Business Partners

Our new site for online collaboration and resources for NCDOT business, professional and working partners.

Find here:

* Headlight Aimers & Window Tint Meters
* LT-300 Inspection Station Application
* LT-310 Inspector/Mechanic Certification
* LT-355 Day-To-Day Station Operation
* New eCommerce ACH Program
* New Statewide Inspection System
* Safety & Emissions Inspection Manual

Inspection Stations

Need a NC Inspection Station? Most service stations, automobile dealerships and vehicle repair garages are licensed inspection stations.

Find an Inspection Station
Window Tinting

Learn more about putting window tint on your vehicle:

Getting Your Vehicle Inspected, Steps

A NC Vehicle Safety & Emissions Inspection is required annually before the vehicle’s registration can be renewed. An inspection consists of 2 steps:

Step 1, County Requirement

If you live in one of these counties you are required to have an emissions inspection.

Step 2, Inspections

There are two parts to your vehicle's inspection.

Vehicle Safety Inspection

The vehicle inspection can be performed at any of the 7,500 licensed inspection stations throughout the state.

Exemptions, the following vehicle types do not need a Safety Inspection:
  • Vehicles 35 years old, or older

On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Emissions Inspection

North Carolina is fighting ozone-forming emissions from gasoline-operated cars and light duty trucks. Inspections are conducted using the vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system, computerized equipment installed on all new vehicles since 1996.

Exemptions, the following vehicle types do not need an OBD Emissions Inspection:
  • Vehicles 35 years old, or older
  • Model 1995 vehicles, or older
  • Diesel-operated vehicles
  • Vehicles licensed under the farmer rate
Step 3, Pay Your Fees
Safety & On-Board Diagnostic Inspections
On-Board Diagnostic Emissions Inspection [?] $30.00
Safety Inspection [?] $13.60

Vehicle Fees, Contact & Delivery Information

Email Us:
Visit Us:
Mail Us:
N. C. Division of Motor Vehicles
3148 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699

Safety & On-Board Diagnostic Inspections, Contact Information

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Electronic Vehicle Inspection Program

North Carolina vehicle safety and emissions inspections have gone electronic. This means that, since Nov. 1, 2008 windshield inspection stickers are not issued at your vehicle inspection.

Inspection mechanics will continue to issue a receipt showing the date, station and results of your inspection, and a record of your inspection will be entered into the DMV's vehicle registration database.

Failure to Pass Inspection

Unable to repair your vehicle?

If your car passes the safety inspection but fails the emissions inspection your vehicle may be eligible for a waiver if you meet the requirements imposed in North Carolina General Statute 20 – 183.5.

If you have questions regarding qualifications for a wavier: