Washington, D.C. Emissions Test
Through the DC DMV vehicle inspection, Washington, D.C. checks gas and hybrid cars across the state. Model years 1968 to 2022 are the ones covered in 2026. Personal cars need it every 2 years, while commercial and for-hire vehicles need it every year.
What cars have to be tested?
Washington, D.C. tests certain model years in 2026, and the green band shows them. A 4-year sticker goes to new cars. Testing does not cover cars from 1967 and older.
Use its model year and fuel to look up your car.
The D.C. emissions test in brief
| Program | The DC DMV vehicle inspection |
|---|---|
| Where | Statewide |
| Fuels tested | Gas, hybrid |
| Model years tested in 2026 | 1968 to 2022 |
| How often | Personal cars: every 2 years; commercial and for-hire vehicles: every year |
| The test | For 1996 and newer cars, an OBD plug-in test; for older cars, a tailpipe test |
| Fee | $35 every 2 years, paid with your registration |
| Retest | Two free re-inspections within 20 days |
| New cars | New cars get a 4-year sticker |
| Older cars | 1967 and older are not tested |
| Waiver | Two-year waiver: certified-mechanic receipts covering $1,208 in emissions repairs |
How the test works, and what if the car fails?
The inspector connects a reader to the port under the dashboard during an OBD plug-in test, then reads what the car's computer has stored. Your car must show no check engine light, with its self-checks (readiness monitors) finished.
Usually used on older cars, a tailpipe check puts a probe into the exhaust to read what comes out.
When a car fails, the report lists the problem. That repair comes first: Fix it, then go back to be retested, with two free re-inspections within 20 days.
After repairs, a car that still fails can get a two-year waiver in Washington, D.C. with certified-mechanic receipts for $1,208 of emissions repairs.