How to get your Texas emissions inspection
Texas ended routine safety inspections for most passenger cars in 2025, but 17 counties still require an emissions test. It must pass within 90 days before you renew.
Have these ready
- Your vehicle, with the check-engine light off.
- Proof of current insurance.
- A way to pay the station's fee.
- 1
Confirm your county needs it
Only vehicles registered in the 17 emissions counties need the test. RoadLegal shows this deadline only if yours does. Texas DPS vehicle inspection
- 2
Time it for renewal
Get tested in the 90 days before your registration expires. A test earlier than that won't count.
- 3
Visit a certified station
Many repair shops and oil-change places are certified. Use the DPS station finder to locate one near you. DPS inspection stations
- 4
If it fails, fix and retest
Ask the station for the failure report, get the repair done, and retest before renewing.
If you're already late
Without a passing test you can't renew your registration, which then leads to expired-registration tickets and late fees.
RoadLegal is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Always confirm details on the official site linked above.