Privately owned/not-for-hire vehicles must pass emissions inspections every two years. Owners are reminded that their vehicles remain subject to the laws of the District of Columbia and must fulfill safe, legal vehicle operation standards under the DC Law. Commercial vehicles are subject to safety and emissions inspections every year, and vehicles-for-hire, such as limousines and taxicabs, are inspected every six months. All inspection fees, including the late and reinspection fees, are collected at the time of vehicle registration. You will receive a renewal notice 60 days in advance of the expiration of your vehicle inspection. You will receive your renewal notice by e-mail if you have provided DMV with your e-mail address. Click here to provide DMV with your e-mail address online.

Also, Vehicle Inspection Appointment Scheduling is available online.

All vehicles registered in DC must have a valid inspection. Therefore, if you fail to have your vehicle inspected prior to the inspection expiration date, you will be assessed late fees which are $20 for every 1 to 30-day period. If your vehicle is still registered, but you cannot have it inspected prior to the inspection expiration date, you should cancel your registration by surrendering your tags at a DMV service center in order to avoid inspection late fees.