DMV & Emissions Testing Locations In Indiana

Indiana

Indiana Smog Check / Emissions Test

Indiana requires vehicle emissions testing and a tampering inspection for most first-time registrations and biannually for vehicle owners living in Porter and Lake counties.

If you know you need an Emissions test done click here to select your county and find the nearest location.

Requirements to Pass the Indiana Smog Check

Indiana registered vehicles falling into one of the following categories must pass a smog check:

Vehicles made in the 1976 model year or later
The owner’s residence is in, or they commute to Clark, Floyd, Lake or Port counties
The vehicle weighs less than 9000 lbs
Vehicles with an engine displacement over 200 cubic centimeters

Once a vehicle passes a smog check, the results remain valid for 90 days. Indiana requires proof of a vehicle passing an Indiana vehicle emissions test when the owner is reinstating a suspended registration, getting a registration renewal, or obtaining a vehicle registration for the first time.

Check out to see if your car meets Indiana’s vehicle insurance coverage requirements.

Smog Check Exemptions for Indiana Drivers

Indiana provides exemptions to vehicles falling into the following categories:

Motor vehicles made in the past four years (stated on the manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin)
Motor vehicles made in the 1975 model year or older
Diesel or electric vehicles
Motor vehicles registered as a show or antique car
Specialty or kit cars eligible for an Indiana Specialty Exemption
Vehicles weighing more than 9,000 lbs
Ceremonial vehicle
Recreational vehicle (ex. RVs and Motorhomes)
Motorcycles
Highway construction equipment
Motor vehicles with engines displacements less than 200 cubic centimeters
Tractors and other vehicles registered for farm use only.

Smog Check Fees

The State of Indiana does not charge residents a fee for smog checks.

Performing Emissions Testing in Indiana

The Indiana DMV sends testing notices to the address provided to them by the vehicle owner when they register their vehicle with the Indiana DMV. Notices get sent out usually two months before the vehicle’s registration is due. The notice informs the owner if their vehicle requires a vehicle emissions test and when it must be completed.

Indiana exempts newer vehicles manufactured in the last four years. Vehicle’s with even model years get tested in even-numbered calendar years and vehicles manufactured in odd-numbered years get tested in an odd-numbered calendar year. The testing schedule for Indiana-registered vehicles depends on the vehicle’s model year. Vehicle owners may complete the emissions test as early as the month of October before the due date.

After receiving a notice, vehicle owners must take their vehicle to a Clean Air Car Check Vehicle Station to pass a smog check. Just look for an official sign at one of the many authorized testing stations in the state. In order to be able to renew an Indiana vehicle’s registration, the vehicle will have to pass the Indiana vehicle emissions inspection.

Indiana requires the following emissions tests for Indiana registered vehicles:

Inspection and Maintenance – for vehicles made between 1981 and 1995 or newer model years
Single Idle Speed – for vehicles made between 1976 and 1980 model years
Gas Cap Pressure Check – All vehicles will receive this test.
On-Board Diagnostics Test (OBD II) – for vehicles made in the 1996 model year or later

Vehicle owners must present their vehicle’s registration renewal application or current vehicle registration. Prior to entering the testing station, all electrical accessories must be turned off. Indiana vehicle emissions tests usually take only around 10 minutes.

Failed Smog Inspections – Next Steps

Vehicle owners may be eligible for a one – time waiver if their vehicle does not pass its emissions retests. There are certain criteria that must be met in order for a vehicle to qualify for a waiver. Vehicle owners must:

Vehicle owners living in Porter and Lake Counties must spend at least $450 on emissions-related repairs to meet the waiver’s expenditure minimum
Only vehicles manufactured in the 1981 model years or newer are eligible
The vehicle failed two vehicle emissions retests

When a vehicle fails its test, test personnel will provide the vehicle owner with a list of local Indiana Certified Emissions-Repair Technician Facilities (ICERT). Vehicles must be repaired at one of these facilities. The repair technician must sign the Vehicle Inspection Report and provide the facility’s Federal Tax ID as well. Then, the vehicle owner must present all Vehicle Inspection Reports (VIR) and emissions- related repair receipts at a Clean Air Car Check branch. If a vehicle owner’s registration due date is near, they can apply and receive a temporary 30-day registration while completing their vehicle’s emissions-related repairs. For complete details about emissions test waivers, talk to a local ICERT.

Do Sellers Give Buyers a Valid Smog Certificate?

Used car dealers must issue a valid smog check certificate for vehicles that they sell, but it is the buyer’s responsibility for vehicles purchased from a private individual.

Special Tips to Pass the Indiana Emissions Test

Here are some things to keep in mind when getting an emissions test in Indiana:

The busiest times for vehicle testing is towards the end of the month and on Saturdays. Avoid these times for a quick test and faster wait times.
Make sure the vehicle passes a safety check before getting it smog checked. If the vehicle will not pass a smog check if deemed unsafe.
When arriving at the testing station, leave the vehicle running. Test personnel will inform owners if the vehicle needs to be turned off.

Here’s what to do before arriving at the testing station:

Bring your vehicles test notice.
Drive the vehicle for 15 minutes prior to testing, this ensures it’s completely warmed up and will provide accurate test results
Vehicles with an OBD system installed in them should be driven around for a few days after having repairs completed before getting tested.

How to Reduce Driving Emissions & Pollution

Pollution kills upwards of 200,000 people every year. Vehicle emissions test programs help but are not always enough. The State of Indiana does provide the public with air pollution and ozone warnings. When Indiana alerts the public of these air quality incidents, there are several actions residents can take to protect themselves, their families, and environment:

Stay indoors when possible
Start a rideshare or carpool for work
Work remotely or from home
Adjust your thermostat up in the summer; down in the winter
Use public transportation
Ride a bike or walk more often
Refuel your vehicle during cooler times of the day
Don’t use lawn mowers and other gas-powered equipment
Avoid the use of aerosol products, oil-based paints, and solvents.
Do more with fewer trips; combine errands and schedule travel around multiple commitments

Find Smog Check Stations Near Me

To stay in compliance of the State of Indiana’s smog check requirements, Indiana-registered drivers required to get their vehicle’s to pass a vehicle emissions test can check out our DMV & Emissions Testing Locations in Indiana pages below to find a DMV office or testing location in your area.

Smog Check Stations in Lake County, Indiana

The town of Merrillville, in Lake County, Indiana, has a population of 35,000 and is the largest town in Lake County. Indiana-registered drivers with vehicles that require testing, and living in or around Lake County must get their vehicles to pass a smog check. Check out our DMV & Emissions Testing Locations in Lake County, Indiana page to find a DMV office or testing location in your area.

Smog Check Stations in Portage, Indiana

The town of Portage, in Porter County, Indiana, has a population of 37,000 and is the largest town in Porter County. Indiana-registered drivers with vehicles that require testing and living in or around Porter County may need to get their vehicles to pass a smog check. Check out our DMV & Emissions Testing Locations in Portage, Indiana page to find a DMV office or testing location in your area.

Auto Insurance

Getting car insurance is one of the requirements that vehicle owners need to fulfill in order to register and claim the title for their vehicles in the Department of Motor Vehicles. Vehicle insurance companies in the United States offer full auto insurance and liability coverage that protects the drivers in case of a traffic accident.