After You Test
✅ If You Passed
📄 Need a summary of your most recent test results? Click here to view.
ℹ️ Have registration questions? Contact your county tag office.
❌ If You Failed
Here’s what to do next if your vehicle did not pass its emissions test:
🔧 Before You Retest:
You’re eligible for one free retest at the original inspection station within 30 calendar days of your initial test (including the day of testing).
Consider a diagnostic analysis to understand why your vehicle failed.
Get any necessary emissions-related repairs done first.
Complete an Emissions Repair Form before returning.
⚠️ Make sure your repair technician completes the Emissions Repair Form that was given to you by the inspector when the vehicle failed. You will need a completed Emissions Repair Form to get your free retest after the repairs have been performed.
If the vehicle fails its annual emissions inspection, please have all related taxes and fees ready. Then visit your local county tag office for information about a possible non-renewable 30-day extension on the vehicle’s registration, per OCGA 40-2-20.
What are the top reasons a vehicle fails inspection?
If the "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light is on, your vehicle should be checked by a repair technician as soon as possible. This light notifies motorists when something in the emissions control system fails or begins to deteriorate. Early diagnosis and repair can prevent more costly repairs in the future.
Keep in mind that the most common reasons for emissions test failures include: a malfunction in the components of the vehicle that regulate the fuel/air ratio, such as the oxygen sensor and the EGR valve; a dirty air filter; misfiring spark plugs; leaks in the vacuum system; or a poor-fitting fuel cap. Many of these components can be checked and repaired during routine tune-ups.
Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance and tune-up schedule.
Have the vehicle's oil changed regularly.
Replace the fuel cap securely after filling up. A loose fuel cap allows water and foreign material to collect, causing rust and a poor seal.
Keep the sealing surfaces of the fuel cap clean and in good condition. When necessary, clean them with water and a damp cloth.
Keep the vehicle's tires properly inflated.
Check belts and hoses for wear.
The "Check Engine" light may illuminate as a result of a loose fuel cap. If the "Check Engine" light is illuminated, try tightening the fuel cap until it clicks, then drive the vehicle until the light turns itself off.
A properly maintained vehicle gets better fuel economy than a poorly maintained one. Furthermore, an improperly maintained vehicle may lead to a compromised emissions control system and not be effective in removing or reducing harmful air pollutants. This could result in not passing the emissions test. Make sure your vehicle is ready and help keep Georgia's air clean.
Note: Federal law requires that emissions control systems on 1995 and newer model year vehicles be warranted by the manufacturer for two years or 24,000 miles. Federal law also requires that the OBD computer and catalytic converter on 1995 and newer vehicles be warranted by the manufacturer for eight years or 80,000 miles. Many vehicle manufacturers provide extended warranty coverage beyond what is required by federal law. Consult your vehicle owner's warranty manual for coverage information.
📄 Helpful Resources
2025 Q&A brochure that includes information on common causes for failures, repair tips, retest information, and waiver assistance.
🎥 Watch: Top Consumer Tips for a Failed Emissions Test video
🛑 If You Fail Again:
You may be eligible for a Repair Waiver for your current registration year if:
You spent $1,146 or more (for 2025) on emissions-related repairs
(Amount is updated annually based on the Consumer Price Index)Your retested vehicle shows improvement in all areas it initially failed
Your vehicle continues to pass the areas it originally passed
📘 More Help
Visit our Consumer Protection page for detailed guidance on testing, repairs, used vehicle purchases, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question below to show the answer.
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You will need to have your vehicle repaired. But first it's important that you:
- Check for warranty coverage.
- Have a diagnostic analysis performed on your vehicle - these tests can range from $60-$100.
- Know where to go for repairs.
- Know what questions to ask before you select a repair facility. Understand the repair process.
Please note: If your vehicle fails its annual emissions inspection, please have all related taxes and fees ready. Then visit your local county tag office for information about a possible non-renewable 30-day extension on your registration, per OCGA 40-2-20.
