Smog Check and Car Inspection in Texas
In Texas, you must submit your vehicle to a emission testing within 30 days of moving to the state if the test is required in your county. Established residents will need to renew your inspection upon registration. Brand new vehicles are also exempt from smog checks.
Continue reading for more information about Texas 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, 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
Safety inspections are no longer required in Texas. Vehicles are subject to a safety program replacement fee.
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
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
Texas has ceased the safety inspection program. Vehicles will be subject to a $7.50 safety program replacement fee.
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.
