Provide your vehicle’s details — VIN, license plate, year, make, model, fuel type, and the state it is registered in.
Select whether you’re applying for a new CA Certificate, renewing an existing one, or requesting a temporary 5-Day Pass
Double-check all details to ensure accuracy before submitting
Submit your completed form and payment. You will receive a payment confirmation right away, then your registration confirmation with the next steps within 15–30 minutes.
Clean Truck Check reporting through the Clean Truck Check Vehicle Inspection System (CTC-VIS).
The Clean Truck Check program requires certain vehicles operating in California to meet emissions standards. Any vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 14,000 pounds powered by diesel, a diesel hybrid, natural gas, or another alternative fuel must register for CARB compliance.
14,000+ lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight RatingDiesel and alternative fuel vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 14,000 pounds.
All heavy-duty vehicles registered in California with a GVWR over 14,000 pounds must comply with CARB’s Clean Truck Check (HD I/M) program. This includes completing periodic emissions tests, keeping compliance records up to date, and ensuring the vehicle meets California’s current emission standards. Failure to comply may result in DMV registration holds or penalties.
Any eligible heavy-duty vehicle registered outside California but operating within the state must also comply with CARB’s Clean Truck Check (HD I/M) requirements. This applies primarily to commercial vehicles that meet the program criteria. If a vehicle only enters California occasionally, the owner may apply for a 5-Day Pass, which allows legal operation in the state for up to five consecutive days per calendar year. Motorhomes registered outside California are not required to register.
All vehicles subject to the Clean Truck Check must maintain ongoing CARB compliance through regular renewal. Heavy-duty commercial vehicles over 14,000 lbs GVWR complete compliance checks semi-annually, while motorhomes and agricultural vehicles renew annually. Keeping records up to date ensures the vehicle remains compliant and legally operable in California.
Not all vehicles are subject to Clean Truck Check compliance. The vehicles below are exempt. Low annual mileage is not an exemption — a vehicle driven under 1,000 miles a year must still comply.
Battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are not required to register.
Fire trucks, ambulances, and other vehicles used solely for emergency services.
Only vehicles registered with the DMV as historical vehicles are exempt. Age alone does not qualify — a vehicle 25 years or older that is still operating and not registered as historical must comply.
Designed and used exclusively for military operations.
Motorhomes registered outside California are not required to register for Clean Truck Check.
To qualify for the Clean Truck Check certificate, vehicles must meet specific requirements related to weight, fuel type, testing, and registration.
Applies to vehicles with a GVWR over 14,000 pounds, which includes the vehicle’s empty weight and maximum load capacity.
Applies to vehicles powered by diesel, a diesel hybrid, natural gas, or another alternative fuel — regardless of engine model year. Battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are not covered by the program.
Semi-Annual Testing: most heavy-duty vehicles are tested twice per year.
Annual Testing: motorhomes and agricultural vehicles are tested once per year.
Quarterly Testing (starting October 2027): vehicles with on-board diagnostics (OBD) will transition to quarterly testing for stricter emissions monitoring.
Vehicles must meet or exceed CARB’s emissions thresholds for pollutants like particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) during testing.
All vehicles must be registered in the Clean Truck Check Vehicle Inspection System (CTC-VIS).
Registration requires the following details:
An annual fee must be paid for each vehicle to participate in the program.
The online application takes about 2 minutes — new certificate, renewal, or a 5-Day Pass.
Apply NowThe engine model year is critical because it reflects the emissions control technology built into the vehicle:
Equipped with advanced emissions controls that reduce particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
These engines produce significantly higher emissions and typically fail to meet CARB standards without expensive upgrades or replacements.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires emissions testing for certain vehicles to meet air quality standards. These requirements ensure vehicles comply with regulations aimed at reducing harmful emissions.
Diesel and alternative fuel vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 14,000 pounds must undergo emissions testing as part of CARB's Clean Truck Check program.
Most heavy-duty vehicles must complete emissions testing twice a year.
Motorhomes and agricultural vehicles are tested once per year.
Starting in October 2027, vehicles equipped with On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) systems will transition to quarterly emissions testing.
For vehicles with OBD systems, emissions data is collected directly from the onboard computer. This ensures that emissions controls are functioning correctly.
For older vehicles without OBD systems, an opacity and visual inspection measures the density of exhaust smoke and checks the emissions control equipment.
Failing to meet testing requirements can result in fines, registration holds, and other enforcement actions. Ensure compliance to avoid disruptions to vehicle operations.
The total cost is $95 per vehicle, providing a straightforward and hassle-free process for compliance.
California state emissions fee included. No surprises at checkout.
Apply NowYes. CARB allows a temporary 5-Day Pass for trucks entering California without a Clean Truck Check certificate. This permit lets out-of-state or newly purchased vehicles operate legally for up to five days while arranging emissions testing or registration compliance.
Beginning in 2025, more vehicles, including out-of-state trucks operating in California must report test results and maintain compliance. Non-compliant vehicles may face registration holds or fines.
To receive a valid Clean Truck Check certificate, your vehicle must undergo the required Periodic Emissions Assessment (PEA) at a CARB-approved testing facility. Once your vehicle passes, the testing facility electronically submits the results to the Clean Truck Check program and your certificate is issued. Vehicle owners do not need to submit the test results themselves.
No. The California Clean Truck Check program is not going away. It’s a long-term emissions compliance program managed by the California Air Resources Board to ensure heavy-duty trucks meet air quality standards.
Clean Truck Check certificate ensures that your vehicle or engine complies with California’s strict emission standards, allowing you to sell or operate your vehicle in the state.
Once you complete the form and payment, you will typically receive your Clean Truck Check certificate within 72 hours, directly to your email. If the vehicle has not passed its emissions test yet, the certificate is issued only after a passing result is submitted by the testing facility.
Call, email, or send a message — our Burbank team is here to help.
We are not affiliated with or endorsed by California Air Resources Board.
Our services are limited to third-party reporting assistance through the CTC-VIS system.
The California state emissions fee is already included in the total price of $95 per vehicle.
Emissions testing must be completed by CARB-authorized facilities.
