understanding exemptions, and guidance on next steps if your vehicle fails. These guides can help you understand what applies to your vehicle and how to comply efficiently.

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