Emissions Testing in Georgia

Testing Requirements

Current Testing Requirements in Georgia

Georgia operates the Georgia Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Program, commonly known as Georgia's Clean Air Force. The program was established in 1996 after the EPA designated 13 counties in the Atlanta metro area as severe nonattainment areas for ozone under the federal Clean Air Act. The program is required by federal law and administered by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. Approximately 3 million vehicles are tested each year at nearly 700 certified inspection stations. The test for model year 1996 and newer vehicles is an OBD-II diagnostic inspection. Vehicles model year 1995 and older that still fall within the testing window receive a tailpipe test.

Who Needs an Emissions Test

For 2026 registration, gasoline-powered vehicles model years 2002 through 2023 that weigh 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating or less and are registered in one of the 13 covered counties must pass an annual emissions test. The three most recent model years are exempt each year, which for 2026 means vehicles model year 2024 and newer do not need testing. Vehicles 25 model years old or older are also exempt, which for 2026 means model year 2001 and older. Diesel vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and motor homes are exempt regardless of model year. Electric and alternative-fuel vehicles that run solely on battery electricity, natural gas, or propane are exempt. A vehicle newly acquired or moved into a covered county must be tested within 30 days of registration. Vehicle sellers must provide a passing test to buyers if the vehicle is more than three model years old and will be registered in a covered county. Georgia does not accept emissions test results from other states.

How Often Tests Are Required

Emissions testing is required annually. The test must be completed before the vehicle's registration renewal date, which in Georgia is typically the owner's birthday. Georgia's Clean Air Force recommends testing four to six weeks before the renewal date to allow time for any needed repairs and retesting. An emissions inspection is valid for 12 months or one registration renewal cycle, whichever comes first.

Where Emissions Testing Is Required

Emissions testing is required in 13 counties in the Atlanta metropolitan area: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale. All other Georgia counties do not require emissions testing. Vehicles registered outside these 13 counties are exempt even if the owner works or drives within the metro area.

What Happens During the Test

For model year 1996 and newer vehicles, a technician connects an OBD-II scanner to the vehicle's diagnostic port and checks for stored trouble codes, readiness monitor status, and the malfunction indicator lamp. A lit check engine light results in automatic failure. For model year 1995 and older vehicles still within the testing window, a two-speed idle tailpipe test measures hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide at low and high RPM. A visual inspection confirming the catalytic converter is present and intact is performed on all vehicles. The test takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Areas in Georgia That Require Emissions Testing

Within the 13 covered counties, cities where testing is required include Atlanta, Marietta, Decatur, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Kennesaw, Peachtree City, Douglasville, McDonough, Newnan, Canton, Woodstock, Smyrna, East Point, College Park, Conyers, Duluth, and Stockbridge. Cities and areas outside the 13 counties are exempt. Savannah, Augusta, Macon, Columbus, Athens, Albany, Valdosta, Brunswick, and all other Georgia cities outside the Atlanta metro area do not require emissions testing. Certified inspection stations are distributed throughout the 13-county area. Stations display signs indicating whether they test all vehicles or only 1996 and newer models.

How the Emissions Test Works in Georgia

Drivers take their vehicle to any certified inspection station displaying the Georgia's Clean Air Force sign within the 13-county area. No appointment is needed. The test fee is up to $25, set by each station, and must be posted on the station's official sign. Bring your vehicle registration. The technician performs the appropriate test based on the vehicle's model year. Results are transmitted electronically to the county tag office. If the vehicle passes, no paperwork is needed at the tag office and registration can be renewed online, at a kiosk, or in person. If the vehicle fails, the owner receives a Vehicle Inspection Report listing the failure reasons. One free retest is available within 30 days if performed at the same station. After the free retest window, additional tests require a new fee. Owners who have spent at least the required repair waiver amount on qualifying emissions-related repairs and the vehicle still fails may apply for a repair waiver through Georgia's Clean Air Force. The waiver amount changes annually. Owners aged 65 and older whose vehicle is at least 10 model years old and driven fewer than 5,000 miles per year may apply for a senior exemption.