Inspector Qualifications and Training

September 4, 2020

Application Fees

  • Initial or renewal license fee is $25.00

Renewal Period

  • Occurs August 31 of even numbered years.

Qualifications

  • Must be at least 18 years old

  • Must hold a valid driver license to operate a motor vehicle in Texas

  • Must not be currently suspended or revoked in the Texas vehicle inspection program

  • Pass a background check (See 37 TAC §23.5 for more details)

  • Submit an online application

  • Pass a written inspector examination.

  • Pass a practical exam, demonstrating proficiency in the Vehicle Inspection process.

Training Materials

Contact your local Department of Public Safety, Vehicle Inspection Office to 

Schedule your exam to obtain certification as a

  • Safety inspector,
  • Emissions inspector*, or
  • Commercial vehicle inspector*,
    • Commercial endorsement will require a hands-on certification (practical).
    • The Program Investigator will meet the applicant at the inspection station to ensure applicant can conduct a proper commercial inspection.

*Note: An emission and/or commercial endorsement applicant must first pass the safety exam. Please reference the Inspector Study Guide above for further information.

Vehicle Inspection Office Locations by City

City Address Zip Code Phone 
Abilene 2729 Industrial Blvd. 79605 (806) 740-8782
Amarillo 4200 Canyon Drive 79120 (806) 740-8782
Austin 5805 N Lamar Blvd 78752 (512) 424-7010
Bryan 2571 North Earl Rudder Freeway 77803 (281) 272-1150
Corpus Christi 1922 S. Padre Island Drive 78416 (956) 565-7181
Del Rio 2012 Veterans Blvd. 78840 (956) 565-7181
El Paso 615 S. Americas, Bldg. 3 79907 (915) 849-4053
Fort Stockton          2302 W. Dickinson 79735 (432) 498-2170
Houston 11222 N. Houston Rosslyn 77088 (281) 272-1150
Irving 1613 W. Irving Blvd. 75061 (214) 861-2400
Laredo 1901 Bob Bullock Loop 78043 (956) 565-7181
Lubbock 1404 Lubbock Business Park Blvd. Ste. 100        79403 (806) 740-8782
Lufkin 2809 S John Redditt Dr 75904 (281) 272-1150
Midland 2405 S. Loop 250 West 79703 (432) 498-2170
Plano 830 E. Central Pkwy. #325 75074 (214) 861-2400
Rosenberg 5505 Ave N 77471 (281) 412-4552
San Angelo 1600 W. 306 Loop 76904 (432) 498-2170
San Antonio 6502 S. New Braunfels Ave. 78223 (210) 804-5716
Tyler 4700 University Blvd., Spur 248 75707 (214) 861-2400
Waco 1617 E Crest Drive 76705 (254) 759-7136
Weslaco 2525 N. International Blvd. 78599 (956) 565-7181
Wichita Falls 5505 N. Central Expressway 76308   (806) 740-8782