NJ Emission Repair Facility License Application Package

NJ Emission Repair Facility License Application Package – If you operate or plan to open an auto repair business in New Jersey that performs emission-related repairs on vehicles that fail state inspections, you must register as an Emission Repair Facility (ERF) with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC). This guide covers everything U.S. business owners need to know about the official Emission Repair Facility License Application Package, including qualifications, required documents, fees, and the application process based on current official sources from NJMVC and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

Download the official application package here: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/pdf/about/erfapppack.pdf

What Is a New Jersey Emission Repair Facility (ERF)?

An Emission Repair Facility is a business registered by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to perform emission and OBD II repairs (including diesel-related repairs) for compensation on motor vehicles that have failed a New Jersey emission or OBD inspection. Under New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 39:8-54), motorists whose vehicles fail emission inspection must either complete the repairs themselves or have them performed at a registered ERF.

Registration allows the state to track emission repairs for monitoring purposes and helps ensure repairs are performed by qualified technicians. Facilities that are also Private Inspection Facilities (PIFs) can perform both repairs and re-inspections. Official information is available on the NJMVC Emission Repair Facility Registration page.

Who Needs an Emission Repair Facility License?

Any person, partnership, or corporation engaged in the business of performing emission-related repairs for compensation on vehicles that failed New Jersey’s enhanced inspection program must register as an ERF. This requirement has been in place since 1995 under P.L. 1995, c.112 and is regulated under N.J.A.C. 13:20-45.

Key points for U.S. applicants (especially those operating in New Jersey):

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have the legal capacity to contract.
  • The facility must employ at least one certified Emission Repair Technician (ERT).
  • All owners, partners, or principal executive officers undergo criminal background checks and child support background checks.
  • Separate applications and fees are required for each physical location.

Emission Repair Facility Qualifications

According to official NJMVC requirements, to register an Emission Repair Facility you must meet these core qualifications:

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
  • The facility must employ at least one New Jersey-certified Emission Repair Technician.
  • Owners, partners, or principal executive officers of a corporation or association are subject to criminal and child support background checks.

Full regulatory details appear in N.J.A.C. 13:20-45.5 and related sections.

Required Documents for the Emission Repair Facility License Application Package

The official application package includes a checklist. To ensure prompt processing, submit all items listed below (as of the current package available from NJMVC):

  1. Non-refundable processing fee of $20.00 (certified check or money order payable to NJMVC).
  2. Completed Application for Registration (Emission Repair Facility).
  3. Completed Applicant’s Information Form for each owner, partner(s), officer(s), or member(s).
  4. Copy of Driver License for each owner, partner(s), officer(s), or member(s). Non-New Jersey residents must provide 6 points of identification (details at https://www.nj.gov/mvc/license/6pointid.htm).
  5. Color photograph of each applicant.
  6. Child Support Certification for each owner, partner(s), officer(s), or member(s).
  7. Business Hours Form.
  8. Municipal Approval Certificate for Business License.
  9. Emission Repair Technician Form listing all certified technicians.
  10. Copy of each technician’s New Jersey Repair Technician Certificate issued by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).
  11. Copy of each letter issued by NJDEP showing the Emission Repair Technician (ERT) identification number.
  12. Additional required copies:
    • Federal Tax Identification Number (certificate).
    • New Jersey Sales Tax Identification Number (certificate).
    • New Jersey Unemployment Registration (certificate).
    • Corporate Certificate (Inc.) or formation papers for LLC, partnership, or sole proprietorship.
    • Copy of Alternate Name Filing (if applicable).

Download the complete package containing all forms and the checklist: Emission Repair Facility Initial License Application Package (PDF).

Fees for Emission Repair Facility Registration

Current fees published by NJMVC are as follows:

  • Non-refundable processing fee: $20.00 (submitted with the initial application package; certified check or money order payable to NJMVC).
  • Emission Repair Facility registration fee: $50.00 (two-year registration). Payment is requested after preliminary approval of licensing requirements and any applicable site inspection.
  • Renewal fee: $50.00.

Confirm the latest amounts on the official NJMVC Licensing Fees page.

How to Apply for the Emission Repair Facility License?

Follow these steps based on official NJMVC instructions:

  1. Download and complete the full application package from the link above.
  2. Gather all required documents, photocopies, photographs, and the $20 processing fee.
  3. Mail the complete package to:
    Motor Vehicle Commission
    Division of Inspection Services
    P.O. Box 680
    225 East State Street
    Trenton, NJ 08666-0680
  4. After receipt, the applicant and business undergo a full investigation. A site inspection may be required.
  5. Upon preliminary approval, NJMVC will notify you to pay the $50 registration fee.
  6. For changes to an existing facility license, use the separate Application to Amend an Inspection Facility Business License (available on the NJMVC website).

Processing time varies depending on completeness of the application and investigation results. Contact the Division of Inspection Services at 609-633-9460 for status inquiries.

Emission Repair Technician (ERT) Certification Requirements

Every ERF must employ at least one certified Emission Repair Technician. Certification is managed through the NJDEP Emission Technician Education Program (ETEP).

Current requirements (as of the latest NJDEP guidance) typically include:

  • Current ASE certifications in A6 (Electrical/Electronics), A8 (Engine Performance), and L1 (Advanced Engine Performance).
  • Registration for an ERT Identification number.
  • Permission for ASE to share certification status with NJDEP.
  • Completion of the free online NJ-CERT Course and Assessment.

The ERT expiration date aligns with the ASE L1 certification cycle (generally five years). Detailed instructions and forms are available on the NJDEP ETEP page or the updated Stop the Soot resources. Contact the Bureau of Mobile Sources at (609) 292-7953 or [email protected] for certification questions.

Electronic Reporting and Portal Requirements

New Jersey electronically captures emission repair data. “ERF Only” facilities must maintain a computer with internet access to submit repair information through the New Jersey Vehicle Inspection Portal. Facility owners/managers must register for portal access by emailing [email protected] with the required facility details once licensed.

An ERF Portal Instructions Manual is available on the NJMVC website for guidance on data entry.

Where to Find Registered Emission Repair Facilities?

Motorists and businesses can locate registered ERFs using the NJDEP interactive map: Find an Emission Repair Facility. Facilities marked as both ERF and PIF can perform repairs and re-inspections.

Important Contacts and Official Resources

Always verify the most current forms, fees, and instructions directly on the official New Jersey government websites, as requirements can be updated.

Final Tips for a Successful Application

Submit a complete package the first time to avoid delays. Double-check that every owner/partner has provided identification, photographs, child support certification, and that at least one certified ERT is listed with supporting NJDEP documentation. Keep copies of everything you mail. Once approved, maintain compliance with recordkeeping, advertising rules, and electronic reporting obligations under N.J.A.C. 13:20-45.

Registering as a New Jersey Emission Repair Facility allows your business to legally perform critical emission repairs while supporting the state’s clean-air goals. Download the official package today and begin the process with confidence using the trusted resources linked above.

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