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Do I still need a vehicle inspection in Texas?

As of January 1, 2025, non-commercial vehicles are no longer required to get a safety inspection before registration. Commercial vehicles still need an inspection. (source: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles)

The state now collects an Inspection Replacement Fee of $7.50 at registration ($16.75 for new vehicles given two years of registration). (source: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles)

Emissions counties

Non-commercial vehicles registered in these 18 counties must still pass an emissions inspection before renewing: Bexar, Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis and Williamson. (source: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles)

Gasoline vehicles 2 to 24 years old are tested every year starting on the second anniversary. Electric vehicles, diesel vehicles, motorcycles and mopeds are not tested. (source: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality)

If the vehicle has not passed, the county cannot renew the registration. For a registration denial question, TCEQ lists a hotline at 1 (888) 295-0141. (source: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality)

As of November 1, 2026, Bexar County is the 18th Texas emissions county: TxDMV Registration and Title Bulletin RTB 003-26 says Bexar joins the 17 existing emissions counties. Some older TxDMV pages, such as Buying or Selling a Vehicle, still list only 17 counties; the bulletin says existing TxDMV guides and website content will be updated to include Bexar. (source: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles) (source: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles)

Details by county: Emissions test cost and timing and Bexar County emissions testing.

On this site: When is my Texas registration due, and what if it is late? · I just moved to Texas. What are the vehicle deadlines? · Buying or selling a car in Texas: title and transfer deadlines · Do I still need a vehicle inspection in Texas? · Texas emissions test: cost, timing and retests · Bexar County emissions testing: required from November 1, 2026 · Towed from a private lot in Texas: what can they charge? · Texas vehicle storage lot fees and getting your car back · How to challenge a tow in Texas (tow hearing) · Texas Lemon Law: tests, deadline and fee · Texas vehicle fees at a glance · Cities · FAQ · Sources

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