Smog Check & Emissions Testing in Reno
Emissions testing for Washoe County drivers — with emissions repair when you need it too.
Nevada / Washoe County Emissions Testing
Many qualifying vehicles based in the Reno/Washoe County area are required to pass an annual emissions test under Nevada DMV rules. Whether your vehicle needs a test depends on where it is based, its model year, fuel type, and registration status.
Howards Chevron helps Reno-area drivers with emissions testing and — because we specialize in 2G repair — we can also handle the repair side if your vehicle doesn’t pass.
What Washoe County Drivers Should Know
- Annual testing: Many qualifying vehicles based in the Reno/Washoe testing area require an annual emissions test
- Test validity: Emissions tests are generally valid for 90 days (180 days for Nevada dealer vehicle sales)
- New vehicles: Exempt from testing until their fourth registration
- New hybrids: Exempt for the first five model years; required in the sixth model year
- Private sales: In private-party transactions, emissions testing is the buyer’s responsibility
- Dealer sales: Nevada dealers must provide a valid passing emissions test for vehicles going to Clark or Washoe County registration
If Your Vehicle Might Not Pass
Don’t skip the test. Nevada DMV says a failed emissions test may be the first step in the waiver process if repairs are costly. The important thing is to get tested so your options are open.
If your check engine light is on, you should still come in — a failing test now may be what you need to qualify for a waiver later. Howard’s can also diagnose and repair the underlying issue.
⚠️ “Rejected” vs. “Failed” — What It Means
For 1996 and newer vehicles: if your car shows “Rejected” rather than “Failed” after a battery replacement or recent repair, it means the OBD system is not yet ready — not that the vehicle failed the test. Nevada DMV says these vehicles may need to be driven under varying conditions for up to one week before the monitors are ready. Call us if you’re unsure what next step to take.
Nevada Authorized Station
Howards Chevron is an officially authorized Nevada vehicle emissions testing station. We are licensed and regulated by the state to perform smog checks and issue pass/fail certificates.
Every smog check we perform is reported directly to the Nevada DMV system — so you can renew your registration on the spot.
Official DMV Registration Renewal Site
Pass your smog check here and renew your Nevada vehicle registration on the spot — no second trip to the DMV required. Howards Chevron is an Official Vehicle Registration Renewal Site for the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles.
One stop. Pass your smog, renew your tags, get back on the road — for just a $10 convenience fee. Tell your smog tech you want to skip the DMV line.
Get Your Smog Check
Walk-ins welcome — no appointment needed.
Also see: 2G Emissions Repair · Contact / Directions