20 Year Old Car Maryland Emissions Rules Current and 2025 Changes

Wondering if your 20-year-old car needs an emissions test in Maryland? You’re not alone, as the rules can be confusing, especially with major changes on the horizon. This uncertainty can make vehicle registration a stressful process.

Under current Maryland law, a 20-year-old car is typically exempt from emissions testing IF it is registered as a “Historic” or “Street Rod” vehicle and meets specific usage limitations. However, if it holds standard registration, it is still subject to the biennial Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP). This entire system is changing significantly in 2025.

Based on a thorough analysis of the latest Maryland MVA official guidelines, this guide provides the clarity you need. You will discover the exact requirements for 2025, the critical new law taking effect in 2025, and the step-by-step process for historic vehicle registration. This will ensure you stay compliant and avoid unnecessary penalties.

Key Facts

• The Rule is Changing: Maryland’s 20-year rolling exemption for Historic vehicles is ending on July 1, 2025, representing a major shift in state law.
• New Cutoff Year: After the change, only vehicles from model year 1999 or older will qualify for the Historic emissions exemption, regardless of their age.
• Jurisdiction Matters: Emissions testing is only required in 14 specific Maryland jurisdictions, including Baltimore City and counties like Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Anne Arundel.
• Registration at Risk: Failing to complete a required VEIP test will prevent you from renewing your vehicle’s registration, which can lead to fines if you continue driving.
• Historic Use is Limited: Registering a car as “Historic” comes with legal restrictions; it cannot be used for general daily transportation like commuting to work.

Does a 20-Year-Old Car Need an Emissions Test in Maryland?

Under current Maryland law effective through June 30, 2025, a 20-year-old car is generally exempt from emissions testing only if it is registered as a “Historic” or “Street Rod” vehicle. For vehicles with standard registration, age alone does not provide an exemption; they must undergo a biennial (every two years) inspection through the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP).

The VEIP is a state-managed system designed to identify vehicles with high emission levels to help improve air quality. According to MVA official guidelines, most gasoline-powered vehicles that are model year [year-20] or newer are part of this program. For example, in 2025, a car from model year 2004 that is 20 years old would still need an emissions test if it has standard license plates. However, if that same 2004 vehicle is registered as a Historic vehicle, it is currently exempt from the VEIP inspection.

It is crucial to understand that this long-standing 20-year rolling exemption is about to change dramatically. This impending shift makes understanding the new rules essential for any owner of an older car in Maryland.

As of December 2025, Maryland law stipulates that a vehicle must be specifically registered as Historic to qualify for an age-based emissions exemption. This status involves more than just age and includes significant usage limitations.

This distinction between standard and Historic registration is the core of the current system. But what about the major law change that will affect thousands of vehicle owners?

How Will the New 2025 Maryland Law Change Historic Vehicle Emissions?

Starting July 1, 2025, Maryland’s emissions exemption for Historic Vehicles will no longer be a 20-year rolling exemption. Instead, a vehicle must be a model year 1999 or older to qualify. This new state law creates a fixed cutoff, meaning vehicles from model year 2000, 2001, and newer will require biennial VEIP testing even after they turn 20 years old.

This is the most significant change to Maryland emissions laws in years and provides massive information gain over outdated guides. Many owners of cars from the early 2000s have been expecting their vehicles to become exempt soon. Under the new rule, that will not happen.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the old rule versus the new one:

Feature	Current Rule (Until June 30, 2025)	New Rule (From July 1, 2025)
Eligibility Basis	20-year rolling age (e.g., a [year-20] car is eligible in 2025)	Fixed model year cutoff
Qualifying Model Year	20 years or older	1999 or older only
Impact on a 2001 Car	Becomes exempt in 2025	Never becomes exempt; requires biennial testing
Inspection Type	Exempt from VEIP	Required biennial VEIP for model year 2000+

What This Means For You

If you own a vehicle from model year 2000 or newer, you should anticipate receiving VEIP notices indefinitely. For instance, a Honda Civic from model year 2002 will not become exempt in 2025. It will continue to require a Maryland emissions check every two years. This change aligns Maryland with other states that have moved away from rolling exemptions to fixed model year rules to meet clean air standards.

What Qualifies as a ‘Historic Vehicle’ in Maryland and How Do You Register?

To register a car as a Historic Vehicle in Maryland, it must be at least 20 model years old, not substantially altered from its original design, and used only for limited purposes. The process involves completing a specific MVA form where you certify these conditions. Understanding these strict requirements is crucial before applying.

