Join the RERF Program

September 4, 2020

What is RERF?

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.

Facility & Equipment Qualifications

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);

Overview of the Application Process

  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.

Submit Online:
Use the RSD Contact Center to submit Applications and ASE Certificates.

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

  1. 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.

  2. Facilities in the RERF program will receive a sign, a certificate and are included in the online repair facility locator.

How to Become a RERF Technician

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.