Auto repair
Do cars registered in Madison or Dane County need an emissions test in Wisconsin?
A common question, answered by the MadisonWI.com editors · November 9, 2026
1 answer
From MadisonWI.com
No, not based on where they're kept. Wisconsin DMV requires emissions testing only for vehicles customarily kept in seven counties: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington and Waukesha. Dane County isn't one of them. In those counties, testing applies to cars and light trucks from model year 1996 and newer within set weight limits, every other year before plates can be renewed, and sometimes within 45 days of buying a vehicle, changing owners on a title, or moving to Wisconsin. WisDOT notifies owners when a test is required. If you regularly keep your vehicle in one of the listed counties, or you get a notice from the DMV, check the DMV's emission test page for what applies to you. Source: Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DMV), Emission test (checked November 2026).
Written by the MadisonWI.com editors · November 9, 2026