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Air Care Colorado New Residents


 

If you are bringing a vehicle into the Denver-Boulder emissions program area from another state or from another part of Colorado, including from a basic emissions program area, you are required to obtain an emissions test (with one exception) and register your vehicle in your new county within 15 days of establishing residency. In addition, you may need a VIN verification (see VIN section below). However, beginning September 1, 2005, when a newer vehicle is brought into the program area and is less than three years old (from Manufacturer Statement of Origin) the vehicle does not require an emissions inspection at the time of registration. The vehicle will require an emissions inspection when it reaches its fourth model year.

You may obtain additional information on obtaining your vehicle registration and Colorado driver's license from your county motor vehicle office or at the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles website.

VIN Verifications

If your vehicle has never been registered within the state of Colorado in the past, in addition to an emissions test you must also obtain a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification prior to registering your vehicle. VIN Verifications may be obtained at an Air Care Colorado test center; however, they are not performed in the test lanes. They must be requested at the station office. Fee is $15.

The following provide VIN verifications:
 

Centralized Air Care Colorado emissions inspection centers.
Independent emissions inspection stations in both the Enhanced and Basic emissions program areas.
Licensed diesel emissions inspection stations.
Some motor vehicle dealerships.
Some County Clerk and Recorder offices.
Some law enforcement agencies.

 
Important Note: Some county clerks and law enforcement agencies do not provide this service. Call ahead to make sure this service is available before going to a county clerk's office or law enforcement agency for a VIN verification. For more information on the VIN verification requirement, call the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles at 303-205-5603 or your county motor vehicle office.

Exception

If you are bringing into the program area a brand new vehicle that has never been registered in any state, you do not need an emissions test. If the vehicle has never before been registered anywhere in the state of Colorado, you will need a VIN verification. Do not drive the vehicle into the testing lanes for a VIN verification; request a VIN verification at the office.

Diesel Testing

Diesel vehicles must obtain an inspection at a station licensed to test diesels. For more information on diesel testing, call 303-205-5603 or 303-744-2442.

Additional Resources for New Residents

 Welcome Home Magazine. A helpful guide for folks relocating to the Denver-Boulder area. Print edition is a quarterly publication mailed to all new residential customers of Xcel Energy, the gas and electric utility company serving metro Denver.