Emissions Testing in Washington

Who Needs an Emissions Test or Smog Check

As of 2025 no vehicles in Washington need an emissions test at registration, regardless of age, fuel type, or vehicle type. The emissions testing requirement ended on December 31 2019. However, vehicles must meet certain certification standards for registration under the Clean Car Law, which focuses on model year and certification to California emissions standards, not inspection testing.

How Often Tests Are Required

Since there is no longer any emissions testing requirement, there is no testing frequency like annual or biennial inspections in Washington. The state eliminated vehicle emissions checks as of January 1 2020, so registration renewal is not tied to testing results.

Where Emissions Testing Is Required

No areas in Washington require emissions testing as of 2025. The statewide inspection program ended in 2019. While certification requirements apply at point of sale or registration, there are no localized emissions testing zones or county programs currently in effect.

What Happens During the Test

Although Washington no longer administers emissions testing, former test procedures included OBD‑II diagnostics, visual inspections of emissions equipment, and tailpipe testing where applicable. Technicians connected scanners to the vehicle computer, checked readiness monitors, and looked for malfunction indicators. While no longer used, these methods informed past testing processes.

Areas in Washington That Require Emissions Testing

Some cities previously hosted test stations before the program ended. While emissions testing is no longer required anywhere, there remain listings for testing facilities in cities like Auburn, Bremerton, Chehalis, Seattle, Renton, Bellingham, Wenatchee, Centralia, East Wenatchee, and Moses Lake. These listings may serve former station locations or private services, but none reflect a current mandatory program. Users should check emissions testing locations in Washington to confirm whether a service remains available, although no inspections are required for registration.

How the Emissions Test Works in Washington

Under the old program, an emissions test would take about 15 to 30 minutes. You would bring your vehicle registration and photo ID, check in at a certified station, and a technician would connect your car’s OBD‑II port or perform a tailpipe test if applicable. They checked emission controls, emissions‑related warning lights, and readiness monitors. Common failure reasons were a lit check engine light, incomplete monitors, or emissions system faults. If the vehicle failed, you could have the necessary repairs performed and return for a retest. Costs varied by station and there were no set state‑wide fees. If you failed, you could not renew registration until repair or waiver.