Texas emissions testing mandate starts Nov. 1 across Bexar County despite pushback

Bexar County drivers will soon need to pass an emissions test before renewing their vehicle registrations, but some motorists can avoid the new requirement by renewing early, according to the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office.

Beginning Nov. 1, 2026, the State of Texas will require vehicles to pass an emissions test before owners can renew their vehicle registration in Bexar County, the office said in a press release dated Oct. 27, 2026.

“We want to let our citizens know that they can renew their vehicle registrations due in October, November, or December of 2026 without the State required emissions test, if they do so by this Saturday, October 31, 2026. After this Saturday, passing an emissions test will be required for vehicle registration renewals,” said Albert Uresti, Bexar County tax assessor-collector.

The office said registrations can be purchased without an emissions test at any Bexar County Tax Office location through Friday. Renewals can also be purchased through Saturday at any of the 19 private Full-Service Deputy Title Companies, which charge a convenience fee in addition to the registration renewal fee.

Uresti’s office also pushed back on reports that the emissions testing requirement has been delayed.

“There have been reports that the emissions test requirements by the State have been put on hold. This is not correct. State required emissions tests for vehicle registrations will still be required beginning November 1st,” the release said.

The cost for an emissions inspection test is $18.50, according to the release, which noted Bexar County does not keep any of that fee.

A memorandum included from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles said the new requirement applies to gasoline-powered vehicles that are 2 through 24 years old registered in Bexar County. The TxDMV said Bexar County inspection stations will begin offering emissions tests on Nov. 1, 2026.

The TxDMV also said registration may be renewed up to 90 days before expiration, but for vehicles subject to emissions inspection, the inspection must be completed within that 90-day renewal period. The agency said an emissions test is not required until the vehicle’s registration is due for renewal.

After obtaining a passing emissions test, motorists may renew online, by mail, or in person, the TxDMV said.

More information and locations for Full-Service Deputy Title Companies are available at www.bexar.org/tax or by calling 210-335-2251, according to the tax office. Emissions testing locations can be found at www.dps.texas.gov. The TxDMV said Registration and Title Bulletin #003-26 outlines the changes and is available at https://www.txdmv.gov/tax-assessor-collectors/rtbs.