What to Bring for a Car Inspection

Various types of vehicle inspections are mandated by law, depending on where you live. Below are some of the most common vehicle inspections: 

• Courtesy: Independent repair shops specializing in oil changes and routine maintenance often perform basic safety inspections. While these are not mandatory by law, they can help drivers identify any areas of concern. Dealerships may also perform courtesy inspections whenever your vehicle is in the shop. 
• Emissions: Inspecting the emissions system on a vehicle typically requires special testing to ensure the system is performing correctly. Individual states determine emissions testing requirements, varying from rigorous testing (such as that seen in California) to less stringent qualifications. 
• Safety: Most safety inspections ensure a vehicle’s features are correctly working, from headlights and taillights to the horn and brakes. A safety inspection verifies a particular vehicle functions appropriately to keep it and other motorists safe. 
• VIN: Local authorities perform a VIN inspection on out-of-state vehicles to deter fraud. Essentially, a VIN inspection ensures all vehicle components coincide with one another, exhibiting the exact VIN across the board. 
• Pre-purchase: Independent repair shops and dealerships offer pre-purchase inspections (PPIs) to customers purchasing a used vehicle through a private transaction. Similar to (and potentially more in-depth than) inspections done on vehicles offered for sale, PPIs cover the various systems involved in keeping a car running correctly. 
• Car insurance: Some insurance carriers require an inspection before extending coverage, while others only require an inspection after a claim has been made. Pre-insurance inspections may or may not coincide with local regulations.

If you’re curious about which inspections your state requires, visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A quick internet search can also yield the information you’re looking for. 

Which states do not require car inspections?

The following states don’t require car inspections: 

• Arkansas
• Iowa
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma 
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Wyoming 

States may also waive the need for car inspections on older vehicles. For example, classic and vintage cars can avoid undergoing an inspection based on age. However, it’s important to note that even if car inspection requirements don’t apply, vintage cars still require insurance to drive legally on public roads. 

Which states require a partial car inspection?

“Partial car inspections” refers to a state’s requirement to enforce only one of many inspection policies. That said, most states require some form of inspection, whether safety, emissions, smog, or VIN. The frequency of those inspections varies by state. 

Which states have the strictest car inspection requirements? 

California and New York rank among the top states with the strictest car inspection requirements. Many of the inspection requirements that exist in both states focus on emissions. In addition, Rhode Island requires safety, emissions, and VIN inspections, requirements unmatched by any other state. 

Researching the type of inspection you need can help you understand what the inspection entails and how you can prepare. If you have any questions about the inspection, find the appropriate contact information and investigate. A proactive approach, similar to that inherent in a car inspection, often works in your favor. 

The documents required for a car inspection mirror those you would typically keep in a file on your vehicle anyway. These documents include the following: 

• Proof of identity: Your driver’s license or passport proves your identity and provides a record of who brought the vehicle in for inspection. 
• Renewal notice: Agencies may track that you’ve come in for an inspection by retrieving your renewal notice. Some may only require your notice for reference. 
• Proof of car insurance: Most states require drivers to insure their vehicles before registering them. You may also need proof of insurance at your car inspection. 
• Proof of ownership: Whether a bill of sale or the vehicle’s title, you may need to show proof of ownership as part of your car’s inspection appointment. 
• Proof of registration: Have your vehicle registration ready to show the car has been registered with the state. 
• Payment method: You can typically pay for a car inspection with a debit card, credit card, or cash. Several agencies may refuse personal checks if you try to pay your car inspection cost with this payment method.

If you’re unsure what to bring to your car inspection, contact the appropriate inspection agency and inquire about what you may need. You can also search online for details about what’s necessary for your inspection appointment.  

Completing routine car inspections can give your car the TLC it needs for longevity. Although taking time out of your day for a car inspection can seem tedious, it could mean the difference between paying for a minor repair and staring down at a costly repair bill for extensive damage. Below are the pros and cons associated with car inspections: 

The bottom line is that car inspections help ensure your car complies with local transportation regulations and is safe to drive. These rules of the road also keep you and other drivers protected from dangerous and potentially deadly situations.