Wisconsin Emissions Test
Through the Wisconsin Vehicle Inspection Program, gas, hybrid, and diesel cars are tested in 7 counties. Model years 1996 to 2023 are the ones covered in 2026. Every 2 years, the inspection comes due before you renew registration, and again after an owner change.
What cars have to take the test?
A green band marks the model years tested in Wisconsin in 2026. At renewal, the 3 newest model years don't need testing. Cars from 1995 or older skip the test.
Use its model year and fuel to look up your car.
Wisconsin emissions test at a glance
| Program | The Wisconsin Vehicle Inspection Program |
|---|---|
| Where | 7 counties: Milwaukee County, Waukesha County, Ozaukee County, Kenosha County, Washington County, Racine County, Sheboygan County |
| Fuels tested | Gas, hybrid, diesel |
| Model years tested in 2026 | 1996 to 2023 (diesels from 2007) |
| How often | Required every 2 years before registration renewal, and each time ownership changes |
| The test | Plug-in OBD test with a readiness check and a check engine bulb |
| Fee | Free |
| New cars | Renewal exemption for the 3 newest model years |
| Older cars | 1995 and older are not tested |
| Waiver | A cost waiver starts once repairs for the failure go past $1,176 at a recognized facility (adjusted yearly) |
How the test works, and what if the car fails?
During an OBD plug-in test, the inspector connects a reader to the port under the dashboard and reads the data the car's computer has stored. A lit check engine light is not allowed, nor are unfinished self-checks (readiness monitors).
A car that fails gets a report naming what didn't pass. Fix the failure first; the retest comes after you return.
A cost waiver applies in Wisconsin if the car still fails after repairs, once the failure's repair costs pass $1,176 at a recognized facility (adjusted yearly).
Locate the failure · Fix the problem, get a waiver, or sell?