Illinois Smog and Emissions Inspection

Illinois is a state that takes measures to promote clean air.  Because of this, vehicle owners may be required to have their emissions checked on their vehicles every two years.  If you are an Illinois driver that needs to have their emissions check they you will receive a notice in the mail when it is time for you to have your vehicle smog checked.

If you are required to have your vehicle checked for emissions and you fail to do so, you will not be able to get your vehicle registered; you will not be a legal Illinois driver.  It will be against the law for you to operate a vehicle on the roadways.

The type of testing that you may be required to have done will vary, depending on the type and age of your vehicle  The state of Illinois EPA not only oversees smog testing, they provide an EPA’s FAQ page that will answer all your questions regarding emission inspections.

The state of Illinois realizes that with older vehicles it can sometime be difficult to pass inspection and funds may be tight.  Therefore the State offers vehicle owners a year long extension in such cases.  To apply for an extension you will need to submit an Economic Hardship Extension Application.

Where you have you inspection performed is important as well.  The inspection center must be approved by the state.  You will need to bring your smog check notice with you.  Once your vehicle is inspected the results will be provided to the Secretary of State and the EPA office automatically.  To find emissions inspection stations, let 4DMV.com help.

Exempt Vehicles

There are vehicles that are exempt for smog and emission inspections which are:

  • Diesel-powered vehicles
  • Antique vehicles 25 years of age or older
  • Farm vehicles and “implements of husbandry”
  • Vehicles first registered in 1967 or earlier
  • Motorcycles
  • Vehicle that a Junking Certificate has been issued
Out of State Vehicles

If you are an owner of a vehicle that is registered in Illinois but it is temporary outside the state of Illinois you will still be required to comply with the emission regulations in the area where the vehicle is located and have your vehicle inspected if emission testing is required in the state. If your vehicle does not need to be tested in the state, you will have to complete the proper paperwork.  Visit for a list of compliance forms,  or call the Illinois EPA at 847/758/3400 to request an application.

If you have a vehicle in the state but the vehicle has plates from another state, you will not be required-you will not be required to pass an Illinois emission inspection.  However, if you vehicle requires an emissions inspection from the state it is registered in, you can have the inspection performed in Illinois.  The cost to have an emission inspection will be $20.

Reducing Pollution

Most drivers have had the unfortunate situation of witnessing a smoky vehicle on the roadways at one time or another.  Although there is no program in the state or reporting polluters or smoking vehicles you can be responsible for your own vehicle and ensure that it is a contributor to poor air.  For more information on how to help reduce pollution visit the EPA’s Green Tips.

Determining Whether Your Vehicle Needs A Smog and Emissions Inspection

There are counties in Illinois in which vehicles are exempt from smog and emissions inspections.  Currently in Illinois, the following counties require the smog and emissions inspection every two years.

  • All of Cook County
  • All of Dupage County
  • All of Lake County
Below is a list of counties in which vehicles owners are exempt from having their vehicles smog and emissions inspected:

Kane County

  • If you vehicle is registered in the following ZIP codes, you are except from having tit smog and emissions inspected:
  • 60554, 60545, 60520, 60511, 60182, 60178, 601525, 60151, 60147, 60144, 60142, 60140, 60135, 60119, and 60106.
Kendall County

  • If you vehicle is registered in the following ZIP codes, you are except from having tit smog and emissions inspected:
  • 60543, 60541, 60537, 60536, 60512, 60447 (those parts that are not within the census-defined urbanized are) 60560 and 60545.
McHenry Country

  • If you vehicle is registered in the following ZIP codes, you are except from having tit smog and emissions inspected:
  • 60180, 60152, 90142, 60098, 60097, 60072, 60071,  60034, 60003, and 60001
Will County

  • If you vehicle is registered in the following ZIP codes, you are except from having tit smog and emissions inspected:
  • 60950, 60935, 60481, 60468, 60447, 60442, 60421, 60418, 60416, 604103, 60408, 60407 and 60401
Madison County

  • If you vehicle is registered in the following ZIP codes, you are except from having tit smog and emissions inspected:
  • 62281, 62275, 62249, 62097, 62088, 62074, 62067, 62061, 62058, 62046, 62026, 62021, 62012 and 62001.
Monroe County

  • If you vehicle is registered in the following ZIP codes, you are except from having tit smog and emissions inspected:
  • 62298, 62295, 62279, 62278, 62276, 62261, 62256, 62248, and 6244
St. Clair County

  • If you vehicle is registered in the following ZIP codes, you are except from having tit smog and emissions inspected:
  • 62298, 62289, 62285, 62282, 62278, 62269, 62265, 62264, 62260, 62258, 62257, 62255, 62254, 62248, 62243, and 62224