The Recognized Emissions Repair Facility (RERF) program assists motorists in finding emissions repair shops in their area. See Recognized Emissions Repair Program for more information and to locate a repair shop near you.

To qualify as a Recognized Emissions Repair Facility of Texas, the facility must:

1. employ at least one full-time Recognized Emissions Repair Technician of Texas; and
2. possess equipment to perform the functionality of the following items:
1. ammeter
2. compression tester
3. cooling system tester
4. dwell meter
5. engine analyzer
6. fuel pressure/pressure drop tester
7. ohmmeter
8. repair reference information
9. scan tool or OBDII capable testing equipment
10. tachometer
11. timing light
12. vacuum/pressure gauge
13. vacuum pump
14. volt meter

For repair facilities in the DFW and Houston/Galveston areas facilities must possess a five gas exhaust analyzer which can perform diagnostic repair for at least hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and oxides of nitrogen (NOX)

For repair facilities in the Austin and El Paso areas facilities must possess a four gas exhaust analyzer which can perform diagnostic repair for at least hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO2);

1. Meet the personnel and equipment requirements defined in the qualifications section
2. Complete Forms

1. Complete the Recognized Emission Repair Facility application (Form VIE-2)
2. Complete a Recognized Emissions Repair Technician/Owner Application (Form VIE-3) for each facility owner.
3. Complete a Recognized Emissions Repair Technician/Owner Application (Form VIE-3) for each facility technician applying for Recognized Emissions Repair Technician Status.
4. Submit copies of each repair technicians ASE A1, A6, A8, & L1 certifications.

3. Submit forms and documentation to DPS

Mail Applications and ASE Certificates to:
Vehicle Inspection Program
Attn: RERF Program
PO Box 4087 MSC 0543
Austin, TX 78773-0543

Fax Applications and ASE Certificates to:
(512) 424-2774

Email Applications and ASE Certificates to:
Online Email link:  RSD Contact Center Email

4. Facility Audit
1. An audit of your repair facility will be performed by a DPS Representative in your area to verify that the repair equipment and repair technician requirements are met before your facility is accepted in the RERF program.
5. Facilities in the RERF program will receive a sign, a certificate and are included in the online repair facility locator.

To qualify as a Recognized Emissions Repair Technician of Texas, the technician must:

1. have a minimum of three years full-time automotive repair service experience;
2. possess current certification in the following areas based on the following tests offered by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
1. Engine Repair (ASE Test Al)
2. Electrical/Electronic Systems (ASE Test A6)
3. Engine Performance (ASE Test A8)
4. Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (ASE Test Ll)
3. must be employed by a Recognized Emissions Repair Facility of Texas.

The Repair Assistance Program (AirCheckTexas voucher program) was created in affected emissions counties to assist vehicle owners, who meet certain financial eligibility guidelines with repair costs.  Motorists receiving the voucher can receive up to $600 towards emissions related repair at a Recognized Emissions Repair Facility.

Visit the Vehicle Repair Assistance website for motorists

To participate in the program, repair facilities must be “recognized” by DPS and must apply to the local county agency.

For more information about the voucher program or to apply contact

North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG):
Dallas / Fort Worth Area Phone: 1 (800) 898-9103

Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments (H-GAC):
Houston / Galveston Area Phone: (866) 237-9392

Austin Area:
Travis County Phone: (512) 267-0301
Williamson County Phone: (800) 978-1766