What's New I Testing Requirements I Testing Elements I FAQ

Effective July 1, 2008

Testing Requirement For Registration Renewal

Every other year, 1996 and newer vehicles with a gross vehicle weight less than 8501 lbs. must be inspected for pollution before their license plates can be renewed. If you are renewing your license plate stickers, you will receive a registration renewal notice. Check for the words EMISSION TEST REQUIRED printed on it. Vehicles kept in the following seven counties of southeastern Wisconsin receive testing notification at the time their license plates come due: Sheboygan County, Washington County, Ozaukee County, Waukesha County, Milwaukee County, Racine County and Kenosha County. Because this is a biennial test, the following model years will be tested in 2008 to fulfill registration renewal testing requirements:

Model Years Tested For Registration Renewal in 2008:

For vehicles with license plates expiring in 2008, the following model year vehicles must be tested:
1997, 1999, 2001, 2003. 2005

This biennial requirement does not change the necessity to have the vehicle inspected after purchase. Vehicles that are more than five model years old will continue to need testing at the time of change of ownership.

Testing Requirement For Change of Ownership Testing

Vehicles more than five model years old are required to be inspected upon change of ownership. Motorists receive notice of the emission-testing requirement after they have titled and registered the vehicle. Failure to complete the emission requirement within the allotted 45-day time period will result in the suspension of the newly purchased vehicle's registration.

Model Years Tested For Change of Ownership testing requirements in 2008:

In calendar year 2008, model years 1996 - 2003 must be tested at the time a buyer titles the vehicle.

What information do I need to bring?

Each vehicle presented for inspection at an inspection station shall be accompanied by at least one of the following documents which identifies the vehicle by make, model year, VIN, and license plate number:

1. A current Wisconsin vehicle license renewal notice.
2. A current Wisconsin certificate of registration.
3. A current Wisconsin certificate of title.
4. A vehicle inspection report if a reinspection.
5. A letter of temporary exemption issued by the department.
6. A properly completed substitute renewal notice, form MVD 2016
7. A letter issued by the department notifying the vehicle owner that the vehicle requires inspection.
8. A properly completed voluntary inspection request form, obtainable from the manager at of the inspection stations.

What are the station hours?

The operating hours for all stations are:
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Take your vehicle and appropriate documents to any of the twelve testing facilities for an inspection. No appointment is necessary for the inspection.

Tips for a successful test:

• Please bring your vehicle to an inspection facility as soon as possible after receiving your test notice.  If your vehicle is rejected or fails the inspection, this will provide ample time to repair the vehicle and have it re-inspected prior to license plate expiration.
• Test stations are closed on Sundays and state holidays.  The busiest testing day is Monday.

     Prior To Arriving at the Test Station:

• Please bring your vehicle's test notice with you to the test station. 
• Make sure the vehicle brought in for testing matches the vehicle identified on the test notice.
• If your 1996 or newer OBD-equipped vehicle has a covered or otherwise obstructed diagnostic link connector (DLC), please open or remove the cover (consult owner's manual for location and instructions), or remove the obstruction prior to arriving at the test station.
• If your 1996 or newer OBD-equipped vehicle has recently been serviced, or if the battery has been disconnected, please drive the vehicle for several days before bringing it in for inspection.
• Ensure your vehicle is safe to operate. Your vehicle may be rejected if the test cannot be safely conducted.

     At the Test Station:

• When you arrive, leave the engine running unless directed otherwise.
• Inform the inspector when entering the test lane if the license plate number on the vehicle is different from the number on your test notice