Testing Information and Helpful Tips for Motorists
Illinois Air Team testing stations are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and on Saturday from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Testing stations are closed on Sundays and State Holidays. For a list of State Holidays, click here.
You can use this Testing Station Locator to find a testing station or repair shop near you. You will also be able to view wait times and get directions.
Illinois EPA encourages those 65 and older, healthcare workers, first responders, and those with pre-existing health conditions to visit Illinois Air Team testing locations during the first testing hour of each day. We ask those without these special considerations to arrive at testing facilities after the first testing hour of each day.
If your vehicle is due for testing and your plates are expired, please test at your earliest convenience. Waiting until the end of October, when the SOS registration extensions are expected to end, could result in heavy traffic and long wait times.
Avoid testing at the end of the month, the beginning of the month and on Saturdays, since these are the busiest testing times.
If you do not feel comfortable visiting an Illinois Air Team testing location, you may take advantage of the registration expiration extension or you may have someone else bring your vehicle in for emissions testing.
Follow these tips to ensure your test is quick, efficient and goes smoothly:
Avoid testing at the end of the month, the beginning of the month and on Saturdays, since these are the busiest testing times.
Make sure the vehicle brought in for testing is due for a test by clicking on our Vehicle Eligibility Check tool.
Use the Station Locator tool to view estimated wait times at testing stations.
Ensure your vehicle is safe to operate so that your emissions test may be safely conducted.
If your 1996 or newer OBD-equipped vehicle has a covered or otherwise obstructed diagnostic link connector (DLC), please open or remove the cover (consult the owner's manual for location and instructions), or remove the obstruction prior to arriving at the testing station.
If your 1996 or newer OBD-equipped vehicle has recently been serviced, or if the battery has been disconnected, please drive the vehicle for several days before bringing it in for inspection.
When arriving at a testing station, leave the engine running unless directed otherwise.
* Remember, you must have your vehicle tested before you can renew your registration.