In Washington DC, a vehicle inspection is required for first-time registrations, as well as after every two years for registration renewals.

VEHICLES THAT REQUIRE AN INSPECTION

Privately owned/not-for-hire cars, taxis, bus or commercial vehicles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, trailers and government vehicles require a vehicle inspection. In other words, any motorised vehicle in DC is required to pass the vehicle inspection test.

VALIDITY

1. A vehicle inspection is required for first-time registrations and every two years for registration renewals for privately owned/ not-for-hire cars.
2. As per the DC Department of Motor Vehicles, inspection is required for commercial vehicles every year and every six months for taxis or limousines.
3. Getting a vehicle inspected is the buyer's responsibility when the vehicle is purchased from a private owner. If there is still validity of the vehicle emissions inspection of a vehicle, it can be transferred to the new owner.

EXEMPTIONS

A vehicle is exempt from vehicle inspection when:

1. It is a new vehicle and has a Certificate of Origin (original title from the dealer).
2. It is zero-emission vehicle.

VEHICLE INSPECTION LOCATIONS

Prior to taking a vehicle inspection appointment, you can go through a virtual tour of the Inspection Station. The Vehicle Station tests vehicles using the IM/240 computer, the Idle test or the On-board diagnostic computer to measure the emission level. To avoid wait times, you can schedule your vehicle inspection online. You can test your vehicle inspected at the Authorized Vehicle Inspection Station licensed by the State. Visit the service location for operating hours. It is advisable to visit the station on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 3pm - 6pm. Senior citizens are given special privileges from Tuesdays through Fridays.

VEHICLE INSPECTIONING FEES

There is no additional fee for inspection. Your registration and tag fee includes cost of inspection and re-inspection, also late fee of $20 each 30-day period is charged, if applicable. However you will have to pay fee for a re-inspection. Fee for cars/not-for-hire vehicles is $25 for two years. See Registration Fees for more details.

VEHICLE INSPECTION FAILURES

Your vehicle will have a "failed inspection" sticker with a 20-day time frame, if your vehicle fails the initial vehicle inspection or re-inspection. The vehicle will have to be re-inspected within these 20 days and may also receive two such re-inspections at the inspection station, free of cost. If the vehicle fails a third re-inspection or has a re-inspection after the 20-day time frame, you will have to pay a $25 fee for a complete new inspection. You will also receive a report stating the reason for its failure. Certain items on your report will have to be repaired and not re-inspected which could be identified as "pass with warning". You can then go ahead and register your vehicle. Also see DMV's brochure on vehicle inspection failure.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• The Vehicle Inspection Station shall not inspect those vehicles that smoke excessively.
• To avoid fines, for those owners whose vehicles are registered but cannot get it inspected before the inspection date expires, should cancel their registration and submit the tags to a local DMV office.
• For more information about vehicle inspection requirements for taxi vehicle or bus/commercial vehicles.
• See also Vehicle History Reports.