Does Indiana Have Emissions Testing?
Yes, Indiana requires emissions testing, but only for vehicles registered in Lake County and Porter County in Northwest Indiana. These are the only two of Indiana's 92 counties where emissions testing is mandatory.
Program Administration in Indiana
The emissions testing program is administered through a partnership between state agencies:
Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM)
Air Quality Division
100 N Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 232-8603
Toll Free: (800) 451-6027 (within Indiana)
Official Website: Indiana Department of Environmental Management
IDEM oversees the emissions testing program, develops regulations, and works with federal authorities to ensure compliance with Clean Air Act requirements.
Here's the corrected text with proper address formatting:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)
100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (888) 692-6841
Official Website: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
The BMV integrates emissions test results with vehicle registration renewals and enforces testing compliance by denying registration to non-compliant vehicles in Lake and Porter counties.
Clean Air Car Check
Phone: (888) 240-1684
Official Website: Clean Air Car Check
Counties Requiring Emissions Testing in Indiana
Emissions testing is mandatory only in these two Northwest Indiana counties:
Lake County (includes cities such as):
- Gary
- Hammond
- East Chicago
- Merrillville
- Hobart
- Crown Point
- Schererville
- Highland
Porter County (includes cities such as):
- Valparaiso
- Portage
- Chesterton
Vehicle Requirements in Indiana
Which Vehicles Must Be Tested
For 2026 Testing (Even-Year Cycle): Vehicles with even-numbered model years will require testing, including:
- 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2008, 2006, 2004, 2002, 2000, etc.
Vehicle Type and Weight Requirements
Subject to Testing:
- Gasoline-powered passenger cars
- Light-duty trucks and vans
- SUVs
- Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 9,000 pounds or less
- Manufactured after 1975
Testing Frequency
Testing is required biennially (every two years) based on the odd/even model year cycle. Vehicles manufactured in odd-numbered years test in odd-numbered years, and vehicles manufactured in even-numbered years test in even-numbered years.
Complete List of Exempt Vehicle Categories
The following vehicles are permanently exempt from Indiana emissions testing requirements:
Exempt by Age:
- Vehicles manufactured during the four latest model years
- Vehicles manufactured in 1975 or earlier
- Antique vehicles (as defined by 326 IAC 13-1.1-1)
Exempt by Fuel Type:
- Diesel-powered vehicles (all model years)
- Fully electric vehicles (battery electric with no gasoline engine)
Exempt by Weight:
- Vehicles with GVWR over 9,000 pounds
Exempt by Type:
- Motorcycles and mopeds
- Show cars over 25 years old
- Kit cars
- Farm vehicles
Exempt by Registration:
- Vehicles not registered in Lake or Porter County
- Vehicles registered out-of-state (even if primarily operated in Indiana)
Special Cases and Exemptions
Out-of-State Extension: Motorists can apply for an Out-of-State Extension if their vehicle is located more than 300 miles from an Indiana Clean Air Car Check emissions testing station. This extension allows a temporary exemption while the vehicle is out of the area.
College Students: Students attending school outside the area can test their vehicle early (beginning in October of the year before it's due) to avoid having to return for testing.
Early Testing: Vehicles can be inspected beginning in October of the year before they are due to be tested. This is particularly helpful for those who may be traveling or for out-of-state college students.
Emissions Inspection Fees in Indiana
Standard Emissions Test: FREE
Indiana does not charge motorists for mandatory emissions testing at Clean Air Car Check facilities. The test is provided at no cost to vehicle owners.
Voluntary Testing Fee: $50 (non-refundable) for out-of-area vehicles requesting voluntary testing
Where to Get Tested in Indiana
Clean Air Car Check Testing Stations:
All seven testing stations are open:
- Tuesday through Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Closed: Sunday, Monday, and state holidays
- Crown Point
755 N. Industrial Blvd., Crown Point, IN - Gary
3901 W. Fourth Ave., Gary, IN - Griffith
232 Ivanhoe Court South, Griffith, IN - Hammond
1231 Gostlin St., Hammond, IN - Hobart
325 Sullivan St., Hobart, IN
Porter County Locations:
- Portage
5777 Melton Rd., Portage, IN - Valparaiso
2503 Beech St., Valparaiso, IN
Contact Information:
Phone: (888) 240-1684 or (219) 661-8269
Website: cleanaircarcheck.com
Finding Qualified Repair Facilities
After a Failed Test: If your vehicle fails emissions testing, you must have repairs performed by an Indiana Certified Emissions Repair Facility (ICERF) if you intend to apply for a waiver.
Visit the Clean Air Car Check website for a complete list of Indiana Certified Emissions Repair Facilities equipped to properly diagnose and repair emissions failures.
Registration Renewal Process and Inspection Verification in Indiana
Electronic Verification System: Indiana uses an electronic emissions verification system. When your vehicle passes emissions testing, the results are immediately transmitted to the BMV database and linked to your vehicle registration.
How to Renew with Emissions Compliance:
Online Renewal via myBMV: After completing your emissions test, you can renew your registration online at myBMV.com. The system automatically verifies your emissions test status.
In-Person Renewal: You can renew at:
- Any BMV branch location
- Clean Air Car Check testing stations (with additional convenience fee)
- BMV Connect Kiosk locations (if emissions test is on file)
By Mail: Mail your renewal notice and payment according to instructions. The emissions test will be verified electronically.
If You Haven't Tested Yet: If you attempt to renew without a passing emissions test on file, your renewal will be denied. You must complete emissions testing and pass before registration can be renewed.
Registration Integration: Residents of Lake and Porter County cannot complete vehicle registration renewal without either:
- A passing emissions test on file, OR
- An approved extension/exemption/waiver
Out-of-State Vehicle Provisions
New Residents Moving to Indiana: If you move to Indiana and register your vehicle in Lake or Porter County, your vehicle will need to comply with emissions testing requirements during your registration cycle (based on the model year odd/even cycle).
Out-of-State Registration: If your vehicle is registered in another state and you are not claiming Indiana residency, you are not required to complete Indiana emissions testing, even if you primarily operate the vehicle in Lake or Porter County.
Temporary Relocation: If your Indiana-registered vehicle is temporarily located more than 300 miles from a Clean Air Car Check testing station, you may apply for an Out-of-State Extension. Application forms are available on the Clean Air Car Check website.
College Students: Students attending school outside the area can either:
- Test early (beginning in October, before their test year)
- Apply for an out-of-state extension if located more than 300 miles away