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Before you go anywhere, check to see if your vehicle is still covered by a manufacturer's emissions control warranty (all new vehicles generally have some type of emissions control warranty). If so, take it to an authorized dealer. If your vehicle is not under warranty, find a quality emissions repair shop to make the necessary repairs. Note: Your vehicle may fail due to factors other than a faulty emissions control device. Of course, you can take your vehicle to any garage, dealership or other service provider. You can even do the repairs yourself; however, if you do them yourself, labor costs will not count toward the Repair Waiver requirements. See our section on Repair Waivers for more information. When selecting a repair technician/mechanic, be sure to ask a few basic questions:
- Has your mechanic recently completed a state certified emissions repair or factory training program and/or are they ASE certified in A6 and A8 and L1 (preferred) categories? Ask to see their certification.
- Do they have the necessary diagnostic tools to identify the emissions-related problem(s)?
- Do they have an OBD generic scan tool to read and analyze diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)?
- Do they have an engine analyzer, to monitor the vehicle's ignition and overall engine performance?
- Will they stand behind their work?
- Will they complete the required Emissions Repair Form for you?
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After your vehicle fails the initial test, the first step is to receive a comprehensive diagnostic analysis, which is required to identify what is wrong with your emissions control system or your engine before a repair recommendation can be made. (Your emissions test is not a diagnostic analysis.) You can expect to be charged for the diagnostic analysis. However, the fee will apply toward your Repair Waiver requirements, if needed.
Keep in mind that repairing one problem may reveal additional problems that were previously hidden. Sometimes a series of repairs are needed to pass the re-inspection. (This is less likely to happen if your vehicle is properly maintained.)
We recommend you get an estimate for any work before authorizing your mechanic to proceed.
Make sure your mechanic completes the Emissions Repair Form that was given to you when your vehicle did not pass. You will need it to have your vehicle re-inspected after the repairs are done. The completed form must include:
- Date of repair
- Repair facility phone number
- Total cost for emissions-related repairs
- Signature of repair technician
Note: Make sure you keep all receipts.
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You will receive one free retest if you return to the original inspection station within 30 calendar days of your initial inspection.
Thirty (30) days includes your date and time of initial inspection.
No re-inspection, whether paid or unpaid, will be performed until the vehicle has been repaired and the Emissions Repair Form has been completed.
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Additional repairs and retesting may be required. You may qualify for a Repair Waiver for that registration year if you meet the following requirements:
- The costs for emissions-related repairs must meet or exceed $1,146 for 2025 registration. This amount is adjusted annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index.
- The retested vehicle must show some improvement in all the areas it did not pass in the initial test.
- The retested vehicle must still pass the areas it passed in the initial test.
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Take your vehicle to a Georgia's Clean Air Force Service Center. Be sure to bring your vehicle and the following documentation with you:
- The original vehicle inspection report (VIR) showing failure.
- Original repair receipts for all emissions-related work done.
- All vehicle emissions inspection reports.
To qualify for a Repair Waiver:
The vehicle did not pass the first 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. Motorists may make multiple repairs and retest attempts over a period of months. However, the application must be dated within 60 days of any failed test (the failed test cannot be more than one year old or associated with a previous Repair Waiver or registration renewal).In addition:
- The cost for emissions-related repairs must meet or exceed $1,146 for 2025 registration.
- The retested vehicle must show some improvement in all the areas it did not pass in the initial test.
- The retested vehicle must still pass the areas it passed in the initial test.
For more information, view our waivers information section.
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If you question the test procedures, the accuracy of the inspection equipment or the validity of the results, you can ask for a referee test within 15 calendar days of the disputed inspection.
The referee test will be observed by a Georgia's Clean Air Force representative or other authorized representative at a mutually agreeable time at your original inspection site. This inspection will be performed by appointment only. No repairs can be made before a referee test is performed.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us. Also, please report offers to illegally pass a vehicle by calling or emailing us directly.
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Federal law allows engine switching in some instances. Generally it is illegal to install an engine in a vehicle if that vehicle was not manufactured to support the emissions controls of the replacement engine.
Please refer to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) website for complete information on engine switching.
Please refer to the EPA's website for complete information on kit cars.