How Much Does a Car Inspection Cost?

A car inspection verifies your vehicle is safe, emission-compliant, and legally obtained. States require various types of inspections to protect the safety of other drivers on the road, reduce car accidents, and drive revenue. If you’re pulled over and cited for an issue with your vehicle’s safety, you may have to pass an inspection before legally driving that vehicle again. 

Each state, city, and county sets forth its own requirements for vehicle inspections. Car insurance carriers may also require inspections before granting vehicle coverage. When you arrive for an inspection, you may be asked to provide several documents, including your driver’s license, proof of insurance, the vehicle’s title, or a bill of sale. If you fail an inspection, you may be granted a second attempt, pay a fine, or face having to park the car until you can resolve the issue. 

Who performs car inspections?

Government-run testing facilities perform the majority of safety, VIN, and emissions car inspections. However, many certified private-run testing facilities may also perform inspections to reduce the burden on government-run facilities. Dealerships and local mechanic shops typically perform pre-purchase inspections. 

Knowing where to go to get a car inspection first requires figuring out what type of inspection you need (see more details below). However, most inspections are done at the following:  

• Government facilities: Safety, emissions, and VIN testing are housed under one roof at a government-run facility. In many states, you’ll need official documentation that your vehicle passed these inspections before you can legally register the car. 
• Dealerships: When you’re deciding whether to buy a new or used car, it’s common to see dealerships advertise their in-depth inspections with a myriad of inspection points. While these inspections do concern the safety and emissions equipment on a vehicle, they’re more along the lines of a pre-purchase inspection (PPI). 
• Local mechanic or auto repair shops: Similar to dealerships, local car repair shops often perform PPIs for customers. Some may also be certified inspection facilities recognized by the local government and authorized to pass or fail vehicles during an inspection. 
• Mobile inspection services: These mechanic shops-on-wheels mirror authorized mechanic shops that can pass or fail a vehicle during an inspection. While these services may cost more due to their convenience, the extra fee can be worth avoiding the hassle. 
• Certified inspection stations: Privately held or government-run, these stations are recognized by the local authorities to perform safety, emissions, and VIN inspections.

If you’re unsure where to get an inspection, a quick internet search can help point you in the right direction. Calling a facility to confirm they perform the inspection you need can also help save you time, as they may be able to refer you to the correct facility if they don’t perform that particular type of inspection.  

Most state car safety and emissions inspections nationwide cost under $100 if you opt for a government-run testing facility. Certified or approved third-party shops often charge more but may offer an expedited service. You can usually find the cost of vehicle inspections listed on your city or county’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, with a breakdown of specific fees that may apply. 

VIN inspection costs vary by state, city, and county but typically don’t exceed $100. Pre-purchase inspections can cost between $150 and $250, depending on which facility performs the testing and its specific inspection procedures. Buyers and sellers often make arrangements to pay half of the inspection cost each, reducing the inspection cost to $75 and $125 per person. However, the seller may place the burden of paying for the inspection fully on the buyer, a price that may be well worth the trouble if the inspection brings to light an issue that could jeopardize the sale. 

There are four main types of car inspections:  

• Safety inspection: This type of annual inspection includes testing safety equipment, such as headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and backup cameras. Testers may also inspect the car’s windshield, tires, and other components related to the vehicle’s safety measures. 
• Emissions inspection: Otherwise known as smog testing, an emissions test includes measuring how efficiently the car’s emissions and exhaust system works. Vehicles must perform at various speeds to ensure the emission components respond adequately. 
• VIN inspection: Criminals often commit fraud by moving vehicles across state lines, so a VIN inspection can help reduce this type of fraud with mandatory screenings. Inspectors will ensure the VIN displayed across various body panels and the title matches in this state inspection. 
• Pre-purchase inspection (PPI): A PPI inspects significant vehicle components, including the powertrain, brake system, tires, fluid levels, hoses, belts, and more. Mechanic shops that offer PPIs often list the inspected components for your reference. Car owners may opt to perform an annual safety inspection, especially before inclement weather hits, to gain peace of mind.

Most, if not all, roadworthy vehicles must pass a safety and emissions inspection at one point. While VIN inspections and PPIs are less common, they can be done multiple times during a car’s life. When you buy a brand-new car, it will typically include an inspection sticker that exempts it from certain testing until a specified date. 

Savvy used car buyers typically perform PPIs before purchasing a car. However, local laws often dictate the frequency of safety, emissions, and VIN inspections. For example, Arkansas and Alaska don’t have vehicle inspection requirements, but Colorado requires all three when a vehicle changes hands. Should you need one or more inspections before registering or insuring your car, the specific entity requesting that inspection will notify you beforehand. 

Many people focus on what credit score is needed to buy a car, but knowing what documentation you need to register a vehicle can be even more critical. If you receive notice that your car must undergo inspection, research where and how you can schedule your vehicle. You can also contact the company or department that sent you the notice to learn more about what’s required of you. 

Do you need to have your car inspected before purchasing auto insurance?

Car insurance carriers often fall into one of two categories: those that require an inspection before issuing coverage and those that only perform an inspection after a claim has been filed. State laws and individual insurance company policies dictate when an inspection occurs. Auto insurance carriers often perform inspections to reduce the cost of car insurance, prevent fraud, and ensure the safety of all drivers and their passengers. 

When you’ve gone from asking yourself if you need a truck to what vehicle inspection requirements your state has, check out the following list of requirements per state: 

Visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to keep up with the latest vehicle inspection requirements.