From our experience helping owners navigate MVA processes, the biggest point of confusion is the usage restriction. A Historic vehicle cannot be your daily driver.

Follow these steps to apply for Historic vehicle status:
1. Verify Eligibility: First, confirm your vehicle meets the MVA’s criteria using the checklist below.
2. Complete Form VR-096: Download and fill out the “Application for Historic or Street Rod Registration” from the MVA website.
3. Certify Limited Use: On the form, you must legally certify that the vehicle will not be used for general daily transportation, such as commuting to work or school.
4. Submit and Pay: Mail the completed form and the required registration fee to the MVA’s Glen Burnie headquarters.

Historic Vehicle Eligibility Checklist:
* Age: Is your vehicle at least 20 model years old? (e.g., in 2025, a model year [year-20] or older car qualifies).
* Originality: Is the vehicle’s body and chassis substantially the same as when it left the factory? Major modifications can disqualify it.
* Usage Intent: Do you agree to use the vehicle only for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, and occasional personal use?

Common Pitfall: Many owners believe “occasional personal use” allows for regular commuting. The Maryland State Police enforce these rules, and using a Historic-tagged car as a daily driver can lead to fines and a requirement to switch to standard registration, which would then trigger a VEIP inspection.

What Happens If Your Car Fails the Maryland Emissions Test?

If your vehicle fails the Maryland emissions test, you must have it repaired and successfully re-tested within the timeframe on your VEIP notice to avoid registration suspension. If repair costs are very high, you may be eligible for a two-year repair waiver, but you must follow a specific process to qualify.

Failing an emissions test can be frustrating, but there is a clear path to resolution. Here is what to do next:

1. Review the VEIP Report: The technician will give you a report detailing why your vehicle failed. It could be high levels of pollutants or an issue like an illuminated “Check Engine” light.
2. Get Repairs at a Certified Facility: To preserve your eligibility for a waiver, you must take your car to a Certified Emissions Repair Facility (CERF). You can find a list of these shops on the MVA website.
3. Complete a Free Re-test: After repairs are made, you can return to any VEIP station for one free re-inspection.
4. Apply for a Repair Waiver: If you spend over a minimum amount (currently $450, but this figure is set by the state and can change) at a CERF and your car still fails the re-test, you can apply for a two-year Repair Waiver from the MVA.

Pro Tip: Based on our practical implementation experience, always ask the repair shop if they are a “Certified Emissions Repair Facility” before you authorize any work. If they are not, your repair expenses will not count toward the waiver amount, which could be a costly mistake.

Where and How Is an Emissions Test Performed in Maryland?

You can get a Maryland emissions test at one of 18 full-service VEIP stations or over a dozen 24/7 self-service VEIP kiosks, depending on your vehicle’s age. The test itself is quick and automated, with the method depending on whether your car is equipped with modern On-Board Diagnostics (OBD).

The Maryland MVA operates a network of VEIP stations across the 14 participating jurisdictions. Understanding your options can save you time. The test procedure varies by vehicle age:

• 1996 & Newer Vehicles: These cars receive an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) scan. A technician plugs a device into your car’s OBD-II port to read data directly from its computer. A gas cap pressure test is also performed.
• Pre-1996 Vehicles: These older cars undergo an Idle Tailpipe Test. The vehicle is placed on a dynamometer (a set of rollers) to simulate driving while a probe measures emissions directly from the exhaust pipe. This also includes a gas cap test.

Did You Know? The VEIP self-service kiosk is a fast and convenient option. If your vehicle is eligible, it can read your car’s data and complete the test in under 10 minutes.

Choosing between a full-service station and a self-service kiosk depends on your vehicle and needs.

Feature	Full-Service VEIP Station	Self-Service VEIP Kiosk
Test Types	All (OBD, Tailpipe, Gas Cap)	OBD Test Only
Eligible Vehicles	All gasoline-powered vehicles	Model year 2005 & newer only
Hours	MVA Business Hours	24/7
Assistance	On-site VEIP technicians	None (fully automated)
Cost (2025)	$14.00	$10.00

FAQs About does a 20 year old car need emissions in md

What counties in Maryland require emissions testing?

Emissions testing is required in 14 Maryland jurisdictions where federal air quality standards are not consistently met. These include Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Queen Anne’s counties, as well as Baltimore City. Washington County was added to the list more recently.

Do diesel or hybrid vehicles need emissions tests in MD?

