Nevada Smog Check & Registration Info

Who Needs a Smog Check?

✅ Required — Annual Test

Gasoline-powered vehicles 1968 and newer
Diesel-powered vehicles 1968 and newer, up to 14,000 lbs GVWR
Registered in Washoe County (Reno/Sparks area)
Required at each annual registration renewal
Cars, trucks, SUVs, RVs, vans
Out-of-state vehicles being registered in Nevada for the first time

🚗 Types of Tests

OBD-II Inspection — 1996 and newer vehicles: computer diagnostic scan of onboard emissions systems
Two-Speed Idle (TSI) — older vehicles: exhaust measured at idle and 2,500 RPM
Visual inspection of emissions equipment (catalytic converter, gas cap, etc.)

Vehicles Exempt from Emissions Testing

Vehicle Type	Exemption Status
Pre-1968 vehicles	Fully exempt (older than 1968 model year)
New vehicles	Exempt for the first three registrations. Required beginning at the fourth registration.
Electric vehicles (EV)	Fully exempt — no combustion engine
Hybrid vehicles	Exempt for the first five model years. Required beginning in the sixth model year.
Motorcycles	Exempt in Washoe County
Diesel — light-duty (up to 14,000 lbs GVWR)	Subject to emissions testing — not exempt
Diesel — heavy-duty (over 14,000 lbs GVWR)	Exempt
Vehicles registered outside Washoe County	Different requirements may apply — check dmv.nv.gov

ⓘ Your DMV registration renewal notice will indicate whether your vehicle requires an emissions test. When in doubt, check dmv.nv.gov or call the Nevada DMV.

What to Bring

Your vehicle — warmed up (driven at least 15 minutes beforehand for best results)
DMV registration renewal card (if you have it) — needed if you want to renew your registration at the same time
Payment — Cash, Visa, or Mastercard accepted. No checks.

💡 Tip: Drive your vehicle for at least 15–20 minutes before your smog test. A cold engine can cause a marginal vehicle to fail.

How the Smog Test Works

Step 1

Drive in — No appointment necessary. Pull up to the service bay.

Step 2

Vehicle inspection — Certified technician performs the emissions test. OBD-II scan or tailpipe test depending on vehicle year.

Step 3

Results — You receive a Vehicle Inspection Report. Pass results are transmitted electronically to the Nevada DMV.

Step 4 (Optional)

Registration renewal — Renew your Nevada registration on-site at the same visit.

What Happens If You Fail?

If your vehicle fails the emissions test, you will receive a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) showing what failed. Your registration cannot be renewed without a passing certificate.

Your options after a failure:

Repair and retest — Fix the issue and return for a retest
Repair cost waiver — If your vehicle still fails after qualifying repairs at a Nevada 2G Licensed Authorized Station and meeting the minimum repair cost threshold, you may be eligible for a waiver. Bring your two failed certificates and all repair receipts to the DMV Emission Lab. Waiver valid one year only. Visit dmv.nv.gov/emission.htm for complete requirements.

💡 Common reasons for failure:

Check Engine light on (MIL on)
Catalytic converter missing or damaged
Oxygen sensor failure
EVAP system leak
EGR valve issues
Gas cap not sealing properly

For waiver details and official failure procedures, visit dmv.nv.gov or call the Nevada DMV.

Vehicle Registration Renewal

Nevada vehicle registrations must be renewed annually. If your vehicle requires an emissions test, you must pass before your registration can be renewed.

Renew at Instant Smog

After your smog test, our technicians can renew your Nevada registration on-site. You'll receive your new registration tags in the mail. One stop — smog test and registration renewal together.

Other Renewal Options

Online — dmv.nv.gov (after smog test passes)
By mail — Return the renewal form with payment
DMV office — In person at a Nevada DMV location

Late Renewal Penalties

Renewing after your expiration date results in late fees assessed by the Nevada DMV. Don't wait — get your smog test done before your registration expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a smog test if I just bought a used car?

Any used car dealer in Nevada must provide a valid passing emissions test for vehicles sold that will be registered in Washoe County. For private sales, the test is the buyer's responsibility at registration renewal. If the last valid test was conducted within 90 days of the transfer (180 days on a Nevada dealer sale), a new test may not be required — verify with dmv.nv.gov.

My check engine light just came on. Can I still get a smog test?

Come in and get tested. Per Nevada DMV, don't skip the test — a failing test is the first step in the waiver process if repairs turn out to be costly. Note: after repairs or a battery replacement, your vehicle may need to be driven under varying conditions for up to one week before the OBD system is ready for testing.

How long is my smog certificate valid?

Results are transmitted directly to the Nevada DMV electronically. Your emissions test is valid for 90 days (180 days if your vehicle was purchased from a Nevada dealer).

I moved to Nevada from another state. Do I need a smog test?

Yes. When registering an out-of-state vehicle in Nevada for the first time, an emissions test is generally required if the vehicle would otherwise be subject to testing.

Can I renew my registration without doing the smog test here?

Yes — you can get the smog test anywhere at a Nevada authorized station and renew separately online, by mail, or at the DMV. We just make it convenient to do both in one stop.

What payment do you accept?

Cash, Visa, and Mastercard. No checks accepted.

Nevada Smog Check & Vehicle Registration Info