Waivers, Extensions, Exemptions : Repair Waivers

In order to qualify for a Repair Waiver, the following requirements must be met. Please note additional information may be required in order to process the Repair Waiver.

Repair Waivers are not renewable or transferable. The Repair Waiver process and qualifications begin each year when the vehicle's registration must be renewed (the vehicle owner's birthday).

For a listing of qualified repair facilities in your zip code area from our quarterly RepairWatch Public Report, click here.

Test Results Scenario

The vehicle does not pass the initial inspection and the after-repairs inspection. The initial inspection cannot be more than one year old (12 months) or associated with a previous Repair Waiver or registration renewal.

For 1995 and older vehicles:

a. The after repairs inspection must show some tailpipe emissions improvement in the areas it failed on the initial inspection.

b. The vehicle must continue to pass in all areas that had a previous pass.

For 1996 and newer vehicles:

a. The vehicle did not pass the initial inspection nor the required after-repairs inspection.*

b. The vehicle does not have to show any difference in OBD codes in order to qualify for the after repair waiver as long as the vehicle has receipt(s) of repair and associated failed emissions test.

*The emissions test only captures the first five codes read from the OBD computer in a vehicle; it is possible for new codes to be printed on the after-repairs emissions test that were not present on the first test.

Emission-Related Repair Documentation

1. The vehicle received emission-related repairs that meet or exceed the Repair Waiver minimum amount of $841.
2. Emission-related repair receipts from each emission-related repair attempt can be considered toward a Repair Waiver as long as each receipt is dated 60 days before or after the corresponding failed emission test.
3. Emission-related repairs can be performed up to 60 days prior to the initial inspection.
4. Emission-related repair receipts must be itemized and identifiable.
5. Emission-related repair receipts must identify the vehicle (VIN, year, make, and model or tag number, make and model).
6. Emission-related repair receipts must be from a repair facility possessing a valid business license. If required, the repair facility's business license must be obtainable.
7. Labor costs from a company not possessing a business license will not count toward the Repair Waiver minimum amount.
8. If emission-related repairs are performed by the owner, only the cost for parts will be considered toward the Repair Waiver minimum amount.
9. The following charges do not count toward the Repair Waiver minimum amount (this is not a complete list):
   1. Emission inspection fees
   2. Surcharges
   3. Taxes
   4. Warranty work
   5. Gas
   6. Disposal fee
   7. Shop supplies
   8. Miscellaneous charges

Applying for the Repair Waiver

Repair Waiver Applications may be submitted via e-mail, fax (404.479.4384), mail (3800 Camp Creek Parkway, Building 2400, Suite 110, Atlanta, GA 30331) or in-person to determine if additional supporting documentation is needed. However, in order for the application to receive final approval, the vehicle must be presented to one of our service centers for a visual inspection.

The following documentation is required when applying for a Repair Waiver. Please note that GCAF only accepts documentation in English; documents in other languages will not be accepted.

1. Completed Repair Waiver Application.
2. Copies of all failed Georgia Vehicle Emission Inspection Reports (VIRs). An after-repairs test is required by the I/M rules* to qualify for a Repair Waiver.
3. Original repair receipts for all emission-related repair work completed.
4. Receipts must identify the vehicle (VIN, year, make and model or tag number, make and model).
5. A copy of the Georgia registration or renewal notice (current or from last year), or Georgia title.

Please allow three (3) business days for processing faxed or e-mailed applications. For mailed applications please note, the US Postal Service may extend the time of delivery. Once received, mailed applications with supporting documentation will be processed in three (3) business days. Motorists will be contacted once the waiver has been processed.

We do not provide status or confirm receipt of applications if it is still within three business days since you submitted your application.

If you were contacted because you failed to supply correct documentation, your processing time resets to the times outlined above. Applications are processed in the order in which they are received.

*The Georgia I/M rules are the final guidance.