About Us
GCAF tests approximately three million vehicles a year, with more than 700 testing stations and 800+ testing lanes.
About Georgia’s Clean Air Force (GCAF)
Georgia's Clean Air Force (GCAF) was created in 1996 as a result of the Clean Air Act and was established in 1996 with support from the Georgia legislature to help Georgia meet federal clean air requirements. In partnership with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), GCAF operates the state’s Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Program.
Why emissions testing matters
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets national standards for ambient air quality. Areas that exceed those standards are designated as non-attainment areas due to elevated pollutant levels. Metro Atlanta includes 13 counties that are designated—or were previously designated—as ozone non-attainment areas, which requires regulatory action to protect air quality.
As metro Atlanta grows, vehicle emissions remain a major contributor to air pollution. The health, environmental, and economic impacts are significant. GCAF helps identify and reduce emissions from high-polluting vehicles so our region can meet federal clean air standards.
WHO GETS TESTED
For the 2026 registration period, gasoline-powered cars and light-duty trucks (model years 2002–2023) registered in the following counties require an annual emissions test:
Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale.
Our impact
Since 1996, GCAF has helped reduce ozone-forming pollutants and particle pollution in the air we breathe. More than 4.7 million heavy-polluting vehicles have been identified and repaired since the program began.
Our commitment
While progress has been made, protecting public health and improving air quality remain ongoing efforts. GCAF is committed to helping Metro Atlanta continue moving toward cleaner air—and we appreciate everyone doing their part.