There are currently road test cancellations or DMV offices closed for in-person services. See our “Cancellations, Closings and Delays” page for more information.
Vehicles must be inspected
A valid inspection sticker must be displayed on your vehicle. Inspections expire on the last day of the month punched on the inspection sticker. Keep the receipt of your emissions inspection sticker to prove that your vehicle was inspected.
If your inspection is expired you can receive a fine or a parking ticket. If the inspection sticker on your vehicle has expired in the past 60 days, you can receive a fine of $25 to $50. If the inspection sticker is expired more than 60 days, the fine is between $50 and $100. If there is no inspection sticker, the fine is between $50 and $100. A mandatory state surcharge of $88 ($93 in town and village courts) is added to the fine. A parked vehicle with no inspection sticker, or with an expired inspection sticker, can receive a parking ticket.
Emissions InspectionsMost New York State vehicle inspections include a check of the onboard diagnostic system (OBDII). This includes a test of vehicle emissions control systems, designed to reduce air pollution and keep New York State in compliance with the Federal Clean Air Act. Diesel vehicles receive a diesel emissions inspection at the time of the safety inspection.
Vehicles are exempt from emissions inspection if they are
Step 1: Know the cost
Step 2: Know what will be checked
The DMV brochure New York State Vehicle Safety/Emissions Inspection Program for Cars and Light Trucks lists the equipment items checked during a safety inspection, and a description of the safety inspection.
Step 3: Find an inspection location
Search by facility type and location to find an inspection station or other DMV-regulated business near you.
The dealer must have the vehicle inspected within 30 days of the date of sale and prior to delivery.
If you buy or get a vehicle from someone other than a dealer registered with the New York State DMV, you will receive an inspection extension that will last 10 days from the date of the registration.
An inspection issued to the previous registrant is not valid.
If your vehicle was registered in another state which issues an inspection sticker, you do not need to have your vehicle inspected immediately. Your out-of-state inspection remains valid until it expires or for one year after the registration date, whichever comes first. When your out-of-state inspection expires, you must get a New York State vehicle inspection.
If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must have your vehicle inspected in New York.
Replace an Inspection StickerYou can attach it to the windshield again with clear tape or a small amount of clear adhesive. Remember that an inspection station must be able to remove the sticker during your next inspection.
If the sticker is not usable, you can have your vehicle re-inspected or order a replacement sticker using the form Request for Replacement Inspection Sticker (PDF) (VS-118). Complete the form and mail it to the address on the form.
I need to replace my inspection sticker. You can have your vehicle re-inspected or order a replacement sticker using the form Request for Replacement Inspection Sticker (PDF) (VS-118). Complete the form and mail it to the address on the form.
Temporary Extension for Out-of-State VehiclesIf you are out of state when your inspection will expire, you can apply for an extension. First, determine if an expired out-of-state inspection is a violation of law in that state. Ask the authorities if a New York State inspection extension sticker prevents a ticket for the violation. The extension allows you 10 days from the date the vehicle returns to New York State to get an inspection.
Allow 14 days for the DMV to process and mail your extension sticker. You will need it before you return your vehicle to New York.
To receive an extension, mail
NYS DMV
Bureau of Consumer and Facility Services
Inspection Extension
P.O. Box 2700-ESP
Albany, NY 12220-0700
When you receive your extension sticker, do not put it on your windshield while your vehicle is out of state. Keep the sticker and the instructions in your vehicle to show to an out-of-state police officer. The sticker is not a guarantee that a police officer will not issue you a traffic ticket.
There will be no record of an inspection on New York State DMV records. You cannot renew the registration if there is no DMV record of an inspection within the past 12 months. If you must renew the registration before you get a New York State inspection, call 518-486-9786.
After you return your vehicle to New York State