Secretary of State to Resume IEPA Testing Requirement in order to Renew Vehicle Registration

The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is reminding Illinois motorists who need emissions tests that as of June 1, they must pass the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) vehicle emissions test before coming to a Driver Services facility to renew their registration.

In December of 2015, the Secretary of State’s office temporarily suspended requiring the tests because IEPA had stopped sending out notices to motorists due to the state budget impasse.  Previously, the only way a vehicle owner would know that their car was due for an emissions test was if they received the notice by mail.

IEPA resumed sending out notices on April 6 so beginning June 1 motorists who need emissions tests will be required to complete emissions testing before renewing their license plates.

As a result, the Secretary of State’s office will resume standard procedures that require completion of the IEPA test prior to registration renewal.

Vehicle emission testing applies to all vehicles registered in Cook, Du Page and Lake Counties, as well as most of Kane, Kendall, McHenry and Will Counties and in Madison, Monroe and St. Clair Counties in the Metro East area.

Motorists can call 800-635-2380 or go to the Vehicle Eligibility Check Tool at http://www.epa.illinois.gov/topics/airquality/mobile-sources/vehicle-emissions-testing/index.

To check, they will need to provide their license plate or VIN number.