Requirement Summary
You may qualify for a temporary exemption from emissions testing if your vehicle is registered within Oregon's Vehicle Inspection Boundaries, which includes the Portland Vehicle Inspection Area or the Medford-Ashland Air Quality Maintenance Area, and your vehicle is temporarily located outside of those testing boundaries. Some examples could include being located out of state for military service, school attendance or long-term family care. Please find the specific boundary areas here: OAR 340-256-0370.
How it works:
- If your vehicle is temporarily residing in another state that has a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program, i.e., emissions testing, Oregon DEQ will recognize proof of testing compliance with that state's program as meeting Oregon's testing requirements. You will not need to return to Oregon for testing.
- If your vehicle is temporarily residing in another state that does not have a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved I/M program, specifically, south of latitude 40°N, and east of longitude 121°W, Oregon DEQ grants temporary exemptions. However, within 30 days of your vehicle returning to within Oregon's testing boundaries, you must complete a passing emissions test with a Certificate of Compliance.
- If your vehicle continues to be registered in Oregon but is temporarily residing east of longitude line 121°W, Oregon DEQ grants temporary exemptions. However, within 30 days of your vehicle returning to within Oregon's testing boundaries, you must complete a passing emissions test with a Certificate of Compliance.
- If you are uncertain if the state where you are located has a vehicle testing program, please review the below Vehicle Testing Resource section.
Online verification of compliance submission
If you are temporarily living outside Oregon's designated boundary, you can use the online form to request approval to finish your Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services vehicle registration. The form is the same for all users, including people in areas with emissions testing and those in areas without emissions testing.
How to submit verification of compliance
- Gather all information required for the Oregon DMV registration, including registration address, the temporary address, vehicle details and contact email address. Enter the information into online form.
- If emissions testing is available where the vehicle is temporarily located, upload a copy of your passing emissions test certificate.
- All applicants, regardless of whether you can get your vehicle emissions tested in the area of temporary location, must complete the same online form and check the attestation statement before submitting it.
- Submit the request for DEQ review.
- It typically takes three working days to receive notice of review by email. If your submission is accepted or you receive a temporary exemption, you may complete your vehicle registration with the Oregon DMV.
Once you submit the online form to DEQ, it typically takes three days to receive notice of review by email. If your submission is accepted or you receive a temporary exemption, you may complete your vehicle registration with Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services, also known as the Oregon DMV.
If you receive a temporary exemption, within 30 calendar days of the vehicle returning to its permanent registration address within Oregon's testable boundaries, it must pass the Oregon vehicle emissions test with a Certificate of Compliance, in accordance with OAR 340-256-0370.