Virginia Vehicle Inspection: Annual Safety Inspection and Northern Virginia Emissions
Virginia requires an annual safety inspection statewide. Emissions inspections apply only to vehicles in the Northern Virginia program area.
Independent guide. This site is not run by any state DMV, state police or environmental agency, and it is not affiliated with any repair shop or inspection station, including any business with a similar name. Rules and fees change, so confirm anything important with the official source linked at the bottom of each page.
| Safety inspection | Once a year. The month and year on the windshield sticker show when it is due. |
|---|---|
| Maximum fee | $20 for each inspection of any vehicle other than those listed with higher or lower caps below. Motorcycles and autocycles: $12. Tractor trucks, trucks of 26,000 lbs GVWR or more and vehicles carrying more than 15 passengers: $51. |
| If rejected | All defects must be corrected and the vehicle reinspected within 15 days. |
| Emissions | Every two years, in Northern Virginia only (see the emissions guide). |
The official inspection procedure
When a vehicle is presented for inspection, the previous approval sticker is removed and destroyed before the inspection begins (a rejection sticker is the exception). The inspector drives the vehicle into the inspection lane and examines the items listed in our Virginia safety inspection guide. If the vehicle is approved, the completed sticker is placed on the vehicle and the receipt or certificate is given to the operator.
Keep the receipt in the vehicle
The Virginia State Police remind owners to keep the original inspection receipt inside the vehicle, as required by law. If a transferred sticker leads to a traffic stop, the receipt and documentation of the windshield replacement should resolve concerns.
Windshield replacement and replacement stickers
Virginia Code § 46.2-1164 allows a valid inspection sticker to be removed solely to transfer it to a newly installed windshield. Businesses replacing windshields must make a good-faith effort to transfer the existing sticker. If the sticker is destroyed in the process, the customer may contact the nearest State Police Motor Vehicle Inspection Program office for a replacement, which is free with a valid inspection receipt. For lost or stolen stickers a police report is required.
Frequently asked questions
How often is a Virginia safety inspection required?
Once a year. The month and year on the windshield sticker show when the next one is due.
What is the most a Virginia safety inspection can cost?
The Virginia State Police list a maximum of $20 for each inspection of a vehicle other than tractor trucks, heavy trucks, large passenger vehicles and motorcycles (motorcycles and autocycles: $12).
How long do I have to fix a rejected vehicle?
All defects must be corrected and the vehicle reinspected within 15 days. The rejection sticker's validity covers 15 days in addition to the day of the inspection.
Related guides
Sources
Facts on this page come from the official sources below (checked October 24, 2026).