Does Delaware Have Emissions Testing?
Delaware maintains a vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program statewide to improve air quality and comply with federal clean air standards. The program is a mandatory control measure helping Delaware meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone. Delaware performs vehicle inspections at all four DMV facilities at no charge to vehicle owners. The inspection requirement is biennial, meaning vehicles must pass safety and emission inspections once every other year.
Understanding Delaware Emissions Testing Requirements
The state's emissions testing program operates under the authority of Delaware Administrative Code Title 7, specifically through two regulations: Regulation 1131 (Low Enhanced Inspection and Maintenance Program for Kent and New Castle Counties) and Regulation 1126 (Motor Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program for Sussex County). The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) establishes program regulations, while the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles administers and performs all vehicle inspections.
Which Areas in Delaware Require Emissions Testing?
Delaware requires emissions testing statewide. All three Delaware counties have emissions testing requirements, though historically the programs differed by county. Recent regulatory amendments have standardized the program across all counties.
All Delaware Counties
The emissions testing requirement applies to vehicles registered throughout Delaware's three counties:
- New Castle County (northern Delaware, including Wilmington)
- Kent County (central Delaware, including Dover)
- Sussex County (southern Delaware, including Rehoboth Beach and Georgetown)
Vehicles Subject to Emissions Testing in Delaware
Under current Delaware emissions inspection regulations, vehicles between 8 and 32 model years old must pass biennial emissions inspections.
Vehicle Age Requirements
The emissions testing requirement applies to vehicles based on their model year:
- Current model year through 7 years old: Exempt from emissions testing
- Model years 8 through 32: Emissions testing required every two years
- Model year 1968 and older: Exempt from testing
Seven-Year Exemption Rule: The newest seven model years of vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less are exempt from emissions testing. For example, in 2025, vehicles with model years 2025 through 2019 are exempt. This exemption applies when a vehicle is titled for the first time in Delaware.
Biennial Testing: Once a vehicle reaches its eighth model year, it must undergo emissions testing every two years as part of the registration renewal process. The testing cycle aligns with the vehicle's registration renewal schedule.
Vehicle Weight Considerations
Light-Duty Vehicles (Up to 8,500 lbs GVWR):
- Subject to standard emissions testing requirements
- Must undergo both safety and emissions inspections
Medium-Duty Vehicles (8,501 to 14,000 lbs GVWR):
- Beginning with model year 2008, vehicles in this weight class must undergo On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) testing
- Applies to all counties statewide
Heavy-Duty Vehicles (Over 14,000 lbs GVWR):
- Exempt from Delaware's light-duty vehicle emissions program
- May be subject to separate commercial vehicle inspection requirements
Vehicles Exempt From Emissions Testing
The following vehicle categories do not require emissions inspections in Delaware under 7 DE Admin. Code 1131:
By Vehicle Age:
- Vehicles within the seven-year exemption period (current model year through 7 years old)
- Vehicles manufactured before 1968 (model year 1967 and older)
By Vehicle Type:
- Motorcycles
- Mopeds
- Vehicles powered solely by electricity generated from solar cells or stored in batteries
- Diesel-fueled vehicles manufactured before 1997
By Weight Class:
- Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more (for standard testing)
- Vehicles over 14,000 pounds GVWR (from the light-duty program entirely)
Special Categories:
- Reconstructed vehicles that are more than 25 years old
- Vehicles registered but not designed primarily for highway use
- Farm vehicles
- Composite vehicles (must be titled as a composite vehicle)
Emissions Testing Costs and Fees in Delaware
According to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, emissions and safety inspections are performed at no charge to Delaware residents.
Repair Cost Considerations
While inspections are free, vehicle owners who fail emissions tests are responsible for repair costs. Delaware has established minimum repair expenditure requirements for vehicles seeking waivers after failing emissions tests. These amounts vary by county and have been phased in:
Where to Get Emissions Testing in Delaware
Delaware performs all vehicle inspections at the four official DMV facilities. Unlike many states that use private testing stations, Delaware maintains centralized, state-operated inspection lanes at each DMV location.
DMV Inspection Facilities
Delaware City DMV (New Castle County)
2101 Mid County Drive, New Castle, Delaware 19720
Inspection lanes available for all testing types
Wilmington DMV (New Castle County)
2230 Hyatts Rd, New Castle, Delaware 19720
Inspection lanes available for all testing types
Dover DMV (Kent County)
303 Transportation Circle, Dover, Delaware 19901
Inspection lanes available for all testing types
Georgetown DMV (Sussex County)
23737 DuPont Blvd, Georgetown, Delaware 19947
Inspection lanes available for all testing types
Operating Hours
DMV inspection facilities operate during standard DMV business hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Closed: Weekends and state holidays
Real-time wait times for each DMV location are available on the Delaware DMV Wait Times page.
Inspection Timing and Vehicle Registration in Delaware
Under Delaware's registration-based enforcement system, vehicles must pass both safety and emissions inspections before registration can be renewed. Inspections are required biennially (every two years) and align with the vehicle's registration renewal cycle.
Inspection Requirements
Initial Registration: Most vehicles being titled for the first time in Delaware must be inspected before registration, with exceptions for new vehicles within the seven-year exemption period.
Renewal Registration: Vehicles must be inspected during the registration renewal period, which occurs every two years. The inspection must be completed before the registration can be renewed.
No Advance Testing: Unlike some states, Delaware ties inspections directly to the registration renewal process, so inspections are performed when registration is due rather than months in advance.
Failed Inspections and Repair Requirements
What Happens If Your Vehicle Fails
If your vehicle fails the emissions portion of its inspection, Delaware requires emissions-related repairs to be completed before the vehicle can be retested.
Certified Emission Repair Technicians
For vehicles requiring emissions repairs, Delaware strongly encourages using Certified Emission Repair Technicians (CERT).
Emissions Waiver Program
Delaware offers waivers for vehicles that continue to fail emissions testing despite proper repairs. The Application for Emissions Test Waiver is available through the DMV.
Waiver Eligibility Requirements:
- Vehicle must have failed emissions testing two or more times
- All repairs must be performed by a DNREC Certified Emission Repair Technician (for 1996 and newer vehicles)
- Owner must have spent a "reasonable cost" on emissions-related repairs (amounts vary by county)
- Vehicle did not fail for visible smoke or any missing emission control equipment
- All repair receipts and Vehicle Inspection Reports (VIR) must accompany the waiver application
- Vehicle must be inspected a third time to complete the process
Out-of-State Vehicles and New Residents
New Delaware Residents
Vehicles being registered in Delaware for the first time typically require inspection before registration can be completed. The Delaware DMV registration process includes safety and emissions inspection requirements for out-of-state vehicles.
Out-of-State Inspection Provision
Delaware residents with vehicles located more than 200 miles from the nearest Delaware DMV facility may apply for an out-of-state inspection using Form MV-210.
Government Agencies and Contact Information
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
2300 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23269
Phone: (804) 497-7100
Official Website: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 698-4000
Official Website: Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Virginia DEQ - Northern Regional Office
13901 Crown Court, Woodbridge, VA 22193
Phone: (703) 583-3800
Official Website: Virginia DEQ Northern Regional Office
