How Much Does Vehicle Inspection Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Vehicle Inspection Include?
Vehicle inspections verify your car meets state safety and/or emissions standards. Requirements vary by state — some require annual inspections, others only require emissions testing, and some states have no inspection requirements at all.
The national average cost for vehicle inspection is $50 per inspection. Most homeowners pay between $20 and $100, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Inspection Type
Safety only: $15-$35. Emissions only: $15-$50. Combined safety + emissions: $30-$100
By State
Texas: $7-$26. New York: $21-$37. Pennsylvania: $35-$85. California (smog): $30-$90
Vehicle Type
Standard passenger vehicle: base price. Diesel: add $10-$30. Heavy trucks: $30-$100+
Key Cost Factors
- ✓State requirements
- ✓Inspection type (safety, emissions, both)
- ✓Vehicle age
- ✓Re-inspection fees if failed
- ✓Station location
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Check if your state waives inspections for newer vehicles (many exempt cars under 2-4 years old)
- 2.Fix known issues before the inspection to avoid re-inspection fees ($10-$30)
- 3.Many oil change shops offer inspections at lower cost than dealerships
- 4.Some states allow free re-inspections within 30 days at the same station
📈 Vehicle Inspection Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +19.0% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $42 | — |
| 2021 | $44 | +4.8% |
| 2022 | $47 | +6.8% |
| 2023 | $48 | +2.1% |
| 2024 | $50 | +4.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Vehicle Inspection Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $16 | $41 | $82 |
| Alaska | $26 | $64 | $128 |
| Arizona | $19 | $48 | $95 |
| Arkansas | $16 | $40 | $80 |
| California | $27 | $68 | $135 |
| Colorado | $22 | $54 | $108 |
| Connecticut | $24 | $61 | $122 |
| Delaware | $21 | $53 | $105 |
| Florida | $20 | $49 | $98 |
| Georgia | $18 | $45 | $90 |
| Hawaii | $28 | $71 | $142 |
| Idaho | $18 | $46 | $92 |
| Illinois | $21 | $53 | $105 |
| Indiana | $18 | $44 | $88 |
| Iowa | $17 | $43 | $86 |
| Kansas | $17 | $43 | $85 |
| Kentucky | $17 | $42 | $84 |
| Louisiana | $17 | $44 | $87 |
| Maine | $20 | $51 | $102 |
| Maryland | $23 | $57 | $115 |
| Massachusetts | $26 | $65 | $130 |
| Michigan | $18 | $46 | $92 |
| Minnesota | $20 | $51 | $102 |
| Mississippi | $16 | $39 | $78 |
| Missouri | $17 | $44 | $87 |
| Montana | $19 | $48 | $95 |
| Nebraska | $18 | $44 | $88 |
| Nevada | $20 | $51 | $102 |
| New Hampshire | $22 | $56 | $112 |
| New Jersey | $25 | $63 | $125 |
| New Mexico | $18 | $45 | $90 |
| New York | $26 | $66 | $132 |
| North Carolina | $18 | $45 | $90 |
| North Dakota | $18 | $45 | $90 |
| Ohio | $18 | $45 | $90 |
| Oklahoma | $17 | $42 | $83 |
| Oregon | $22 | $55 | $110 |
| Pennsylvania | $20 | $51 | $102 |
| Rhode Island | $23 | $57 | $115 |
| South Carolina | $17 | $44 | $87 |
| South Dakota | $17 | $43 | $85 |
| Tennessee | $17 | $43 | $86 |
| Texas | $19 | $47 | $93 |
| Utah | $19 | $48 | $95 |
| Vermont | $22 | $54 | $108 |
| Virginia | $21 | $53 | $105 |
| Washington | $23 | $57 | $115 |
| West Virginia | $16 | $40 | $80 |
| Wisconsin | $19 | $47 | $94 |
| Wyoming | $18 | $46 | $92 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states require vehicle inspections?
States requiring safety inspections include: Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Missouri, and others. Many states require emissions testing only. About 15 states have no inspection requirements at all.
What happens if my car fails inspection?
You'll receive a list of items that need repair. Most states give you 30-60 days to make repairs and get re-inspected. Re-inspection fees are typically $10-$30 or free at the same station. Driving with a failed inspection can result in fines.
🏙️ Vehicle Inspection Cost by City
Compare vehicle inspection costs in the most popular US cities:
View all 219 cities →
Related Cost Guides
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