Emissions Testing in Texas

Testing Requirements

Current Testing Requirements in Texas

Texas operates an annual emissions inspection program in 17 counties covering the state's major metropolitan areas. The program is administered by the DPS and TCEQ. As of January 1, 2025, safety inspections are no longer required for non-commercial vehicles under HB 3297. Emissions testing continues at DPS-certified inspection stations in the designated counties. The test is an OBD-II diagnostic scan for 1996 and newer gasoline vehicles. Pre-1996 vehicles within the program window may receive a two-speed idle tailpipe test. All commercial vehicles in all 254 counties must still pass an annual safety inspection.

Who Needs an Emissions Test

Gasoline-powered vehicles 2 to 24 model years old registered in the 17 designated counties must pass an annual emissions inspection. This includes passenger cars, light trucks, SUVs, and vans. Diesel-powered vehicles are exempt from emissions testing. Vehicles from the current or preceding model year (brand new) are exempt. Vehicles 25 model years old and older are exempt. Electric vehicles are exempt. Motorcycles and trailers are exempt from emissions testing. Vehicles registered outside the 17 designated counties do not need an emissions test. An emissions test is required for registration renewal and at change of ownership for applicable vehicles in covered counties. All commercial vehicles statewide must still pass an annual safety inspection regardless of county.

How Often Tests Are Required

Emissions testing is required annually, tied to vehicle registration renewal. The inspection must be completed before registration can be renewed. The inspection status is verified electronically at the time of registration renewal. There is no separate inspection sticker; the registration sticker serves as the sole document. A $7.50 inspection program replacement fee is charged to all non-commercial vehicles statewide at registration, regardless of whether an emissions test is required.

Where Emissions Testing Is Required

Emissions testing is required in 17 counties: Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, El Paso, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, and Williamson. Bexar County will be added effective November 1, 2026. These counties cover the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, the Austin area, and El Paso. Vehicles registered in all other 237 Texas counties are not required to pass an emissions test.

What Happens During the Test

For 1996 and newer gasoline vehicles, a technician connects to the OBD-II port and runs a diagnostic scan checking for stored emissions-related trouble codes, readiness monitor status, and the malfunction indicator lamp. A lit check engine light causes automatic failure. Incomplete readiness monitors may result in failure or a "not ready" status. A gas cap pressure test may be performed on applicable vehicles. A visual anti-tampering check confirms the presence of emissions control components. For pre-OBD-II vehicles still in the testing window, a two-speed idle tailpipe test measures hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles that cannot be tested on a dynamometer receive the two-speed idle test instead. The test typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Areas in Texas That Require Emissions Testing

Within the 17 covered counties, major cities where emissions testing is required include Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio (starting November 2026), Austin, El Paso, Arlington, Plano, Laredo (if registered in a covered county), Irving, Garland, Frisco, McKinney, Grand Prairie, Pasadena, Mesquite, Denton, Midland (not covered), Round Rock, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Pearland, Conroe, Galveston, and Beaumont (not covered). Cities in non-covered counties do not require emissions testing. San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Lubbock, Amarillo, Waco, Brownsville, McAllen, Abilene, Midland, Odessa, Tyler, Longview, and all rural Texas communities outside the 17 counties are exempt.

How the Emissions Test Works in Texas

Drivers take their vehicle to any DPS-certified inspection station in the 17 emissions counties. These are the same stations that previously performed both safety and emissions inspections. No appointment is needed at most stations. Bring a photo ID and proof of insurance (in-state insurance documents required). The emissions inspection fee at the station is $25.50, the same fee that was charged under the former combined inspection. An additional $2.50 emissions inspection fee is paid to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles at registration. The $7.50 inspection program replacement fee is also added to the registration cost for all non-commercial vehicles statewide. If the vehicle passes, the results are transmitted electronically to the Texas DMV and registration can be renewed online or in person. If the vehicle fails, the owner must complete repairs and return for retesting. One free retest is typically available at the same station within a set window. If the vehicle still fails after qualifying repairs, a waiver may be available depending on the county and repair costs. The TCEQ and DPS provide a station locator at the DPS website.