Emissions Testing Reciprocity for Maryland Vehicles

If your Maryland vehicle is due for an emissions inspection while you are in another state, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) may accept a passing emissions test from that state. This is called reciprocity.

How to submit an out-of-state emissions test

Step 1: Get an emissions test in an eligible state

Take your vehicle to an emissions test station in one of the states on the reciprocity list. 

Step 2: Submit your results to the MVA

Send the test results to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). You may:

• Send them online using your myMVA account, or
• Fax them along with your Maryland emissions notice or your vehicle’s title and tag number

After you submit your results

If your vehicle passed: The MVA will update your record and send a compliance letter to your Maryland address on file. 

If your vehicle failed: The MVA will issue a four-month extension so you have time to fix the vehicle and retest. Submit your the passing test results by the deadline to avoid penalties and registration issues.

States Maryland accepts for emissions reciprocity

Maryland accepts emissions test results from the following states and regions:

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Missouri
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Ontario, Canada
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Wisconsin  

If the state you are in is not on this list, contact the MVA before your emissions test due date to discuss your options.

Special considerations for active duty military

If you are active military or your vehicle is out of the area where Maryland tests are available:

• The MVA can help you delay your VEIP inspection, or
• Accept an out-of-state test result even if you are not testing in Maryland.

To request this help, you may need to submit the appropriate forms to the MVA. Learn more about vehicle registration, titling & inspections for military service members.

Important notes

• The out-of-state test must be a passing emissions test to meet emissions requirements in Maryland.
• You must follow the steps above to submit your results so Maryland can record compliance.
• Reciprocity can help if you’re in another state when your vehicle’s Maryland emissions test is due.