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

Testing Requirement For Registration Renewal

The following vehicles which are registered and kept in the counties of Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington, or Waukesha, must meet emission inspection requirements. 

• Model year 1996 and newer gasoline- and alternate fuel- powered vehicles with a gross vehicle weight up to 8500 pounds,
• NEW:  Model year 2007 and newer vehicles up to 14,000 lbs, gross vehicle weight rating,
• NEW:  Model year 2007 and newer diesel vehicles

Vehicles that are at least five model years old require a test within 45 days of purchase.  Additionally, vehicles that are at least three model years old require at test every other year prior to license plate renewal.

When your license plate is due for renewal, you will receive a registration renewal notice. Check for the words EMISSION TEST REQUIRED printed on it. Vehicles subject to emissions inspection may fulfill the inspection requirement up to 180 days prior to their license plate renewal date.  You can determine whether your vehicle is due for inspection within the next 180 days by entering your license plate on WisDOT's plate inquiry page.  If the inquiry result page includes the statement "IM test is needed," your vehicle's plate renewal date falls within the next 180 days.  You do not need a renewal statement in order to receive your inspection- simply visit the station registration desk, located within the office area, prior to getting in line for an inspection.

Because this is a biennial test, the following model years will be tested in 2009 to fulfill registration renewal testing requirements:

Model Years Tested For Registration Renewal:

For vehicles with license plates expiring in 2009, the following model year vehicles must be tested:
1996, 1998, 2000, 2002. 2004, 2006

For vehicles with license plates expiring in 2010, the following model year vehicles must be tested:
1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007

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:

In calendar year 2009, model years 1996 - 2004 must be tested at the time a buyer titles the vehicle.

In calendar year 2010, model years 1996 - 2005 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?

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 Wednesdays, 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