Waivers

What is a waiver?

When a vehicle has failed at least one emissions test and the owner has made efforts to have that vehicle repaired, a waiver may be issued at one of the 23 full-service E-Check testing facilities. The motorist must bring all original repair receipts related to what the vehicle failed for, as well as the vehicle, to the station for a waiver to be issued. Repairs may be performed at any legitimate repair facility or by the vehicle owner. A legitimate repair facility is a shop that holds a vendor’s license with the state of Ohio to conduct automotive repairs. In the case of self-repairs, only receipts for parts will count toward a waiver. An owner may not submit receipts for her/his own labor. Tampering-related repairs do not count towards a repair waiver.

Warranty repairs do not apply to the waiver limit requirements and regular maintenance costs, for example like an oil change, radiator flush and air filter change will not be considered towards the repair cap amount.  Receipts will only be accepted for repairs performed after the initial inspection and/or within 60 days prior to the initial inspection.

Note: waivers are not transferable to the new owner if the vehicle is sold. 

Apply for a Waiver

When a vehicle has failed at least one emission test and the owner has made efforts to have that vehicle repaired, a waiver may be issued at any of the 23 Full-Service E-Check Center. Visit the Ohio EPA website https://epa.ohio.gov for a list of locations.

Repair Waiver Cost Increase due to Cleveland Area Reclassified as Serious Non-Attainment for Ozone
Per the Clean Air Act, the Cleveland area was reclassified as Serious nonattainment area for ozone effective January 16, 2025. Findings of Failure To Attain and Reclassification of Areas in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin as Serious for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards. View the Rules and Regulations (PDF) for an overview and explanation of this action.

As a result of this reclassification, Ohio Administrative Code 3745-26-01(PP) specifies that for vehicles failing the emissions test, the minimum amount required to be spent on motor vehicle repairs and diagnostic fees increases from $300 to $450 for a repair waiver. This will take effect January 1, 2026. Certificates are good for 365 days, so vehicles are able to be tested up to one year in advance of their registration.

When a vehicle has failed at least one emissions test and the owner has made efforts to have that vehicle repaired, a waiver may be issued at one of the 23 full-service E-Check testing facilities. The motorist must bring all original repair receipts related to what the vehicle failed for, as well as the vehicle, to the station for a waiver to be issued. Repairs may be performed at any legitimate repair facility or by the vehicle owner. A legitimate repair facility is a shop that holds a vendor’s license with the state of Ohio to conduct automotive repairs. In the case of self-repairs, only receipts for parts will count toward a waiver. An owner may not submit receipts for her/his own labor. Tampering-related repairs do not count towards a repair waiver.

Warranty repairs do not apply to the waiver limit requirements and regular maintenance costs, for example like an oil change, radiator flush and air filter change will not be considered towards the repair cap amount.  Receipts will only be accepted for repairs performed after the initial inspection and/or within 60 days prior to the initial inspection.

Note: waivers are not transferable to the new owner if the vehicle is sold. 

 

Waivers are issued at the 23 Full-Service Ohio E-Check Stations. For the Full-Service E-Check station nearest you, contact 1-800-CAR-TEST or:

 

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