Does Wisconsin Have Emissions Testing?

Wisconsin maintains a targeted vehicle emissions inspection program for vehicles registered in seven southeastern counties. The Wisconsin Vehicle Inspection Program (WIVIP), administered by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and managed by contractor OPUS Inspections Inc., requires biennial emissions testing for qualifying vehicles to meet federal Clean Air Act requirements.

Wisconsin's emissions inspection program operates under the legal authority of Wisconsin Statutes § 110.20, which establishes the framework for the state's motor vehicle emission inspection and maintenance program. The program is managed through a partnership of state agencies:

• Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT): Administers the Wisconsin Vehicle Inspection Program, processes vehicle registrations, and coordinates with testing facilities
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR): Sets emission limitations under Wisconsin Statutes § 285.30, establishes repair cost limits, and ensures compliance with federal Clean Air Act requirements
• OPUS Inspections Inc.: Operates as the state's contractor managing the decentralized testing network and providing program support

Which Counties in Wisconsin Require Emissions Testing?

Wisconsin's emissions inspection program applies only to vehicles customarily kept in seven southeastern Wisconsin counties:

Counties with Required Testing:

• Kenosha County
• Milwaukee County
• Ozaukee County
• Racine County
• Sheboygan County
• Washington County
• Waukesha County

Your emissions testing requirement is based on where your vehicle is customarily kept (garaged), not necessarily where it is registered or where you reside. WisDOT collects "vehicle kept in" information at the time of application for title and/or registration. Providing false or fictitious location information is a violation of Wisconsin law.

If you move from an emissions-required county to another part of Wisconsin, or vice versa, your testing obligations may change. You can update where your vehicle is kept online through WisDOT services.

Vehicle Requirements in Wisconsin

Vehicles Subject to Testing

Wisconsin's emissions inspection program applies to specific categories of vehicles based on model year, weight rating, and fuel type. The program covers:

Gasoline-Powered Vehicles:

• Model years 1996-2006 with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) less than 8,501 lbs.
• Includes gasoline, natural gas, or hybrid vehicles

Diesel and Gasoline Vehicles:

• Model years 2007 and newer with GVWR up to 14,000 lbs.
• Includes diesel, gasoline, natural gas, or hybrid vehicles

Vehicle Class:

• Vehicles with auto or light truck plates

List of Exempt Vehicles

The following vehicles are exempt from Wisconsin emissions testing requirements:

By Vehicle Type:

• Motorcycles: Completely exempt from emissions testing
• Antique vehicles: Vehicles with antique license plates are exempt
• Vehicles with antique, collector, or special interest plates: Exempt from testing requirements

By Vehicle Age:

• Pre-1996 gasoline vehicles: All gasoline-powered vehicles manufactured before model year 1996 are exempt
• Diesel vehicles manufactured before 2006: Diesel vehicles with model years prior to 2006 are exempt

By Vehicle Age at Registration Renewal:

• Newest 3 model years: Vehicles are exempt for their first three model years
• The exemption is rolling – each year, the newest three model years are exempt

Special Circumstances:

• Hybrid and fully electric vehicles manufactured before 2007: May be exempt depending on GVWR
• Fully electric vehicles (all model years): Exempt from emissions testing

Costs and Fees for Emission Test in Wisconsin

Emissions Inspection Fees

One of the unique features of Wisconsin's emissions testing program is that emissions tests are free to motorists. The state of Wisconsin pays the program contractor, OPUS Inspection, a monthly fee to operate the testing program.

Important Notes:

• Unlike many states, Wisconsin does not charge motorists for emissions inspections
• The state pays approximately $3.5 million annually to OPUS Inspection to operate the program
• Private testing facilities receive payment from the state, not from vehicle owners
• There is no charge for reinspections, regardless of how many times you need to retest

Repair Costs and Waiver Thresholds

If your vehicle fails an emissions inspection and requires repairs, Wisconsin law establishes a cost threshold for waiver eligibility:

Repair Cost Limit (as of July 1, 2024): $1,110

This amount is adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index. If you spend at least this amount on emission-related repairs and your vehicle still cannot pass inspection, you may qualify for a waiver of compliance.

