What are the VA emissions or smog check requirements for vehicle registration? Virginia

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Motorcycles and cars and trucks older than 25 years old are exempt from smog and emissions testing in Virginia (VA). The VA Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) mandates that all other motor vehicles in the state pass an emissions and smog inspection.

Also, if you relocate to VA and have a valid emissions inspection sticker on your auto, you might not have to take an emissions test to complete the register car process in VA. For example, if your motor vehicle passed an emissions or smog test in New Jersey, Maryland, Missouri, and Georgia within the previous 12 months, your vehicle does not have to pass another emissions test in VA.

Be sure to contact the DMV about all possible exemptions.

Emissions and Smog Check Requirements for VA Car Registration

Areas inspected during the emissions or smog test are:

  • Exhaust line manifold.
  • Pipes and mufflers.
  • Gas points (your motor vehicle will be checked for cracks and leaks).
  • Catalytic converter.
  • Fuel tank filler pipe (your fuel tank cap will also be inspected for leaks and cracks).
The DMV will not register your motor vehicle until it passes the inspection. If you live in Fairfax, Arlington, Loudon, Prince William, and Stafford counties bring a copy of your emissions certificate that you receive from the inspection station to the DMV.

You will need this certificate to register your vehicle in VA for the first time. You will also need to provide the DMV with this certificate when you renew your vehicle registration. Inspection stations send an electronic update to the DMV alerting them as to whether a motor vehicle passed or failed the inspection.

Contact the Department of Environmental Quality by dialing (800) 275-3844 to find an inspection station near you. You can also check the local white pages or the DMV website for a list of local inspection stations.

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