Yes, most light-duty diesel and hybrid vehicles are required to be tested under the VEIP. Light-duty diesel vehicles (under 8,500 lbs gross vehicle weight) are subject to testing. Hybrid vehicles are also included because they have a gasoline engine that produces emissions, though the test procedure may be slightly different.

How often is an emissions test required in Maryland?

Most vehicles require an emissions test every two years, a process known as biennial testing. The MVA will mail you an official notice when your test is due. New vehicles are usually exempt for the first few years after purchase before they enter the regular two-year testing cycle.

What is the penalty for a late or missed emissions test?

If you miss your VEIP deadline, the MVA will flag your account and you will not be able to renew your vehicle’s registration. Driving with a suspended or expired registration is illegal and can result in significant fines and even having your vehicle towed by Maryland State Police.

Is a safety inspection the same as an emissions test?

No, they are two entirely separate requirements in Maryland. A safety inspection is a comprehensive check of your vehicle’s safety equipment (like brakes, tires, and lights) and is generally only required once when you first register a used car in the state. The VEIP test is a recurring check of your car’s exhaust system.

Can I get an emissions test done out-of-state for my Maryland vehicle?

Yes, this is possible but requires pre-approval from the MVA. If you are a student, military member, or temporarily living out of state for work, you must contact the MVA directly to get authorization for an out-of-state inspection. You cannot simply use any facility; it must be one that meets Maryland’s requirements.

Does Maryland require an emissions test to sell a car?

No, an emissions test is not a prerequisite for selling a car in Maryland. The responsibility for ensuring the vehicle is compliant typically falls to the new owner. The buyer will need to complete a safety inspection to register the car, and if a VEIP test is due, they will be notified by the MVA.

Is there a permanent emissions exemption for older cars?

Yes, but the definition is now fixed and very specific. Under the new law effective July 1, 2025, only vehicles from model year 1999 or older that are registered as Historic are permanently exempt from the VEIP. There is no longer a rolling age exemption for any vehicle with standard registration.

How do I check my VEIP status online in Maryland?

You can check your vehicle’s VEIP due date and test history on the Maryland MVA’s official website. You will need your vehicle’s title number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to access the information through their online services portal. This is the quickest way to verify if you have an upcoming test.

What if my “Check Engine” light is on?

Your vehicle will automatically fail the VEIP test if the Check Engine light is on. The On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) scan performed during the test detects this malfunction immediately. You must have the underlying problem diagnosed and repaired, causing the light to turn off, before your vehicle can pass.

Key Takeaways: Maryland Emissions for 20-Year-Old Cars

• The “Historic” Status is Key: A 20-year-old car is only exempt from Maryland emissions if it is registered as a “Historic” vehicle. Standard registration requires biennial VEIP testing regardless of age.
• A Major Law Change is Coming: Starting July 1, 2025, the rule changes. Only vehicles from model year 1999 or older will be eligible for the Historic exemption, ending the 20-year rolling-age rule.
• Historic Plates Have Restrictions: Registering a car as “Historic” means you legally agree to use it for limited purposes like shows and occasional trips, not for daily commuting or general transportation.
• Failure Isn’t the End: If your car fails, you must get it repaired and re-tested. If repair costs from a Certified Emissions Repair Facility (CERF) exceed a set amount (currently $450), you can apply for a two-year waiver.
• Know Your Test Type: Cars from 1996 and newer get a quick On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) scan. Older cars get a tailpipe test on a dynamometer. Self-service kiosks are only for OBD-compatible vehicles (2005+).
• Check Engine Light = Automatic Fail: If your car’s “Check Engine” light is illuminated, it will automatically fail the VEIP test. You must resolve the underlying issue before the test.
• Don’t Be Late: Missing your VEIP deadline will prevent you from renewing your registration, which can lead to fines and legal trouble if you continue to drive the vehicle.

Final Thoughts on Maryland’s 2025 VEIP Rules

Navigating Maryland’s Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program, especially with older cars, requires staying informed. The rules are not just about age; they are a complex interplay between a vehicle’s registration type, model year, and an evolving legal landscape. The upcoming change on July 1, 2025, makes this knowledge more critical than ever, as many car owners’ expectations for exemptions will no longer be met.

By understanding the specific criteria for Historic status, the fixed 1999 model year cutoff, and the proper procedure for handling a failed test, you can manage your vehicle’s compliance confidently. This guide has laid out the official requirements to help you avoid penalties and make informed decisions about your 20-year-old car. Which compliance path makes the most sense for your vehicle?