Get your emissions test — every option, one place
Illinois won't renew your plates until your car passes its emissions test, and it's the one thing we can't do for you — we can't drive your car to a station. So here's every way to knock it out, side by side, with the nearest spot to you. It's free, no appointment needed, and usually takes 15–20 minutes.
Staffed test station
The classic option. Drive up, a technician runs the test, you wait a few minutes. Dozens across the metro — search your ZIP below for the nearest and its live wait.
Do it yourself, 24/7
Plug into your car’s port and follow the screen — no technician, no appointment. Two Chicago kiosks run around the clock, so you can test at midnight if you want. OBD-eligible cars only.
The van comes to you
Two testing vans travel to neighborhoods and suburbs on a rotating schedule. Handy if no station is close — just check where they’ll be this week.
Search testing sites by ZIP
Live data from the Illinois Air Team locator. Wait times are estimates.
Test yourself, no appointment
Plug into your car's port (usually under the dash) and follow the screen. Two of the three run 24/7. OBD-eligible vehicles only. Instructions in English & Spanish.
The van that comes to your neighborhood
Two testing vans rotate through Chicago-area neighborhoods. Here's where they'll be next — no station trip needed if one lands nearby.
Weekdays 10:00a–4:00p · Saturdays 8:00a–2:00p (closed Sun & state holidays)
- DirectionsTue, Oct 20, 202610:00 AM - 4:00 PMSouth Chicago Community Service Center8650 S. Commercial Ave.The mobile testing unit will be in the parking lot at the corner of S. Commerce Ave. and E. 87th Street. Enter from S. Commerce Ave.
- DirectionsWed, Oct 21, 202610:00 AM - 4:00 PMSouth Chicago Community Service Center8650 S. Commercial Ave.The mobile testing unit will be in the parking lot at the corner of S. Commerce Ave. and E. 87th Street. Enter from S. Commerce Ave.
- DirectionsThu, Oct 22, 202610:00 AM - 4:00 PMSouth Chicago Community Service Center8650 S. Commercial Ave.The mobile testing unit will be in the parking lot at the corner of S. Commerce Ave. and E. 87th Street. Enter from S. Commerce Ave.
- DirectionsFri, Oct 23, 202610:00 AM - 4:00 PMSouth Chicago Community Service Center8650 S. Commercial Ave.The mobile testing unit will be in the parking lot at the corner of S. Commerce Ave. and E. 87th Street. Enter from S. Commerce Ave.
- DirectionsSat, Oct 24, 20268:00 AM - 2:00 PMSwap-o-Rama Ashland4100 South Ashland AveLocated in the south parking lot (behind the McDonalds) Please enter from either S. Marshfield Ave. or W 42nd St. Look for the designated testing areas marked cones and signs.
- DirectionsMon, Oct 26, 202610:00 AM - 4:00 PMSouth Chicago Community Service Center8650 S. Commercial Ave.The mobile testing unit will be in the parking lot at the corner of S. Commerce Ave. and E. 87th Street. Enter from S. Commerce Ave.
Once you've passed, you're done — we check with the state regularly and pick your renewal back up automatically. Nothing else to send us.