Motorists: Waivers, Extensions, and Exemptions

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How to Apply for Non-Conforming Status

Non-Conforming Status Applications may be submitted electronically through this website. You may elect iinstead to print, complete, and submit the application in-person at any GCAF Customer Service Center or select metro Atlanta tag offices.

In some instances, the Georgia Enhanced Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Program provides Non-Conforming Status for gray market vehicles, kit cars, hot rods, and vehicles for which the owner is unable to obtain parts (parts are no longer manufactured) to repair the vehicle to pass the emissions inspection. Each request for Non-Conforming Status is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Please read the instructions and requirements below before completing the application.

Required Documentation

GCAF only accepts documentation in English. Documents in other languages will not be accepted. Additional documentation may be required in order to process the request for Non-Conforming Status.

The following documentation must be submitted when applying for Non-Conforming Status.

1. Completed Non-Conforming Status Application

This application includes the following questions which must be answered:

  • Was the vehicle manufactured (originally installed) with a catalytic converter?

  • Does the vehicle have a catalytic converter?

    Copies of the following (scans, camera photos, etc., are acceptable but copies must be completely clear and readable):

    2. Proof of ownership of the vehicle in the form of a copy of the vehicle’s Georgia registration or renewal notice (current or from last year), or the vehicle’s Georgia title.


Additional documentation

Gray Market Vehicles

Proof of Importation in the form of a certificate of importation from the registered importer or the U.S. DOT. If the certificate of importation is not available, please contact importcertification@dot.gov to verify importation and secure relevant documentation.

You must provide the vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, and model in your verification request.


Hot Rods

Proof the Vehicle is a Hot Rod in the form of documentation that validates the vehicle meets the requirements for a hot rod.


Kit Cars

Proof the Vehicle is a Kit Car in the form of documentation that validates the vehicle meets the requirements for a kit car.


Vehicles with Obsolete Parts

Proof the Part is Obsolete in the form of a letter from a dealership indicating the part required for the vehicle to pass emissions is no longer available for purchase. The letter must include the name of the part that is no longer available, be on the dealership’s letterhead and dated less than 60 days from the application date, include the year, make, model and VIN of the vehicle, be signed by the service manager, and include a contact telephone number for the signatory service manager.

Alternatively, parts not available from a dealer may be available from aftermarket and on-line sources. All efforts must be used to determine the ability to obtain the replacement component prior to submitting a Non-Conforming Status application.


Application

Once you’ve gathered the required documents specified above, proceed to the application. You may complete it electronically online, or print it and hand the completed printed application in to a Customer Service Center or participating Tag Office.


Next Steps

Please allow eight to ten (8 - 10) business days for a response.

NOTE: If the application is complete, it may be processed within eight to ten (8 - 10) business days. If the application packet required by the extension, exemption, or waiver does not contain all applicable documents, is missing requirements, or if any information is not verifiable, the applicant will be notified, and the waiver will remain “pending” until the requirements are met.

Documents submitted or re-submitted via email may take up to three business days to be attached to the application for review. Once documents are attached, an additional three business days may be required for processing.

Applications are processed in the order in which they are received. The applicant will receive a confirmation number for an online submittal to acknowledge a successful transmission. Please use this number when referring to your application. The applicant will be contacted once the application (or extension, exemption, or waiver) is processed.

The applicant should remember to check his or her email and voicemail for correspondence from Georgia’s Clean Air Force for application’s status after three business days have passed.