Chicago Emissions Test
Registering your car in Chicago puts it in the Illinois Air Team program. For most gasoline cars from 1996 or newer, a free plug-in OBD test happens every 2 years, during the month when your plates expire. No appointment is needed to use any of the four self-service kiosks inside the city.
- How often: every 2 years
- Even model years are tested in even years, and odd model years in odd ones
- Free
- Stations, kiosks, and mobile units charge no test fee
- Plug-in OBD test
- Your car's on-board computer is read by a scan tool.
- 4 kiosks in the city
- Testing is self-service inside Chicago
Who needs a Chicago emissions test
Because ozone levels in the Chicago area remain above the federal standard, Illinois tests cars there. For Chicago, the federal ozone area covers Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties, along with parts of Grundy and Kendall.
- Once they are four years old, most gasoline passenger vehicles from 1996 or newer are tested, according to the Illinois Air Team.
- Vehicles that run on diesel or only electricity are not tested.
- Your test month is the same as your plate's expiration month. A test notice arrives in the mail up to four months ahead.
Unsure about your car? Type your VIN or plate into the Vehicle Eligibility Check tool. Our Illinois emissions test page covers statewide rules. You can find other cities on the emissions test by city page.
Chicago emissions test locations
The Air Team operates four self-service kiosks within the city. You don't need an appointment for any of its test services.
| Kiosk address | When it is open |
|---|---|
| 6959 W. Forest Preserve Drive | 24 hours, 7 days a week |
| 2560 W. Cermak Road | 24 hours, 7 days a week |
| 3101 South Pulaski Rd. | 24 hours, 7 days a week |
| Secretary of State Chicago South Facility, 9901 S. Martin Luther King Drive | Weekdays and Saturday mornings |
On weekdays and Saturdays, testing stations stay open. On Sundays and state holidays, they close (Air Team FAQ). The site locator lists every site. Around the Chicago area, mobile units visit spots on a posted calendar.
Chicago emissions test cost and wait time
According to the Illinois EPA FAQ, there is no charge for testing at stations, kiosks, or mobile units. On average, testing at a kiosk takes 3 to 5 minutes. The Air Team suggests avoiding the midday rush and the month's final day to keep your wait short.
If your car in Chicago fails
A car that fails must be repaired before you take it back to a station for a retest. After at least $1,176 in emissions-related repairs, you can apply for a repair waiver. Tampering repairs don't count. Read our guides about the emissions waiver and steps to take after a failed test.
Chicago emissions test questions
Is the Chicago emissions test free?
Yes. According to the Illinois EPA, testing is free at all its kiosks, mobile units, stations, and inspection and repair locations.
After the test, can I renew my plates right away?
Yes. Once you've passed the test, bring your certificate to the office at the testing station before you leave. There are extra fees, and the office doesn't accept cash.