Illinois EPA no longer sending emission test notices

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Amid the Illinois budget crisis, the state Environmental Protection Agency is no longer sending out emissions test notices to vehicle owners.

The tests are required when drivers try to renew their license plates, but the EPA stopped sending out the notices back in December. That's the same time the Secretary of State's office stopped sending out license plate renewals to cut costs.

The EPA notice is sent out four months in advance, which means vehicle owners are only now feeling the effects.

"They're probably going to have lines around the block when people finally realize they didn't get the emissions test when they go to get their license," said Sam Clark, who received a notice.

The Secretary of State is still sending out electronic notices for both the the plate renewal, which includes information about whether or not a Vehicles Emissions Test is required before the vehicle' registration can be renewed. The Illinois EPA is exploring options for electronic emissions notifications, including possibly consolidating the notifications with the Secretary of State's Office.

You can sign up to receive plate renewal e-notices here: https://www.ilsos.gov/greenmail/.