Houston Emissions Test
Yes: if you register a gas car in Houston's Harris County, you need an emissions inspection each year before registration renewal. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) manages the program. A station cannot charge more than $18.50 for the test.
- Once each year
- Inspection frequency for gas cars in Harris County
- Up to $18.50
- The highest fee a station may charge for testing
- Plug-in OBD
- the test type for gas cars that are 1996 or newer
- Harris County
- Program area: Houston-Galveston-Brazoria
Who needs a Houston emissions test
Your city name doesn't determine the rule; the county listed on your registration does. Harris County appears on the DPS emissions counties list. The TCEQ overview places it in a Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area that also includes Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston and Montgomery counties.
- Testing starts on a gasoline vehicle's second anniversary, and it applies to vehicles aged 2 through 24.
- You don't need testing for an electric vehicle, diesel vehicle, motorcycle or moped.
On January 1, 2025, Texas ended the safety inspection for non-commercial vehicles. As a result, most Houston drivers now take only the emissions test. The Texas emissions test page includes information for the entire state.
Houston emissions test cost
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Inspection, Houston area (Highest price a station may charge) | $18.50 |
| State administration fee, collected when you register | $2.50 |
Because DPS identifies $18.50 as the highest charge, use that amount as your limit. The complete table appears on the DPS cost page. Testers in Austin and El Paso face a lower cap, as explained for Austin and El Paso.
Houston emissions test locations
Search for a station through the DPS inspection station locator by ZIP code, city or county. Before registration can be renewed, a car registered in Harris County has to pass. You must first resolve the problem if your renewal notice shows TCEQ - EMISSIONS PRGM NON-COMPLIANCE.
For information about Dallas and San Antonio, check the emissions test by city list.
In case your Houston car fails
A motorist may request a challenge retest from DPS, which is free within 15 days of the initial inspection. The Texas rules filed with the EPA explain this. If your car still fails after repairs costing at least $600, you may qualify for an individual vehicle waiver. Read the TCEQ waiver information and our emissions waiver guide.
Houston emissions test questions
If my car is new, must it take an emissions test in Houston?
Not right away. A gasoline vehicle's second anniversary starts the testing period, which lasts through age 24.
Does Houston still have a safety inspection?
No, not for non-commercial vehicles. Drivers in Harris County must still complete the emissions inspection before registration.
Does every Texas city have the same test cost?
No. The maximum is $18.50 in Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth, but $11.50 in El Paso, Travis and Williamson counties.