Smog Check and Car Inspection in Texas

Continue reading for more information about Texas safety inspections and the Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Program, including which residents and vehicles require them, applicable fees, and what to do after your vehicle passes or fails an inspection.

New Texas Residents

You must register your vehicle within 30 days of moving to Texas, and both vehicle safety inspections and emissions tests are required before you can register.

Texas does not recognize out-of-state inspections.

Refer to “ Inspection Requirements and Exemptions" and “Completing a TX Vehicle Inspection" below for more information on required testing.

Inspection Requirements and Exemptions

Texas Vehicle Inspection Requirements

Safety Inspections

Your car must pass a safety inspection before you can register it; there are no exceptions.

Emissions Test

Texas requires all gasoline-powered vehicles 2 to 24 model years old to undergo annual emissions testing (new vehicles don't require emissions testing until they are at least 2 model years old.).

Testing is required only in the following areas/counties:

• Austin-Round Rock:
  • Travis
  • Williamson
• Houston-Galveston-Brazoria:
  • Brazoria
  • Fort Bend
  • Galveston
  • Harris
  • Montgomery
• Dallas-Fort Worth:
  • Collin
  • Dallas
  • Denton
  • Ellis
  • Johnson
  • Kaufman
  • Parker
  • Rockwall
  • Tarrant
• El Paso:
  • El Paso

Inspection Exemptions

No vehicles in Texas are exempt from safety inspections.

The following vehicles are exempt from emissions testing:

• Vehicles under 2 years old.
• Vehicles older than 24 years old.
• Diesel-powered vehicles.

Completing a TX Vehicle Inspection

Safety Inspections

To complete a vehicle safety inspection in Texas, visit a DPS-certified inspection station and bring the $7 safety inspection fee.

The state's portion of the fees varies based on vehicle age, type, and location, and are due at the time of registration or renewal—not during the safety inspection.

Once your vehicle passes, you'll receive documentation to present when you register or renew your registration; this information may also be entered electronically. You'll then receive a windshield sticker as proof of passing and valid registration as part of the Two Step, One Sticker program.

NOTE: Generally, safety inspection stations don't require proof of registration or identification; however, it's best to bring these documents as requirements can vary by station.

Failed Safety Inspections

If your vehicle fails, you must have it repaired and retested.

Emissions Inspections

To complete a vehicle emissions check in Texas, visit a DPS-certified inspection station and bring:

• Proof of insurance.
• The applicable fee.
  • Fees vary based on location and emissions test type. Call ahead or check the state's Highlights of the Vehicle I/M Program for maximum fees in your area.

After you pass your emissions test, you'll receive a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) stating you passed (these reports also state if you've failed). You may obtain a copy of the report for up to 13 months of the inspection date.

Failed Emissions Inspections

If your car or truck fails its Texas smog check, you must have it repaired and retested; if it still fails, it could be eligible for a waiver or extension. These vary from low-mileage waivers for vehicles driven less than 5,000 miles during its inspection cycle, to low-income waivers for residents who qualify.

Visit the TCEQ's Waivers and Extensions page for a full list.

Repair Assistance

If you meet certain location, income, and vehicle requirements, you could be eligible for a repair assistance voucher of up to $600.

Qualifying vehicles must be repaired at an approved emissions repair facility. You'll receive a list from the program administrator when your voucher application is approved.

Learn more about repair assistance requirements and how to apply for a voucher at the state's Vehicle Repair Assistance page.