Emission inspections are required for many original vehicle registrations and for each annual renewal. Your mailed renewal notice will indicate whether a test is required. Emissions inspections stations in Nevada are privately owned and decentralized.
You must have insurance and either a valid registration or a movement permit to operate a vehicle on public streets. If your registration is expired, you can obtain a movement permit by presenting the Certificate of Registration or other proof of ownership at a DMV office. You may be charged late fees and/or cited by law enforcement if you operate a vehicle with an expired registration.
Passenger cars, trucks, RVs and motor homes need an emissions test if they are:
The following vehicles are exempt from emission testing:
Test stations are privately owned and decentralized. The DMV sets the maximum testing fees each year. Stations are free to offer discounts, but they must post their charges along with an official DMV sign.
Online Station Search/License Verification | Diesel Locations
Nevada uses On-Board Diagnostics (OBDII) Testing for 1996 and newer vehicles. The operator will connect an analyzer to the OBD computer in your vehicle. Data from your vehicle will indicate whether its emissions systems are operating properly and within emissions limits.
Older vehicles are tested with a Two-Speed Idle Test. The operator will test your vehicle once at idle speed, then test it again with the engine running at approximately 2500 rpm. Older diesel vehicles are tested on a dynamometer.
The test results are transmitted to the DMV immediately and you will receive a Vehicle Inspection Report. You may renew your vehicle registration at participating stations, on the Internet, at a kiosk, by mail or in person at a DMV office. See Renewal Options. There is no need to mail the report. First-time Nevada registrations and license plates can be obtained only at full-service DMV offices.
If your vehicle has failed the initial emission test, you must repair it and pass a second test to be eligible for registration. If it still fails after repairs, you may be eligible for a waiver if you meet the requirements below.
If your registration is expired or about to expire, you may receive a temporary movement permit by presenting the failed emissions test at a DMV office. You may be charged late fees and/or cited by law enforcement if you operate a vehicle on public streets with an expired registration.
Repairs can be made by the owner or any facility the owner chooses. However, vehicles in Clark County must be repaired by a 2G Licensed Authorized Station to be eligible for a waiver. See our Online Business License Verification for a list of 2G stations in your area.
“No Pass-No Pay” options and similar promotions are not mandated by State law and are offered at the discretion of the individual station. Stations may charge for each test.
The vehicle must be repaired by a 2G Licensed Authorized Station to be eligible for a waiver. The waiver application must include receipts from the station showing that at least $450 has been spent on parts other than a catalytic converter, fuel inlet restrictor or air injection system, or on labor other than emission testing if the repairs evidenced by the receipt were directly related to the deficiency in emissions.
If the vehicle is not repaired at an authorized 2G station, it will not be eligible for a waiver, regardless of the cost incurred. See Business License Verification for a list of stations.