Georgia Emissions Test
If your gas or hybrid car is a 2002 to 2023 model and is registered in one of 13 metro Atlanta counties, it needs a test every year before you renew the registration. Georgia's program is called the Clean Air Force.
Which cars have to be tested?
Model years that Georgia tests in 2026 appear in the green band. Cars from the newest 3 model years are exempt. A car that's 25 model years or older doesn't need the test.
Check your car using the model year and fuel.
Georgia emissions test at a glance
| Program | Georgia's Clean Air Force |
|---|---|
| Where | 13 metro Atlanta counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding and Rockdale |
| Fuels tested | Gas, hybrid |
| Model years tested in 2026 | 2002 to 2023 |
| How often | Every year, before your registration renewal |
| The test | A plug-in OBD test, along with a visual check of the catalytic converter |
| Fee | Set by the station, up to $25 |
| Retest | Within 30 days, one retest at the same station is free |
| New cars | The 3 newest model years are exempt |
| Older cars | No test once a car reaches 25 model years |
| Waiver | Once your emissions repairs reach $1,176 (2026 registration), you qualify for a repair waiver |
How the test works, and what if the car fails?
During the OBD check, the inspector connects a reader to a port below the dashboard. The reader shows the data saved by the car's computer. Your check engine light must stay off. The car's self-checks (readiness monitors) must also be done.
During the visual check, the inspector looks for the catalytic converter, the exhaust part that cleans the gases on their way out.
If the car fails, the report names the item that didn't pass. Fix that first. Go back within 30 days, and the same station gives you one free retest.
Still failing after the repairs? Georgia gives a waiver once your emissions repairs reach $1,176 for a 2026 registration.