What Air Team Does and Where to Find Them
Air Team is a private emissions testing station in Chicago that performs the vehicle emissions tests required by the state of Illinois. They test whether your car's exhaust meets state pollution standards — the same test you would get at any other licensed testing facility in the area. Air Team does not issue the test results directly to the state; instead, they submit the results electronically to the Illinois EPA after your vehicle passes or fails.
Air Team operates at a single location in Chicago. You can find their address and current hours by searching "Air Team emissions testing Chicago" or by calling ahead to confirm they are open and to ask about wait times. Unlike some testing stations, Air Team typically requires an appointment or operates on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the time of day — calling before you go saves a trip.
The test itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you are in the bay. You will drive onto a dynamometer (a machine that measures your engine's output) while a technician monitors your vehicle's emissions data. The whole visit, including paperwork, usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Air Team is a private testing station that performs Illinois emissions tests and submits results to the state electronically on your behalf.
- You will need your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a valid photo ID to complete the test.
- The test costs money — the exact fee varies, so call Air Team directly to confirm the current price before you visit.
- If your vehicle fails, you have 30 days to make repairs and return to any testing station for a retest at no additional fee.
- Air Team's results are recorded with the Illinois EPA, so you do not need to file paperwork yourself or visit a government office.
What Documents and Information to Bring
Bring your vehicle registration (the physical card or a photo of it on your phone), proof of current auto insurance, and a valid photo ID. The registration must match the vehicle you are testing — if you recently bought the car and the title has not transferred yet, contact Air Team before you visit to ask whether they can test it.
You should also know your vehicle's mileage and the year, make, and model. Air Team will ask for this information when you check in. If your vehicle has had recent work done — especially engine repairs, a new catalytic converter, or a new oxygen sensor — mention it to the technician, because these repairs often affect emissions results.
If your vehicle failed a previous emissions test at another station, bring that failure notice with you. It is not required, but it helps the technician understand what might need attention and whether the problem has been fixed.
How the Test Works and What Happens If You Pass
The technician will connect a probe to your vehicle's tailpipe to measure the gases coming out of your exhaust. Modern vehicles also allow the technician to read data directly from your engine's computer through the diagnostic port (usually located under the steering wheel). The test measures nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other pollutants to see whether they fall within Illinois limits.
If your vehicle passes, Air Team submits the passing result to the Illinois EPA within one business day. You will receive a receipt or confirmation at the station, and your vehicle's record in the state system will update automatically. You do not need to do anything else — no additional paperwork, no visit to a government office. Your vehicle is now compliant for the next two years (or until your registration expires, whichever comes first).
The passing result stays on file with the state. If you are pulled over by police or need to renew your registration, the state can see that your vehicle passed. You may want to keep your receipt in your glove box as a backup, though it is not legally required.
What to Do If Your Vehicle Fails the Test
If your vehicle fails, the technician will give you a failure notice that explains which emissions standards were not met. This notice is important — keep it. You have 30 days from the test date to make repairs and return for a retest at any licensed testing station in Illinois, including Air Team.
The retest itself is free; you only pay the testing fee again if you choose to return to Air Team (other stations may charge differently). Take the failure notice to a mechanic and explain which emissions systems failed. Common repairs include replacing a faulty oxygen sensor, fixing a catalytic converter, or addressing an engine misfire. Some repairs are inexpensive; others can cost several hundred dollars.
After repairs are complete, return to any testing station — Air Team or another facility — and request a retest. Bring the original failure notice with you. If the vehicle passes on the retest, that passing result is submitted to the state, and you are compliant. If it fails again, you have another 30 days to repair and retest.
Cost and Payment Methods
Air Team charges a fee for each emissions test. The exact amount varies and can change, so call the station directly to confirm the current price before you visit. Illinois does not set a statewide price cap for private testing stations, so fees differ between locations.
Ask Air Team what payment methods they accept — most private testing stations take cash, debit cards, and credit cards, but it is worth confirming. If you fail and need a retest, the retest fee at Air Team is the same as the initial test fee. Retests at other stations may cost more or less.
Some employers or community organizations offer vouchers or subsidies for emissions testing, especially if you are a low-income driver. These are not common, but it is worth asking Air Team whether they accept any vouchers or whether they know of local programs that help with testing costs.
When You Need to Test and Registration important date
Illinois requires emissions testing for most vehicles registered in Cook County (which includes Chicago) every two years. Your registration notice will tell you whether your vehicle is due for testing. You can test anytime during the two-year cycle, but the state recommends testing before your registration expires to avoid a lapse in compliance.
If your registration has already expired and you have not tested, you cannot legally drive the vehicle until you test and pass. Schedule a test as soon as possible. If you are buying a used car in Illinois, the seller should provide proof that the vehicle passed its most recent emissions test — ask for this before you complete the purchase.
If you are moving to Chicago from another state, you will need to register your vehicle in Illinois and obtain an Illinois emissions test within a certain timeframe. Contact the Illinois Secretary of State's office or your local DMV for the exact important date, which varies depending on when you moved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test my vehicle if the check engine light is on?
No. If your check engine light is illuminated, your vehicle will fail the emissions test automatically because the light indicates a problem with the emissions system. Have a mechanic diagnose and repair the issue first, then return for testing. The light must be off before the test begins.
What if I just bought a used car and do not know when it was last tested?
Call Air Team or any testing station and provide your vehicle's license plate number. They can look up your vehicle's testing history in the Illinois EPA system and tell you whether a recent passing test is on file. If not, you will need to test before you can legally register the vehicle in Illinois.
Do I need an appointment at Air Team, or can I just walk in?
Call Air Team directly to ask about their current appointment policy. Some days they take walk-ins; other times they are booked. Calling ahead takes five minutes and saves you a wasted trip, especially during busy seasons like fall and winter when many people renew registrations.
What happens if I move out of Illinois after I pass the test?
Your Illinois emissions test result is only valid in Illinois. If you move to another state, you will need to follow that state's emissions testing rules, which vary widely. Some states do not require emissions testing at all; others have different standards. Check your new state's DMV website for requirements.
Can Air Team test a vehicle that is not registered in my name?
Typically, no. The vehicle registration must match the person being tested. If you are testing a vehicle you do not own — for example, a family member's car — bring the owner and their ID, or ask Air Team about their specific policy before you visit. Some stations allow a notarized letter of permission; others do not.