Last updated on September 21st, 2023
The Illinois law states that vehicles must undergo an emissions test every two years. The cars that are four years old or older fall into this category. There can be exempts from emissions testing, depending on the vehicle type and area zip code. If the car has failed the emissions test, it will have to be retested. In some cases, you can get Illinois emissions test extension. The program is governed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
Emissions test due date, Illinois
As stated above, all cars that are four years old or older must be tested every two years. The testing is usually due every even or odd year. If the car was manufactured in the even year, it is due for testing every even year. On the other hand, if the car was manufactured in the odd year, it will be due for the test every odd year. For new residents, the emissions test due date will be set after the car has been registered. The testing notice will then be sent and the car must be taken to the emissions testing center in Illinois for the first inspection. For Lake, Cook, and Dupage county, it is obligatory for all zip codes to have the vehicles emissions testing done. For other counties, there can be some zip code exclusions.
Illinois emissions test extension
In some cases, the extension for Illinois emissions test can be requested. The state contractor will then be responsible to process these requests. By scanning the QR code, you will be taken to the governing website where the request for emissions testing extension can be filed. The extension application process can be done online in full. It is also important to mention that the centralized stations offer the service of registration renewal as well. Once the vehicle has completed the emissions testing, registration stickers can be conveniently purchased at the location.
Failed emissions test
The car can fail the emissions test for several reasons. It is important to know that if the vehicle is rejected, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it has failed the test. This can just mean that the testing cannot be done properly because something is missing or the car is not yet due for the emissions test. Your vehicle can even be exempted from the testing. Should the car actually fail the Illinois emissions test, it will have to be properly serviced and then retested again. In the case of failure, you will be provided with the following documents: Vehicle inspection report and certificate, repair shop card and the required vehicle repair data. The technician can then help determine and suggest further steps regarding the repairs and retesting. You will also need to carefully keep all the repair records and receipts. In some cases, the repairs can be done on the site. Some vehicle emissions testing centers in Illinois offer this service at their location. Several even offer coupons if you choose to have your vehicle repaired at their location.
The state of Illinois has its own set of rules and requirements for emissions testing. It is advised that you carefully read these rules and requirements prior to taking your car for the testing. You can also check some of the tips that may help you prepare your car to pass the emissions test.
My car is in california. I use it for work. It actually hasnt been in Illinois for 6 years. Can i have an extension until August? I will be working in Nebraska. I can drive it home from there.
That is a valid reason for an extension. Just make sure to call your local emissions testing station and confirm with them.
“In some cases, the extension for Illinois emissions test can be requested. The state contractor will then be responsible to process these requests. By scanning the QR code, you will be taken to the governing website where the request for emissions testing extension can be filed” –
Excerpted from the paragraph above, what exactly does this mean? Where is this QR code located? Certainly not on this web page, which makes this information borderline on useless.
Why is there not a straightforward answer, or direct link to file for an extension for an “undriveable” vehicle?
It’s almost as if the process is obfuscated intentionally!
As of Nov. 1, 2016. motorists are able to receive valuable program information by scanning quick response (QR) codes with a mobile phone. QR codes are available in the lanes and station offices and, once scanned, will take the motorist directly to the Air Team website to request exemptions or extensions from the testing requirement. The QR codes are not displayed on our website because there are several different kinds of codes and it would be inappropriate to display them due to the possible change of codes, which would lead to further confusion.
Thank you for your prompt response, and clarification.
If I may offer a suggestion:
Perhaps as a future amendment to the “Illinois Emission Test Extension” paragraph; this stipulation/information could be added as a needed, and helpful bullet point.
Thanks
I asked a question it was not answered.. will.it be it’s very important but it was so long I’m not going to write it again…
Jennifer – Apologies for the delay. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, vehicle emissions testing has been temporarily suspended. All test stations are currently closed through May 30, 2020. The dates of closure may change depending on circumstances. The Secretary of State’s Office (SOS) has extended vehicle registration expiration dates to at least 90 days after SOS Drivers Services facilities reopen, allowing motorists to wait to have their vehicles tested and renew vehicle registrations. SOS Drivers Services facilities are currently closed to the public.
My vehicle requires emission test and my license sticker expires May 31, 2020. Where should we go if they are closed due to Covid-19? Can I pay it online?
Herson – Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, vehicle emissions testing has been temporarily suspended. All test stations are currently closed through May 30, 2020. The dates of closure may change depending on circumstances. The Secretary of State’s Office (SOS) has extended vehicle registration expiration dates to at least 90 days after SOS Drivers Services facilities reopen, allowing motorists to wait to have their vehicles tested and renew vehicle registrations. SOS Drivers Services facilities are currently closed to the public.
I can’t renew my vehicle registration because all of the vehicle emission
Sites are closed due to covid-19 when will they reopen
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, vehicle emissions testing has been temporarily suspended. All test stations are currently closed through May 30, 2020. The dates of closure may change depending on circumstances. The Secretary of State’s Office (SOS) has extended vehicle registration expiration dates to at least 90 days after SOS Drivers Services facilities reopen, allowing motorists to wait to have their vehicles tested and renew vehicle registrations. SOS Drivers Services facilities are currently closed to the public.
So I got the notice in the mail today.. we need an emissions test. Our OBD port is broken and does not produce any codes for information, we tested it.
Does the OBD port have to be working for the test? Or is there some alternate way to test?
Unfortunately, OBD is the only form of testing for vehicles for model year 1996 and newer vehicles. You will need to seek out a technician with diagnostic and repair equipment to conduct OBD-related service. We recommend asking your dealer or independent repair shop if their technicians have received proper training and have access to the necessary equipment to properly service OBD equipped vehicles.