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Utah emissions testing: who needs it in 2026
Utah does not run one statewide emissions program. Five county health departments do, and the Utah DMV will not complete your registration in those counties until it receives a passing result electronically.
- Required counties: Cache, Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, Weber. (Source: Utah Division of Motor Vehicles)
- Davis, Salt Lake, Utah and Weber: vehicles under six years old test every two years (even model years in even years, odd in odd years); vehicles less than two years old are exempt; older vehicles test every year. (Source: Utah State Tax Commission)
- Cache: under six years old exempt; older vehicles every two years. (Source: Utah State Tax Commission)
- A certificate is valid for two months from the issue date. (Source: Utah State Tax Commission)
- Electric vehicles, motorcycles, and new vehicles with an MSO are exempt in all five counties. (Source: Utah Division of Motor Vehicles)
2026 model year schedule (Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, Weber)
| Vehicle model year | 2026 emissions test |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Not required |
| 2025 | Not required |
| 2024 | Required |
| 2023 | Not required |
| 2022 | Required |
| 2021 | Not required |
| 2020 to 1996 | Required |
| 1995 and older | Not required (see county note) |
2026 model year schedule (Cache)
| Vehicle model year | 2026 emissions test |
|---|---|
| 2026 to 2021 | Not required |
| 2020 to 1996 | Every two years (biennial) |
| 1995 and older | Not required |
County guides
Where to get tested
Tests are done by privately owned, county-permitted stations: repair shops, quick-lube shops and dealers. The DMV says emissions inspections can be done at any On the Spot Renewal Station, and some stations can renew your registration at the same visit. (Source: Utah Division of Motor Vehicles; Utah State Tax Commission)
Bought a car in a county that does not test?
If a licensed Utah dealer in a non-emissions county sells a vehicle to a resident of one of the five counties, the dealer gives you Form TC-820. You must get a passing test within 10 days of returning to your county and send the certificate and TC-820 to the county health department. (Source: Utah Division of Motor Vehicles)
Living out of state?
Each of the five counties offers an out-of-state deferral for residents temporarily living elsewhere (school, work, military). The deferral or test result must reach the DMV before registration can be completed. (Source: Utah Division of Motor Vehicles; Salt Lake County Health Department)
FAQ
How long is a Utah emissions certificate good for?
Two months from the issue date, so get tested within two months before your registration renewal.
Does my 2025 car need an emissions test in 2026?
No. In all five testing counties, model year 2025 is not required in 2026.
Do electric vehicles need an emissions test in Utah?
No. Electric vehicles are exempt in all five counties.
Do I need an emissions test in St. George or Washington County?
No. Only Cache, Davis, Salt Lake, Utah and Weber counties require emissions tests for registration.
Sources
- Inspections, Utah Division of Motor Vehicles
- Pub 9: Registration and titling, Utah State Tax Commission
- Vehicle Emissions Program, Salt Lake County Health Department
Last checked October 26, 2026. Rules and prices change; confirm with the source before you rely on them.