oh yeah, i forgot that in pinal county you dont need it, like he said make sure the MVD has your information correct that you are in Maricopa City not Maricopa County

as mentioned if you live and work in pinal county you will not need it done....but

 if you work in maricopa county you will need the testing. I for a company that is on the GRIC and i inquired about that and if i needed testing. i was told "if you travel into the city to eat, shop, or anything else get it done, just to be sure" by the woman at the DMV. I asked her what if someone from a non testing zone, such as yuma was driving to a non testing zone like winslow and passing through phoenix, would they need to stop in the city and be tested? she just gave me a "shut up" look and typed away on her key board.

I had already had the test done, so it wasn't a revenue issue and it was pretty obvious i wasn't trying to get out of it.

I also contacted the person listed on the AZDEQ website and she responded with a "just get it done, its not that big of a deal" Shame on me for actually wanting to know the requirements.  

 good luck with it, its almost worth the $25 and drive to chandler to not have to deal with them.

It was ABSOLUTLY worth the extra $20 !!!

There was no discussion when I asked about the emissions testing about where I worked, it only seemed to matter where I live.   

So thanks to all of you for that information....you saved me from a gianormous hassle. 

found something to get you to the letter of the law, if you care to. i changed the color of the sections that pertain to us.

 This basically says maricopa (at lease zip 85239) is a partial zone. all registrations will be stamped as needing a test. You can file for exemption. You aren't supposed to file for exemption if you use that car to travel to work or school in the emissions control area AKA phoenix metro.

http://gisweb.azdeq.gov/website/veiareas/ 

Vehicles Registered Outside of the Vehicle Emissions Control Areas (metro Phoenix and Tucson) in Partially Exempt Zip Codes

The Motor Vehicle Division exempts most vehicles registered outside the vehicle emissions control areas based on the residence zip code. However, some zip codes (see list below) are considered partially exempt, meaning part of the zip code is inside the test area and part is outside.

Vehicle owners who reside in a partially exempt zip code outside the emissions control areas of metro Phoenix (Area A) and Tucson (Area B) will be identified as "emissions test required" on the their vehicle's registration renewal form.

These vehicles may be granted an exemption from testing (Code 52 Exemption) as long as the vehicle is not used to commute to the owner's principle place of employment or to school within the control area.

Residents applying for "Code 52 exempt" status may contact the Motor Vehicle Division or obtain the necessary form here.

An original Code 52 certificate of exemption must be completed and include the following:

• Photocopy of current vehicle registration for each vehicle
• Photocopy of a current utility bill in the name of the applicant, identifying the physical address of applicant's residence
• Photocopy of the property owner's tax evaluation notice listing the township, range and section of residence

For additional information on applying for an exemption please contact:

• In Metro Phoenix - Danuta Begay
  Phone: (602) 207-7017
• In Metro Tucson - Connie Huebner
  Phone: (520) 628-5651

Partial Zip Codes in the Vehicle Emissions Control Areas (effective July 2007):

• Phoenix Metro Area:
  85218, 85226, 85232, 85239, 85242, 85243, 85244, 85262, 85263, 85290, 85322, 85326, 85337, 85339, 85354
• Tucson Metro Area:
  85629, 85641, 85653, 85654, 85658, 85735, 85736, 85739, 85743, 85746, 85747

 The MVD will need to update your files and give your account(s) the proper coding, if necessary.

Even after having the emission waived when I first went to register my vehicle after moving to AZ, the code wasn't put into my account. So my renewel said "emission required". I sent in the pertinent info regarding my place of Residence and where I work(ed).

My file was updated. Now "no emission" required is on the renewal notices. MY Zip is 85238. Click the link for the form above. Follow the instructions. Mailing address is on bottom of form.

 you are correct, your renewal will indeed say you need to be tested. but, in 85239, and i would assume 85238 you do not need testing unless you travel into an area that requires testing for work or school.  I think 85238 will be added to the partial list next time the list is updated, i'm sure if it wasn't so new it would be on there.

  Examples:

 1. you live in rancho and work at fry's in maricopa, you do not need to have your car tested.

 2. you live in rancho, work at intel in chandler, since chandler requires testing you would need to have your car tested.

 3. Live in rancho, work at fry's and go to school at ASU, you are required to pass emission testing.

 The whole point is to be sure the air quality over metro phoenix is OK. So they laid out a map that says anyone that lives, works or goes to school in these areas must have their cars emission tested to be sure they aren't polluting more than they should be. DEQ wants to make sure the people that use phoenix' roads on a daily basis are all held to the same standards.

 a plus for us is that we can list what cars will take us to work in the metro zone. so, if you wanted to have a vehicle modified to the extent that it would not pass emissions you could, you just can't drive it to work or school.

 There is a DMV location in maricopa????

  I don't know about them keeping it on file, since i work in a testing zone i get my cars tested.

 I do know that the emissions testing is only required every other year, so if you pay your registration yearly, and you had the car tested last year you will not need the test again until next year.