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Used Vehicle Sale Information
Georgia's Clean Air Force (GCAF) manages a monitoring and complaint program for used vehicle sales of vehicles that do not have a proper vehicle inspection report (VIRs) on record.
Georgia law requires that "No person shall sell any responsible motor vehicle, as defined by the Act, intended for highway use without a currently valid passing Certificate of Emission Inspection, as required under this Chapter, if the purchaser is required to register the vehicle in any covered county."
The 13 covered counties include the following: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale. 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.
The seller and buyer must be located within the 13-county testing area at the time of sale in order for a violation to be issued.
Advice for Motorists
Before You Buy
Before purchasing a used vehicle, GCAF encourages buyers to download the What to Do Before You Buy document. The document details the seller's obligation regarding the sale.
If you are a new Georgia resident: You must register your vehicle in Georgia. Before you can register, you must have a valid Georgia driver's license or ID. You must apply for a Georgia driver license and register your vehicle within 30 days of becoming a Georgia resident. For license assistance, visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services website. For vehicle registration assistance, visit the Georgia Department of Revenue website.
After You Buy
If you are unsure if a used vehicle you recently purchased has a passing inspection on file, you can search here online via the vehicle identification number (VIN) for a summary of the vehicle's most recent vehicle inspection reports (VIRs). If you wish to obtain a full copy of an emissions test record, send an email to info@cleanairforce.com with your VIN.
If you purchased a used vehicle that was registered in the 13-county area that did not have a passing VIR at the time of sale and the seller refuses to comply, you may request an investigation by the EPD. If you wish to file a complaint, complete the Used Vehicle Sale Complaint Form. Submit the complaint form, along with the required documentation (1. a copy of the bill of sale* and/or title that provides the seller's name and address, the buyer's name and address, and the sale date; and 2. an affidavit - a handwritten or typed explanation for your reason(s) for submitting a complaint). A representative from GCAF will contact you via mail or email once the case has been reviewed.
*If you recently moved to Georgia, your address on the bill of sale or title must be an address from within the 13 covered counties that require emissions testing in order for you to qualify for a used vehicle sale violation.
The EPD will not represent the complainant in any legal matter, nor will they negotiate a vehicle buyback or repair settlement between the buyer and the seller. The EPD will handle each complaint separately and consistently administer its enforcement policies and protocols. Any legal action between the buyer and seller is independent of enforcement actions taken by the EPD.
Purchases in Non-Testing Counties
Vehicle Purchased from a Dealer in a Non-Emissions Testing County
According to Georgia law, the dealer is not responsible for selling a vehicle with a valid vehicle inspection report (VIR).
Vehicle Purchased from an Individual in a Non-Emissions Testing County
According to DNR Rule 391-3-20-.18(1), the seller is not responsible for selling a vehicle with a valid vehicle inspection report (VIR).
GCAF does not offer temporary waivers or tags in any situation.
If you have questions regarding your rights and the complaint procedure, please contact us.