In El Paso, Texas, vehicle registration requires passing an annual emissions inspection. This program is managed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in conjunction with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). El Paso began enhanced emissions testing on January 1, 2007.
The “Two Steps, One Sticker” program mandates that vehicle owners pass an emissions inspection prior to registration renewal. A passing emissions inspection report is required to renew your vehicle registration annually and receive your registration sticker.
If your vehicle is registered in El Paso and has not passed an emissions inspection or is not in compliance with the emissions program requirements, you will be ineligible to renew your annual registration. If your annual registration renewal notice has “TCEQ – EMISSIONS PRGM NON-COMPLIANCE” printed on the front, you will be unable to renew until this issue is resolved. You can call the TCEQ Registration Denial Hotline at 1(888)-295-0141 for assistance.
Gasoline-powered vehicles between 2 and 24 model years old are tested annually, beginning with the second year from the date of manufacture. The testing process involves an on-road emissions test using remote sensing equipment, and all test data is stored in a centralized database.
Eligible vehicle owners may qualify for exemptions or extensions. To locate a certified emissions inspection station near you, use the DPS inspection station locator. You can also search for a Recognized Emissions Repair Facility in your area using the DPS search tool.
Other areas in Texas also implement enhanced emissions testing programs, including: Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio (beginning January 1, 2026).
