Waivers
Before making any repairs to your vehicle after an initial emissions test failure, please read this page carefully.
There are three types of emissions waivers: a repair waiver, a diagnostic waiver, and an economic hardship waiver. Please see below to learn about types of waivers, if your vehicle may be eligible, and how to apply.
Please note: all late fees must be paid prior to the issuance of waivers of any kind.
What is the waiver eligibility?
There are three types of emissions waivers.
Repair Waiver
- After the initial failure, bring your car to get repaired. Be sure the technician completes the Repair Data Form that was issued at the time of the initial test. No waivers will be granted without the Repair Data Form.
- When your vehicle fails an emissions test, you will have 60 days to repair your vehicle and take a free re-test. If your vehicle fails its retest, it may qualify for a repair waiver.
- While you may always have your vehicle repaired at a repair facility of your choice, or you may make the repairs yourself, the State of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) highly recommends that you have the repairs performed at a Certified Emissions Repair Facility (CERF), as these facilities are required to employ registered Certified Emissions Repair Technicians (CERT) who meet qualifications that focus on emissions-related failures and repairs. Only vehicles that have been repaired at a CERF will be eligible for the repair waiver if the vehicle fails its retest.
- Retain all repair receipts for future submission. The minimum repair cost is for actual repairs made to the vehicle by a CERT, after available emissions-related warranty coverage or written denial of such warranty coverage by the vehicle manufacturer. Receipts are required; estimates will not be eligible.
- After repairs have been made, if your vehicle fails its retest, it may qualify for a repair waiver, provided the repairs are performed by a CERT and the expenditure criteria is met* (only repairs directly related to the cause of failure will qualify). Warranty repairs are not eligible for a waiver. Tampered or altered vehicles or vehicles with aftermarket performance parts will be denied.
- If you believe your vehicle is eligible after it fails its retest, call (877) 469-2884 Mon-Sat, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to apply for a repair waiver. You will be required to upload your receipts and the Repair Data Form.
*Note: Effective January 1st, 2024, the minimum emissions-related repair expense required to be eligible for a cost waiver is $1108.84. This figure is linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and could change annually.
Diagnostic Waiver
Your vehicle may qualify for a diagnostic waiver if there is a known reason for the vehicle's failure, which the manufacturer has document.
To apply for a diagnostic waiver, you must obtain documentation from the manufacturer, on its letterhead, indicating the known reason for why the vehicle is failing or cannot pass an emissions test.
Your vehicle will then require an inspection by DMV personnel. You may be granted a diagnostic waiver if the DMV inspector validates that no additional repairs are required. Note: Letters from local dealerships and repair facilities will not be accepted. The letter must be from the vehicle's manufacturer.
If you believe your vehicle is eligible for a diagnostic waiver, call (877) 469-2884 Mon-Sat, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to apply for a diagnostic waiver. You will be required to upload your documentation.
Economic Hardship
To qualify for an economic hardship waiver, you must submit documentation to the DMV at the email, phone, or address listed below indicating your annual income is at or below state and federal poverty level guidelines. You must attest that you have no other assets you could use to pay for the necessary repairs. All information shall remain confidential.
Mail to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Emissions Division Room 115A
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Email: emissions@ct.gov
Phone: (860) 263-5611 or (860) 263-5333.
How do I apply for a waiver?
If you have reviewed the waiver eligibility requirements and believe you are eligible for a repair or diagnostic waiver, contact the Emissions Hotline at (877) 469-2884 Mon-Sat, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For an economic hardship waiver, please contact the DMV Emissions Division at emissions@ct.gov or by calling (860) 263-5611 or (860) 263-5333.
If you have additional questions pertaining to diagnostic or repair waivers call the Connecticut Emissions Program at (877) 469-2884 or visit the Motorist Comments form.
What if my request for a waiver is denied?
If your request for a waiver is denied, you will be required to repair the vehicle to meet compliance. Your vehicle must pass its emissions test to avoid any law enforcement action, fines, or denial of the registration of your vehicle.
