What Air Care Colorado Does

Air Care Colorado is Colorado's vehicle emissions testing program, run by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. It tests whether your vehicle's exhaust meets state pollution standards. If you live in the Denver metro area, parts of northern Colorado, or the Pueblo area, you must pass an Air Care test every two years (or annually if your vehicle failed before) to renew your registration.

The program operates through a network of independent testing stations across the state. You drive to a station, the technician connects a probe to your vehicle's tailpipe, runs the test for about 30 seconds, and you get your results on the spot. A passing vehicle gets a certificate; a failing vehicle gets a repair report that tells you what emissions systems need work.

Key Takeaways

  • Air Care Colorado tests whether your exhaust meets state standards and is required every two years in the Denver metro, northern Colorado, and Pueblo areas to renew registration.
  • The test takes about 30 seconds at an independent testing station and costs between $20 and $30 depending on your vehicle type.
  • A passing test gives you a certificate valid for two years; a failing test gives you a repair report listing the specific emissions systems that need attention.
  • If you fail, you have 60 days to repair your vehicle and retest at no additional charge, or you can request a waiver if repairs cost more than a set amount.
  • Diesel vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles under 6,000 pounds registered as trucks are exempt from Air Care testing.

Who Must Test and Who Is Exempt

You must test if your vehicle is registered in one of Colorado's test areas: the Denver metro region (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties), or the Pueblo area. Your vehicle must be a passenger car, SUV, or light truck under 6,000 pounds registered as a passenger vehicle. The test is required every two years when you renew your registration.

Exempt vehicles include diesel-powered vehicles, motorcycles, vehicles registered as trucks over 6,000 pounds, vehicles that are model year 1981 or older, and vehicles that have been registered in Colorado for less than 60 days. If you move out of a test area, you no longer need to test, even if you keep your Colorado registration.

How to Find a Testing Station and Schedule

You can locate Air Care testing stations through the official Air Care Colorado website or by calling the Air Care hotline. Most stations are independent repair shops, tire shops, or dedicated emissions testing facilities. You do not need an appointment at most stations — you can drive in during business hours and wait your turn, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Some stations do accept reservations, which can reduce your wait time. Call ahead if you want to confirm hours or ask whether they take appointments. Testing stations are open year-round, though the busiest periods are typically the weeks before registration renewal important date.

What Happens During the Test

When you arrive, bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. The technician will verify your vehicle information, connect a probe to your tailpipe, and run the test while your engine is at idle. The entire process takes about 30 seconds. Your vehicle's onboard diagnostic system must be ready — if it is not, the test will fail automatically, and you will need to drive your vehicle for several hundred miles before retesting.

The test measures emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other pollutants. Your vehicle passes if all readings fall below Colorado's limits. If you pass, you receive a certificate when ready. If you fail, you get a detailed report showing which emissions systems are out of range and what repairs may be needed.

Test Costs and What to Expect if You Fail

Air Care testing costs between $20 and $30 depending on your vehicle type. Diesel vehicles and vehicles over 6,000 pounds are exempt and do not pay. If you fail, you do not pay for a retest — you have 60 days to repair your vehicle and return for a free retest at the same station or any other Air Care station.

If repairs are expensive, you may request a waiver. Colorado allows waivers if the cost to repair all failed systems exceeds a threshold amount (this amount changes yearly and depends on your vehicle's age). To request a waiver, you must have the repair estimate in writing from a shop and submit it to Air Care. A waiver lets you renew your registration without passing the test, though you will need to test again the following year.

What to Do if Your Vehicle Fails

A failing report lists the specific emissions systems that are out of range — typically the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, fuel system, or engine control systems. Take this report to a repair shop. Not every shop specializes in emissions work, so ask whether they have experience with the specific system your vehicle failed on.

After repairs, return to any Air Care station within 60 days for a free retest. If you pass the retest, you receive your certificate and can renew your registration. If you fail again, the 60-day window resets, and you can continue retesting at no charge. If you cannot afford repairs or repairs are not available, request a waiver before your 60 days expire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration without an Air Care certificate?

No, not in the test areas. You must either pass the test or receive a waiver. If you do not have a certificate or waiver when you try to renew, the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles will not process your renewal. You can renew online or by mail only if you have a passing certificate or approved waiver on file.

What if I just bought a used car and do not know if it will pass?

You can test it when ready. If it fails, you have 60 days to repair it and retest for free. If repairs are too expensive, you can request a waiver. However, if the vehicle is a recent purchase and the seller promised it would pass, you may have a claim against the seller depending on your purchase agreement.

Do I need to test if I move to Colorado from another state?

Only if you register your vehicle in one of the test areas. When you register, the Division of Motor Vehicles will tell you whether your vehicle must test. New registrations in test areas typically require a test before the registration is complete.

What happens if my vehicle's check engine light is on?

Your vehicle will likely fail the test because the onboard diagnostic system is not ready. You must drive the vehicle for several hundred miles (or have a shop clear the code and let the system relearn) before retesting. The test cannot proceed if the diagnostic system is not ready.

Can I test in a different county than where I am registered?

Yes. You can test at any Air Care station in Colorado, regardless of which county issued your registration. The certificate is valid statewide as long as your vehicle is registered in a test area.