Connecticut Emissions Inspection

State Emissions Inspections

All vehicles registered in Connecticut, with some exceptions, must pass an emissions inspection every two years or during a qualifying event.

Certain vehicles may also require verification of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to complete registration. VIN verifications and emissions inspections must be performed at an authorized location.

At Ed Vintner, we’re an official station for Connecticut emissions inspections and VIN verifications. We’re authorized for light-duty vehicles including cars, vans, and light pickup trucks up to 3,500 lbs.

We serve Scranton, PA, Wilkes-Barre, PA, Clarks Summit, PA, and surrounding areas.

Emissions Inspections

In Connecticut, an emissions inspection, also known as a smog test, is required for all vehicles except those the DMV lists as exempt. Your vehicle must pass inspection every two years.

The DMV will send notice (postcard, text, or email) within 45 days of your emissions test date, so make sure your contact information on file with the DMV is up to date.

Do I Need an Inspection When Buying a Car?

Be aware of the following when buying or registering a car:

• A vehicle bought from an authorized Connecticut dealer must be emissions compliant at the time of purchase. You can check the VIN to see the emissions expiration date.
• Vehicles already registered in Connecticut and bought from a private individual must be inspected within 30 days of registration. You won’t receive a test date notice from the CT DMV.
• Out-of-state vehicles must pass a Connecticut emissions test before registration can be completed. You cannot register the vehicle if you don’t test the vehicle; if it does not pass its test; or if the vehicle has not been granted a waiver within the testing cycle.

To pass the emissions test, your vehicle must be within the allowable emissions standards for its model year. If your vehicle fails the emissions inspection, it must be repaired and retested within 60 calendar days of the initial test.

VIN Verification

VIN verifications are required for the following:

• Vehicles previously registered in another state that don’t meet emissions testing criteria
• Vehicles from out of state that are exempt from emissions testing due to being a newer model year

Note: There may be other circumstances where VIN verification is required. See the Department of Transportation for more information. For vehicles that require an emissions inspection, the VIN can be certified as part of that process.

Important: The Connecticut Department of Transportation accepts the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) from an emissions test as a valid VIN verification. If an emissions test is required for your vehicle, do not request or obtain a VIN verification; this will be completed during the emissions test. For vehicles that don’t require emissions testing (motor vehicles that fall outside of the 24-year testing window, motorcycles, trailers, off-road vehicles, etc.), the DMV requires a separate VIN verification.

Contact us for your Connecticut emissions inspection and/or VIN verification today!