Waiver Requirements:

• Repairs must be emission-related and directly address the cause of failure
• Repairs must be performed at a recognized repair facility
• You must provide itemized receipts for parts and labor
• Costs covered by warranty cannot be counted toward the threshold
• Costs to repair/replace non-emission-related components do not qualify
• You must bring the vehicle and receipts to OPUS for waiver consideration

Contact for Waiver Questions: OPUS Inspections at 1-866-623-8378

Where to Get Emissions Testing in Wisconsin

Wisconsin operates a decentralized emissions testing program with hundreds of authorized testing facilities throughout the seven-county region:

Find an Inspection Facility

Official Testing Facility Locator:
Find an Inspection Facility Near You

WIVIP Testing-Only Facilities

WIVIP North
8718 W Brown Deer Rd, Brown Deer, WI 53224
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Self-Service Kiosks: 24/7 (for 2007+ vehicles)

WIVIP South
9300 S 27th St, Oak Creek, WI 53154
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Self-Service Kiosks: 24/7 (for 2007+ vehicles)

Registration and Emissions Testing Requirements in Wisconsin

Initial Registration Requirements

When registering a vehicle in Wisconsin for the first time or purchasing a used vehicle, emissions testing requirements depend on several factors:

New Vehicle Purchases

Brand new vehicles:

• First 3 model years are exempt from emissions testing
• No test required at initial registration

Used vehicle purchases (Change of Ownership):

• Vehicles more than 5 model years old require testing within 45 days of purchase
• Testing is required when an owner is added or removed on a vehicle title
• Failure to complete testing within 45 days results in suspension of the vehicle's registration

Out-of-State Vehicles

Wisconsin accepts out-of-state emissions tests under specific conditions:

Requirements for acceptance:

• The county where your vehicle is kept must provide OBDII emission testing
• You must have passed a test in another state
• Submit a copy of the passed test results along with your renewal payment

How to submit out-of-state results:

• Fax: (262) 641-5095
• Mail: Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Registration Renewals, P.O. Box 7911, Madison, WI 53707-7911

New residents transferring vehicles to Wisconsin:

• Must complete emissions test within 45 days of establishing residence
• Applies to vehicles subject to testing requirements

Temporary Exemptions

If an emissions test is required but your vehicle is temporarily located in a county that does not offer OBDII testing:

• Request a temporary exemption by emailing Wisconsin DMV
• Provide the state and county where the vehicle is temporarily kept
• Provide the date the vehicle will return to Wisconsin
• After exemption is granted, renew your plate online
• Complete testing when the vehicle returns to Wisconsin

If vehicle is not drivable: Submit Temporary Exemption Application Form MV2472 or email Wisconsin DMV for a temporary exemption.

Renewal Registration Requirements

Timing Your Inspection:

• Testing required every other year before plates can be renewed
• Vehicles may be inspected up to 180 days prior to the license plate renewal date
• WisDOT notifies vehicle owners when an emission test is required
• No emissions inspection is required in "off years" for your vehicle

Registration Renewal Process

Step 1: Determine if Emissions Test is Required

• Check your renewal notice – it will indicate if testing is required
• Review the biennial testing schedule for your model year

Step 2: Complete Emissions Inspection (if required)

• Visit any authorized testing facility
• Bring one required document (renewal notice, registration, title, etc.)
• For 2007+ vehicles, use 24/7 self-service kiosks at WIVIP facilities

Step 3: Renew Vehicle Registration

Wisconsin offers multiple convenient renewal methods:

Online Renewal:

• Visit Wisconsin Online License Plate Renewal
• After emissions testing, your record is automatically updated

By Mail:

• Complete the renewal statement sent by WisDOT
• Mail with payment to: Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Registration Renewals, P.O. Box 7911, Madison, WI 53707-7911
• If submitting out-of-state emissions results, include a copy with the renewal

eNotify:

• Sign up for electronic renewal notices by email
• Reduces mail delays and provides early notification

Step 4: Receive Registration Credentials

• New registration will be mailed to your address
• License plates remain the same
• New expiration date updated in the state system

Government Agencies

Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)
Hill Farms State Transportation Building
4802 Sheboygan Avenue, Madison, WI 53707
Mailing: P.O. Box 7911, Madison, WI 53707-7911
Phone: Contact through the regional DMV offices
Official Website: Wisconsin DOT
Emissions Testing Information

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
101 S. Webster Street, Madison, WI 53707
Mailing: P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921
Phone: 1-888-936-7463 (1-888-WDNRINFO)
TTY Access via relay: 711
Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM, 7 days a week
Official Website: Wisconsin DNR
Email: Through DNR Contact Form

OPUS Inspections Inc. (Program Contractor)
Phone: 1-866-623-8378 (1-866-OBD-TEST)
Fax: (262) 641-5095
Official Website: OPUS Wisconsin Program