Motor Vehicle Car Tags|Emissions Testing
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For 2021 registrations, all 1997-2018 model year gasonline-powered cars or light trucks (up to 8,500 lbs) must have a valid Georgia emission inspection.
An emission inspection must be completed prior to submitting a vehicle renewal to receive a registration decal. Visit http://www.cleanairforce.com/ for additional emission test information
Where to Go: Newer vehicles can be inspected at any emission inspection station. Look for an inspection station sign that reads "1996 or Newer Vehicles Welcome" or "All Vehicles Welcome." Vehicle models 1995 or older can only be inspected at stations marked "All Vehicles Welcome."
Inspect Early: It's best to get your vehicle inspected four to six weeks before the registration renewal date (the first vehicle owner’s birthday), in the event repairs need to be made. An emission inspection is valid for 12 months or for one registration renewal by the same owner.
Providing Proof of Emission Inspection: The emission inspection station that completes the emission testing is required to electronically submit the test results to the Georgia Department of Revenue motor vehicle database. If the emission information is not in the database electronically, submit the original emission certificate to the tag office.
If the Vehicle Does Not Pass the Emission Test
It is the owner’s responsibility to renew the vehicle’s registration by the due date to avoid paying tax and/or tag penalties.
A tag and/or decal cannot be issued if the vehicle did not pass the emission test.
If the vehicle does not pass the emission test, the owner(s) should pay any ad valorem taxes due on the vehicle by the renewal due date to avoid paying a 10 percent ad valorem tax penalty.
Please note that if ad valorem taxes are paid on time, but the tag and/or decal cannot be renewed by the due date because of a failed emission test, the state still assesses a tag penalty of $5.
Georgia’s Clean Air Force recommends having your vehicle inspected four to six weeks prior to the registration renewal date in the event repairs need to be made.
For more information on emission testing, visit http://www.cleanairforce.com/.
Senior Emission Waiver (Senior Exemption)
Senior Exemptions: If you are age 65 or older and are a registered owner of a vehicle 10 model years old or older, and if you drive less than 5,000 miles per year, you may be eligible for a senior exemption. Click Here for a copy of the Senior Exemption Application.
The Cherokee County Tag office process senior emission waivers (exemptions) for Cherokee residents.
Out-of-Area Extensions
Out-of-Area Extensions: If you (or a family member) and your Georgia-registered vehicle are temporarily located outside the 13-county emission testing area of Georgia due to school, military or business obligations, you may qualify for an Out-of-Area Extension.
Visit the Georgia Clean Air Force website for applications and information.
Repair Waivers
Repair Waivers: To apply for a repair waiver, visit a Georgia Clean Air Force Center. Locations of these centers, along with general information and requirements, are available at the Georgia Clean Air Force website.