Where to take your car for emissions testing in Aurora
In Aurora, you can get your vehicle emissions tested at any Colorado Department of Revenue-licensed emissions testing station. These are private repair shops and testing centers scattered throughout the city — not a single government office. You do not need an appointment at most locations; you can drive in during business hours and wait your turn, though some stations do accept reservations.
To find a testing station near you, visit the Colorado Department of Revenue's online station locator tool, which lists every licensed facility by city and shows their hours. Search for "Aurora" and you will see the addresses, phone numbers, and whether each station accepts walk-ins. Many are independent repair shops that do emissions testing as part of their business, so calling ahead to confirm they are open and not backed up is worth the few minutes.
The test itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you are in the bay. The technician will connect your vehicle to a machine that measures tailpipe emissions, and you will get a printed result on the spot. If you pass, the station sends the result electronically to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, and your registration can be renewed. If you fail, you receive a detailed report showing which emissions standards your vehicle did not meet.
Key Takeaways
- Aurora emissions testing stations are private businesses licensed by Colorado, not government offices, and most accept walk-ins during regular business hours.
- The Colorado Department of Revenue's online locator tool shows every licensed station in Aurora, their hours, and contact information.
- The test takes 10 to 15 minutes and produces a printed result when ready; passing results are sent automatically to the Division of Motor Vehicles.
- You will need your vehicle's registration or proof of ownership and a valid photo ID to complete the test.
- If your vehicle fails, the report will specify which emissions standards were not met, helping you understand what repairs may be needed.
What documents and information to bring
Bring your vehicle's current registration or proof of ownership — either the registration card from your glove compartment or a recent insurance document showing your name and the vehicle identification number (VIN). You will also need a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. The testing station uses this information to match the test result to your vehicle and your DMV record.
If your vehicle is registered to someone else, bring a notarized power of attorney or written permission from the registered owner, along with their ID. Some stations may have slightly different document requirements, so calling ahead to confirm what they need prevents a wasted trip. If you are unsure whether your vehicle is registered in Colorado or another state, check your registration card — Colorado vehicles show "Colorado" at the top.
How much emissions testing costs in Aurora
The cost of an emissions test in Aurora varies by station because each licensed facility sets its own price. Most stations charge between $20 and $35 for a standard emissions test. Some stations offer package deals that bundle emissions testing with an inspection or other services, which may cost more or less depending on what is included.
Call the station before you go if cost is a concern, or check their website if they have one listed in the Department of Revenue locator. Payment methods vary — some stations take cash only, while others accept cards. If you fail the test and need repairs, those costs are separate from the testing fee and depend entirely on what your vehicle needs.
When your vehicle must be tested in Aurora
In Aurora, emissions testing is required when you renew your vehicle registration. The frequency depends on your vehicle's age and type. Newer vehicles (generally 2008 and newer) may be exempt from testing in some cases, while older vehicles are tested every two years. Diesel vehicles and vehicles over a certain model year have different testing schedules.
Your registration renewal notice will tell you whether your specific vehicle needs testing. If it does, you must complete the test before your registration expires, or you cannot legally renew. The test result is valid for 30 days, so you can test early if you want to get it done before your renewal important date. If you fail and need repairs, you have 60 days to retest at no additional charge at the same station.
What happens if your vehicle fails the emissions test
If your vehicle fails, the testing station gives you a detailed report showing which emissions standards were exceeded and by how much. This report is your starting point for understanding what repairs might help. Common reasons for failure include a faulty oxygen sensor, a malfunctioning catalytic converter, or an engine control problem — but the report will not diagnose the exact cause.
You have 60 days to make repairs and return to the same station for a retest at no additional charge. If you retest within that window and pass, the new result replaces the failed one in the system. If you do not retest within 60 days, you will need to pay the full testing fee again at any station. Some repair shops specialize in emissions repairs and can interpret the report and estimate costs, though this is separate from the testing itself.
Retesting after repairs or a failed test
After you have repairs done, return to the same testing station where you failed and ask for a retest. You do not need to make an appointment at most locations. Bring the same documents you brought for the first test — your registration, proof of ownership, and photo ID. The retest fee is waived if you return within 60 days of the original failure.
The technician will run the same test and produce a new result. If you pass this time, the result is sent to the Division of Motor Vehicles and your registration can be renewed. If you fail again, you receive another detailed report, and you have another 60 days to make additional repairs and retest. Some vehicles may need multiple rounds of repairs and testing, particularly if the underlying problem is complex.
Emissions testing for out-of-state vehicles or temporary registration
If you have recently moved to Aurora or Colorado and your vehicle is still registered in another state, you will need to transfer your registration to Colorado before you can get an emissions test. Contact the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles to begin the transfer process. Once your vehicle is registered in Colorado, the emissions testing requirement applies based on your vehicle's age and type.
If you have a temporary registration or are in the process of registering a vehicle you just purchased, check with the Division of Motor Vehicles about whether testing is required before your permanent registration is issued. Some temporary registrations do not require testing, while others do. The DMV can tell you what applies to your situation based on your vehicle's details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test my vehicle at any station in Colorado, or does it have to be in Aurora?
You can test at any Colorado Department of Revenue-licensed station in the state, not just in Aurora. However, if you fail and want to use the free 60-day retest, you must return to the same station where you failed. If you move or prefer a different station for the retest, you will pay the full fee again.
What if I just bought a used car and need to register it in Colorado?
New registrations in Colorado require an emissions test before the registration is issued, with some exceptions for very new vehicles. Contact the Division of Motor Vehicles or visit a county clerk's office to find out whether your specific vehicle needs testing. You can get tested at any Aurora station and bring the result when you register.
Do hybrid or electric vehicles need emissions testing?
Hybrid vehicles may be tested depending on their model year and engine type — call a testing station to confirm. Fully electric vehicles are exempt from emissions testing in Colorado. If you are unsure whether your vehicle qualifies as electric, check your registration or call the station with your vehicle's details.
What if my vehicle is too old or damaged to run during the test?
If your vehicle cannot run or start, you cannot complete an emissions test. Some stations may offer a waiver process for vehicles that are inoperable, but this is handled on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles or a testing station to discuss your specific situation and what options may be available.
How long does it take to get the test result after I test?
You receive a printed result when ready after the test is complete, before you leave the station. The station then sends the result electronically to the Division of Motor Vehicles, usually within one business day. You can renew your registration as soon as you have the printed result in hand.