Category: Washington DC

Last updated on November 9th, 2017

There are many commonly asked questions concerning Washington DC emissions laws and testing policies.   Here we will cover these frequently asked questions and their answers in order to help you find the information you are looking for concerning Washington DC emissions.

How do I go about having my vehicle inspected for the first time?

In Washington DC it is required for residents to have their vehicles tested for emissions prior to being able to have their vehicle registered.  Brand new vehicles that have a MCO and are non-commercial use are waived from needing an emissions test initially.

How much does it cost to get the vehicle emissions testing inspection done?

The emissions testing inspection fee is $35 and the test results are valid for two years.

Is there a late fee assessed if I get testing done after my due date?

Yes, there is a $20 fee assessed for every 30 days you are late.  This fee will be capped at $480.

Am I able to make an appointment ahead of time to get my vehicle’s emissions tested?

You are able to use an online scheduling service which is available 24 hours per day.  You can access that scheduling service here if you want to set up your appointment for your emissions test.

When and how do I pay for the emissions testing fee?

The fees for your vehicle’s emissions testing are due at the time of registration and registration renewal of your vehicle.  It is possible that depending on your registration date you have already paid the fee for the inspection or you may need to pay it when your next renewal arrives.  The inspection fee you pay includes 2 re-inspections for free if your vehicle requires them.  They must occur within the 20 day period after you initially fail the test.

How long is the wait to get my vehicle emissions tested?

The wait time varies on a day to day basis.  Vehicles are tested on a first come first serve basis.  If you scheduled your appointment online you will get to move past the inspection station gates and go directly into the que for the inspection station lane.

 

 

 

Last updated on March 4th, 2021

In Washington DC you can get your car emissions test at the main inspection location for the area. The main DC vehicle inspection station is located at 1001 Half Street, SW and car emissions test can be done from Tuesday to Saturday. You should first check the hours and schedule before going to the location since the station operates at different hours for the summer and winter seasons.

DC Inspection Station Fees

For the District of Columbia, taking the emissions test is an obligatory requirement for all vehicles. If you have just moved to DC, if you have purchased a new vehicle that has an expired inspection sticker, or if your current car’s sticker is about to expire, it is compulsory to take the emissions test. Depending on the type of vehicle and its intended use, the fees at the DC DMV inspection station can vary. These fees are calculated with the registration fees and also cover two free re-inspections should your car fail the testing. If the vehicle fails the emissions test, the new inspection must be done within 20 days. If the retesting is done after 20 days, the fee for the test will be $35. For private, commercial and for-hire vehicles, the inspection fee is also $35 dollars.

For both new vehicle sticker and replacement inspection sticker, the fee is $10. There are also fees for failing to complete the emissions test on time. For every 30 days, the fee is $20 and is accumulated up to $480 maximum. The DC DMV inspection station does not accept cash as a payment option. The fees and services can be paid for by check, credit or debit cards and money order. The fees are paid at the time of vehicle registration, not at the station.

Inspection Location Accessibility And Scheduling

This DC inspection station is wheelchair accessible and it offers free limited on-site parking. The inspections are usually carried out on a first come – first serve basis, but there are certain exceptions to the rule. The location offers the possibility of scheduling the appointment online. Online scheduling is available for all commercial and non-commercial vehicles, as well as for taxis and limos. If you make a scheduled appointment online, you will be queued into the inspection lane right away. Another important exception to the rule are senior citizens. Senior citizens are to proceed to the front of the line and they need to make sure that the station employee knows that they are a senior citizen.

Inspection Location Wait Times And Peak Hours

The wait times for DC vehicle inspection can vary depending on the day of the week and the time of the day. The usual recommendation is to avoid taking your car for the testing on Tuesdays and the first day after the holiday. When it comes to the busiest hours, the first hour of opening and lunch times (10 am-1 pm) are usually the busiest. The best times to come for a test are on Thursday or Friday from 8:30 am to 10 am and from 1:30 pm to 3 pm. Although the online appointment is not compulsory, it is recommended to make one in order to avoid longer wait. For more details please check the Washington DC emissions testing hours and schedule.

DC DMV Inspection Station Specifics

The main testing station is located at the 1001 half street, SW and there are some specific rules and instructions for the location:

• Certain online services are only available after you visit the DMV inspection station. It is important to note that the registration renewal can now only be done online.
• The safety inspection for private passenger vehicles is not required by the DMV. Taxis, limos and other commercial vehicles are required to take both emissions and safety inspections.
• Inspection fees and fines are to be paid when the vehicle registration is due, not at the testing station.
• As an industry standard, the mileage of the vehicle will be recorded and rounded down to the nearest thousand.
• If the inspection sticker displays “Void“, you need to proceed to get the sticker replacement at the station. The sticker replacement fee applies.
• Vehicles with malfunctions that produce excessive amounts of smoke cannot be inspected.
• No pets are allowed on the premises.

General Info

Each state has an area specific requirements and testing guidelines. For the full DC vehicle inspection info about the requirements, failures, and retests, please visit Washington DC – General Emissions Information and Washington DC – Emissions Testing Failures & Retests pages. Please make sure you follow the rules and requirement carefully in order to avoid unnecessary costs, shorten wait time and successfully renew your car’s registration.
You can also read some of the tips and tricks that can help you prepare your vehicle for the inspection.