Does Ohio Have Emissions Testing?

Ohio requires vehicle emissions testing in seven designated counties through the E-Check program. Testing is conducted every two years for qualifying vehicles registered in these counties.

The program is administered by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in partnership with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
50 West Town Street, Suite 700, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 644-3020
E-Check Information: 1-800-CAR-TEST (1-800-227-8378)
Official Website: Ohio EPA

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43223
Phone: (614) 752-7600
Official Website: Ohio BMV

The E-Check program operates under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3704 and Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3745-26.

Which Counties in Ohio Require Emissions Testing?

The following seven counties require E-Check testing:

Northeast Ohio (Cleveland Metro Area):

• Cuyahoga County
• Geauga County
• Lake County
• Lorain County
• Medina County
• Portage County
• Summit County

Vehicles registered in the remaining 81 Ohio counties are not subject to emissions testing requirements.

Vehicle Requirements in Ohio

Vehicles Subject to Testing

In the seven designated counties, gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles must undergo OBD-II emissions testing every two years.

Testing Frequency:

• Vehicles with even-numbered model years are tested in even-numbered years
• Vehicles with odd-numbered model years are tested in odd-numbered years
• Testing is required every two years (biennial cycle)

Vehicles Requiring Testing:

• Gasoline-powered vehicles: 6 through 25 years old
• Diesel-powered vehicles: 6 through 25 years old
• Non-plug-in hybrid vehicles: 7 through 25 years old
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less

Testing Method:
Ohio uses On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) testing, which connects to the vehicle's computer system to evaluate up to 11 diagnostic checks of emissions control components.

Exemptions from Emissions Testing

The following vehicles are exempt from E-Check requirements:

By Age:

• New vehicles: First six model years (gasoline and diesel)
• New hybrids: First seven model years (non-plug-in hybrids)
• Vehicles older than 25 years

By Weight:

• Vehicles with GVWR exceeding 10,000 pounds

By Vehicle Type:

• Motorcycles
• Recreational vehicles
• Motor homes
• Historic and collector vehicles (with appropriate registration)
• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)
• Fully electric vehicles

By Registration Location:

• Vehicles registered in counties not subject to E-Check

Note: The exemption for plug-in hybrid vehicles differs from non-plug-in hybrids, which are subject to testing.

Special Requirements

Non-Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles: Hybrids without plug-in capability are subject to E-Check beginning at seven years old (effective June 30, 2025).

Diesel Vehicles: Light-duty diesel vehicles under 10,000 pounds GVWR are subject to the same testing requirements as gasoline vehicles.

Flexible Fuel Vehicles: Vehicles capable of operating on gasoline or alternative fuels are subject to E-Check if they use gasoline.

Costs & Fees in Ohio

E-Check testing fees are regulated by the state.

Fee Schedule

Fee Information

• Motorists receive up to three free tests within a 365-day period
• Only one free passing test is allowed per 365-day period
• The fourth test and all subsequent tests cost $18.00 each
• No fee is charged if the vehicle fails on the first, second, or third attempt
• Test certificates are valid for 365 days from the date of passing

Repair Waiver

If a vehicle fails E-Check and requires costly repairs, a repair cap waiver may be available:

• Waiver Threshold: $450 minimum spent on emissions-related repairs
• Duration: Two-year compliance period
• Requirements: Repairs must be related to failed components, documented with receipts
• Exclusions: Costs for repairing tampered emissions equipment are excluded

Note: The waiver amount is subject to periodic adjustment based on air quality designation.

Where to Get Emissions Testing in Ohio

Finding a Testing Location

E-Check testing is available at two types of facilities:

Full-Service Testing Stations:
State-operated full-service stations conduct tests with trained staff. No appointment necessary.

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Self-Service Kiosks:
Automated kiosks are located at BMV offices and other convenient locations for quick testing.

If Your Vehicle Fails Testing

If your vehicle fails E-Check:

1. You will receive documentation explaining the specific failures
2. Have emissions-related repairs completed at any qualified automotive repair facility
3. Return for re-testing at any E-Check location
4. The first three re-tests within 365 days are free

Repair Options:

• Independent automotive repair shops
• Vehicle manufacturer dealership service centers
• Specialty emissions repair facilities

Timing Requirements in Ohio

Initial Registration Requirements

New Vehicle Purchases:

• New vehicles are exempt from E-Check for the first six model years (gasoline and diesel) or seven model years (non-plug-in hybrids)
• No E-Check testing is required at initial registration for exempt vehicles
• Non-exempt vehicles must be tested before initial registration if registered in an E-Check county

Used Vehicle Purchases:

• If the vehicle requires E-Check testing (6-25 years old for gasoline/diesel, 7-25 years old for non-plug-in hybrids), testing must be completed before or at the time of title transfer
• Vehicles being registered in E-Check counties from out-of-state must provide proof of emissions testing eligibility
• The E-Check certificate must be current and valid at the time of registration

Title Transfers:

• When ownership changes, testing requirements depend on the vehicle's age and the existing E-Check certificate status
• If a current E-Check certificate exists and is within the 365-day validity period, no immediate re-test is required
• If no current certificate exists and the vehicle requires testing, the E-Check must be completed before registration

Renewal Registration Requirements

E-Check testing in Ohio follows specific timing requirements related to vehicle registration renewal.

When Testing Is Required

• Testing is required every two years based on model year
• Even-year models test in even years; odd-year models test in odd years
• Testing must be completed before vehicle registration can be renewed
• Test certificates are valid for 365 days

Registration Renewal Process

Step 1: Have your vehicle tested at an E-Check facility. Testing can be completed up to one year in advance of registration renewal.

Step 2: Pass the E-Check test. The results are electronically transmitted to the Ohio BMV.

Step 3: Renew your vehicle registration:

• Online through the BMV website or Ohio BMV Express kiosks
• By mail using the renewal notice
• In person at a deputy registrar's office

Important: You cannot renew your registration without a current passing E-Check certificate on file with the BMV.

Advance Testing

• E-Check certificates are good for 365 days
• Vehicles may be tested up to one year before registration renewal
• This allows time for repairs if needed without risking registration expiration

Out-of-State Vehicle Provisions

New Residents

When registering an out-of-state vehicle in an E-Check county:

• You must provide proof that E-Check will be required (such as registration address in an E-Check county)
• The vehicle must be tested before or at the time of registration
• Acceptable documentation includes:
  • Title application
  • Purchase receipt showing address
  • Ohio driver's license
  • Lease agreement

Temporary Exemptions

Out-of-State Exemption: If your Ohio-registered vehicle is located out of state when E-Check is due, you may apply for an exemption by:

• Having the vehicle tested at a U.S. EPA-approved program in another state
• Mailing original test results to the Ohio EPA with a completed exemption application
• Providing a copy of the vehicle registration

Vehicle in Storage: If your vehicle is in storage or inoperable, you may apply for a temporary extension.

Testing Out-of-State Vehicles

Out-of-state vehicles may be tested at Ohio E-Check facilities. However, Ohio E-Check certificates are only recognized for Ohio registration purposes.