Emissions Inspection

Virginia Vehicle Emissions Inspection is required by DEQ for vehicles driven in the Northern Virginia area.

A&S Auto Service is a certified Emissions Inspection Stations located in the Northern Virginia area in Woodbridge Va.

Emissions Inspection Requirements

As per DEQ Aircheck VA Emission inspections are required for certain vehicles registered or operated primarily in Northern Virginia, including the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford, and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park

How do I know I need emissions?

f you are not sure if you need an emissions inspection to renew your Virginia vehicle registration, please check your vehicle registration on DMV's website.

If you had an emissions inspection performed one year ago during your registration renewal, you will only be allowed to renew for one year without a new emissions inspection. If DMV’s website is asking for an inspection date, inspection result and Transaction Identification Number, then a new emissions inspection is required.

You can review your vehicle's emissions inspection history by following this link. You will need the complete Vehicle Identification Number to search the inspection records.

Visit DEQVA Air Check page for more information

About

Virginia Vehicle Emissions Inspection is required by DEQ for vehicles driven in the Northern Virginia area. A&S Auto Service is a certified Emissions Inspection Stations located in the Northern Virginia area in Woodbridge Va

All vehicles registered in Virginia are required by law to pass a vehicle safety inspection annually. When a vehicle passes a VA state safety inspection, the inspection station will place a safety inspection sticker on the windshield showing month and year in which the inspection will expire. The inspection expires on the last day of the month printed on the sticker.

Look up your vehicle test results

How Does the Emissions Inspection Work?

A certified emissions station tests the vehicle using the procedure applicable to its model year, weight, fuel type, and configuration. After testing, the station electronically submits the result to the Virginia DMV. Emissions testing is separate from Virginia’s annual safety inspection.

What Should I Do Before an Emissions Test?

Avoid disconnecting the battery or clearing diagnostic codes immediately before testing. These actions reset the vehicle’s readiness monitors and may prevent the inspection from being completed until the required driving cycles have occurred. Bring your current registration and allow sufficient driving time after recent battery or computer work.

Yes. An illuminated check-engine light or incomplete OBD-II readiness monitors can affect the inspection result. A diagnostic code identifies the system that detected a fault but does not automatically prove which component failed. Proper diagnostic testing should be completed before replacing parts.

Can a Check-Engine Light Affect the Inspection?

What Happens if My Vehicle Does Not Pass?

Which Vehicles May Be Exempt?

You will receive an inspection result identifying the issue. Diagnosis and repairs are separate from the state inspection and require your authorization. After repairs, the vehicle may need additional driving before its readiness monitors complete and it can be retested.

Eligibility and exemptions depend on model year, fuel type, vehicle weight, registration status, and other factors. Some newer vehicles, older gasoline vehicles, motorcycles, qualifying clean-fuel vehicles, and certain other vehicles may be exempt. Diesel vehicles are not automatically exempt. Check your specific vehicle through the Virginia DMV or DEQ.

Who Needs a Virginia Emissions Inspection?

Qualifying vehicles garaged in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, or Stafford counties—or in Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, or Manassas Park—must meet Virginia emissions requirements. Inspections are generally valid for two years. Check your DMV renewal notice or vehicle record to confirm whether testing is due.

Virginia Emissions Inspection FAQs

A&S Auto Service serves drivers from Woodbridge, Dale City, Lake Ridge, Occoquan, Dumfries, Montclair, Manassas, Lorton, Springfield, Triangle, Prince William County, and surrounding Northern Virginia communities.

Emissions inspections are offered on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead to check the current inspection queue.

No. Virginia emissions inspections and Virginia safety inspections are separate programs with different requirements. A vehicle may need both inspections depending on its registration and location.

Visit A&S Auto Service at 13303 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge, VA 22191. Call (703) 494-9131. We are open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to 3 PM. Sunday is closed.

Virginia emissions inspections are generally valid for two years. Check your DMV renewal notice or vehicle record to confirm your vehicle’s testing deadline.

Call for Emissions