The following information regarding the laws governing used vehicle sales and emissions status can be found on Georgia's Clear Air Force website, a link to which is provided below.

Used Vehicle Sales Information

Georgia's Clean Air Force (GCAF) manages a monitoring and complaint program for used vehicle sales without proper Georgia Vehicle Emission Inspection Reports (VIRs).  Georgia law requires that no person (dealers or individuals) sell a used vehicle, if such vehicle is to be registered in one of the 13 covered counties (Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnet, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale), unless such vehicle has a valid, passing certificate of vehicle emission inspection at the time of sale (DNR Rule 391-3-20-.18(1)). The seller is not required to provide the buyer with a copy of the VIR.  Please note: the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) can only investigate sales that have occurred within Georgia.   

FOR MOTORISTS

After You Buy

If you are unsure if a used vehicle you recently purchased has a passing inspection on file, click here and you may search via the vehicle identification number (VIN) for a free copy of the Georgia Vehicle Emission Inspection Report (VIR). If you purchased a used vehicle that did not have a passing VIR at the time of sale and the seller (dealer or individual) refuses to comply, you may request an investigation by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). If you wish to file a complaint, complete the Used Vehicle Sale Complaint Form. Complete the form and mail to GCAF (address included on the form). A representative from GCAF will contact you once the case has been reviewed.  

The Georgia EPD will not represent the complainant in any legal matter nor will the Georgia EPD negotiate a vehicle buyback or repair settlement between the buyer and the seller. The Georgia EPD will handle each complaint separately and will consistently administer its enforcement policies and protocols. Any legal action between the buyer and seller is independent of enforcement actions taken by the Georgia EPD.

Vehicle Purchased from a Dealer in a Non-Emission Testing County

According to Georgia law, the dealer is responsible for selling a vehicle with a valid Georgia Vehicle Emission Inspection Report (VIR) if the buyer is going to register the vehicle within the 13 metro Atlanta counties; however, this is not always enforceable. Ideally, a buyer should ask about emission requirements prior to the sale.

  Vehicle Purchased from an Individual in a Non-Emission Testing County

According to DNR Rule 391-3-20-.18(1), the seller is responsible for selling a vehicle with a valid Georgia Vehicle Emission Inspection Report (VIR) if the buyer is going to register the vehicle in one of the 13 metro Atlanta counties. The Georgia EPD will provide documentation to assist the buyer when seeking legal action, which has proven to be a more successful method for the buyer to obtain settlement. The Georgia EPD encourages the buyer to seek resolution with the seller prior to filing a complaint.   Georgia's Clean Air Force does not offer temporary waivers or tags in any situation. If you would like to file a complaint with the Georgia EPD, complete the Used Vehicle Sale Complaint Form. Complete the form and mail to GCAF (address included on the form). A representative from GCAF will contact you once the case has been reviewed. If you have questions regarding your rights and the complaint procedure, please call 800.449.2471 or submit an e-mail to info@cleanairforce.com.

 For Sellers

GCAF reminds all sellers that compliance with DNR Rule 391-3-20-.18(1) is mandatory. Failure to comply with this law may result in penalties. Your responsibilities as a seller are outlined here. Sellers may print free copies of Georgia Vehicle Emission Inspection Reports (VIR) by clicking here. Used car dealers and dealership employees that would like to receive periodic updates from GCAF, click here. You may also download the Dealer Compliance flyer on used vehicle sales.   Used car dealers are encouraged to post the following flyer in their dealerships to help their customers understand their rights: What to Do Before You Buy.