Smog waiver questions
A waiver may be available in Washoe County when a vehicle still fails after real repair spending, with at least $200 on related repairs. You take both failed certificates and the receipts to the DMV Emission Lab, and there is no charge for the waiver.
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A waiver is the DMV's route for a vehicle that cannot be brought into compliance within a set repair spend. The rules below are the DMV's, for Washoe County.
Who can qualify for a waiver?
A vehicle that failed for carbon monoxide or hydrocarbons over the standard (1968 to 1995 light duty and all heavy duty) or for a lit check engine lamp (1996 and newer light duty), and still fails after repairs.
Who cannot?
The DMV says no waiver for vehicles eligible for warranty coverage, smoking vehicles, or vehicles with tampered emission devices, which must be repaired with no limit on cost.
How much must I spend in Washoe?
Repairs by a 2G licensed authorized station need receipts showing at least $200 on parts and labor (not testing) for repairs directly related to the failure on the initial test. Repairs by the registered owner need receipts showing at least $200 on parts related to an area of failure on the initial test, bought within 14 days after the initial test.
Is Clark County the same?
No. The DMV sets the Clark County figure at $450 at a 2G station. Washoe is $200 under the DMV rules, which is the figure for our area.
Does earlier spending count?
No. Money spent before the first failed test does not count toward a waiver.
Where do I take the paperwork?
To the DMV Emission Lab in Reno, 9155 Double Diamond Pkwy, Reno, NV 89521, phone (775) 684-3580. Bring the vehicle, both failed certificates and all repair receipts.
When does the lab inspect waivers?
8 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, except state holidays.
What does it cost?
The DMV says there is no charge for the waiver.
How long does a waiver last?
One year. Plan the repair before the next registration year.
What if my registration is about to expire?
The DMV offers a ten-day movement permit for $1, online or at a DMV office.
Who can answer a case-specific question?
The Reno DMV Emissions Lab at (775) 684-3580. See also our Washoe waiver math guide and the smog waiver page.
Can I do the repair myself?
In Washoe the DMV accepts repairs by the registered owner as well as by a 2G licensed authorized station. The owner route has the 14 day purchase window and counts parts only.
Keep the paper trail
The waiver is decided on documents: two failed certificates and receipts that name the parts and labor connected to the original failure. Keep them together in one envelope, and note the date of the first failed test, since the owner repair window is 14 days from it.
Before you head to the lab, read your failed certificate. The waiver depends on the reason for failure printed there, so the repairs you document should connect to it. The lab can tell you whether your receipts meet the Washoe threshold.
A waiver is not available for every failed vehicle, and it does not remove the next year's test. Next registration year you start again with a new smog check, and the waiver you hold covers only the year it was issued.
Sources
- dmv.nv.gov/emission.htm (Nevada DMV Emission Control Program; read 10/19/26)
- dmv.nv.gov/regrenewal.htm (Nevada DMV Registration Renewal; read 10/19/26)
- dmv.nv.gov/emission_obd.htm (Nevada DMV On-Board Diagnostics page; read 10/19/26)
- dmv.nv.gov/emission_diesel.htm (Nevada DMV Diesel Testing and Enforcement, Reno emission lab address; read 10/19/26)
More questions by topic
Who needs a smog check in NevadaWhere in Washoe County a test is requiredThe renewal notice and the smog line on itYour result and the DMV linkHow long a passing test is good forRenewing your registration with the smog checkWhat a smog check costsDriving in without an appointmentHours and the quiet times to come inWhich service center to useAn oil change in the same visitCheck engine light questionsAfter a failed testSmog waiver questionsNot ready and rejected resultsAfter a battery change or a repairGas caps and small fixes before a testInsurance trackers and OBD port devicesNew vehicles and the first three registrationsHybrid and electric vehicle questionsDiesel truck questionsMotorhomes and heavier gas trucksClassic car and Old Timer plate questionsMotorcycles and other exempt vehiclesMoving to Reno or SparksLeaving Nevada or living away part of the yearMilitary members and studentsPrivate party salesBuying from a Nevada dealerSmoking vehicles and visible exhaustEngine swaps and modified vehiclesRegistered outside the Washoe testing area
Your location: Reno South
- Call(775) 828-6996Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm, Sat 8 am-3 pm, Sun closed
- Address4993 Longley Ln, Reno, NV 89502
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Two Reno locations inside Xpress Oil & Lube Center. Questions first? Send the form and the location you pick answers during business hours.
4.7 stars from 550 Google reviews of the two Reno Xpress Oil & Lube Centers
- No appointment needed
- Located inside Xpress Oil & Lube Center
- Two Reno service centers
- Results go to the DMV electronically