Vehicle Emissions & Insurance Requirements

Please note: the City and County of Denver Motor Vehicle Department cannot currently accept payments any over the phone.

Weekday Hours of Operation:
In person visitors MUST be checked in by 2:30 p.m. in order to be served on the same day.
Weekdays EXCEPT Wednesday: 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. In person visitors MUST be checked in by 2:30 p.m. in order to be served on the same day.

New for 2023: A Colorado state park pass now comes included in your vehicle registration. Learn more about your options and what the pass supports here.

Emissions Stations Are Now Open!
Most emissions stations have reopened! Visit Air Care Colorado at AirCareColorado.com to find the emissions station closest to you.

Requirements

When Is An Emissions Test Required?

The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles requires residents of Denver County to get emissions inspections as part of the State's overall strategy to improve air quality throughout Denver and the front range. Vehicles from a model year of 1981 or older must have an emissions test annually; vehicles from model year 1982 and newer must test every other year. You must obtain an emissions test:

  1. When you purchase a vehicle through a private party, or transfer ownership through family or inheritance, even if the current inspection report still has time on it. Visit Air Care Colorado for exceptions to this rule.
  2. If you receive notice on your registration renewal that an emissions inspection is due for your vehicle.
  3. If you relocate to Colorado from another state. Learn more about Colorado residency...

 

Waivers/Extensions

Students, military personnel, and other Colorado residents who are temporarily out of state may file for an emission extension. For rules and regulations on how to file and other special circumstances, visit the State of Colorado website.

Find Test Locations & More at AirCare Colorado

 

When is proof of insurance required?

Proof of valid vehicle insurance coverage is required by state law. The Department of Motor Vehicle will accept an insurance card, copy of insurance policy or letter from your insurance company on their letterhead including a description of the vehicle with the following information: year, make, model, vehicle identification number (VIN), effective date and expiration date of the policy. We will also accept proof of insurance displayed electronically via smartphone.

Questions about proof of insurance for registration renewals?

Even if you have provided proof of insurance in the past, you may be asked to provide it again if your insurance carrier has not transmitted data for your proof of insurance to the State of Colorado. Insurance companies are required by law to provide necessary information on their policy holders to the State database by the seventh day of each month. If your insurance company has not submitted this information in time, you will need to provide proof of insurance to the DMV by mail, fax, in-person, or by email attachment displayed on a smartphone at the DMV, before your registration can be renewed. Contact your insurance company to provide proper verification.

Did you know...

Want to renew online but need an emissions test? No problem! Get your emissions test and wait approximately 48 hours. The emissions information will be uploaded to the state portal during that time frame and you will be able to renew online.

  • Your registration receipt indicates when your next emissions test is due
  • Motor vehicle insurance is mandatory in the State of Colorado


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