DPS Reminds Texans of Upcoming Emissions Test Requirement in Bexar County
January 30, 2026
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds drivers in San Antonio and surrounding communities to begin preparing their vehicles for new emissions testing requirements, which take effect later this year under House Bill 3297.
Beginning Nov. 1, 2026, Bexar Co. will join the list of emissions counties in Texas – those are counties that require vehicles to pass an emissions test before being registered. It is important to note that emissions tests are different than comprehensive vehicle safety inspections, which were eliminated on Jan. 1, 2025. While safety inspections were eliminated for all non-commercial vehicles, Texans whose vehicles are registered in emissions counties are still required to have emissions tests before registration. The price of vehicle emissions tests in Bexar Co. will be $18.50. Vehicles exempt from emissions inspections, including electric-only vehicles, continue to be exempt. Drivers with unexpired vehicle registration are not required to obtain a passing emissions test until it is time to renew their registration.
As a reminder, all non-commercial vehicles in the state are still subject to a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee per HB 3297. The inspection program replacement fee will be paid when you register your vehicle with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
New vehicles (those of the current or preceding model year on the date of purchase) purchased in Texas that have not been previously registered in Texas or another state, are required to pay an initial inspection program replacement fee of $16.75 to cover two years.
Please note that the inspection program replacement fee is not an increase in the cost of your vehicle registration. As its name suggests, this fee replaces the revenue source for state programs and operations — like the construction and expansion of state highways — which were once supported by the money collected through vehicle safety inspections.
Commercial Vehicles
All commercial vehicles in all counties are still required to obtain a passing vehicle safety inspection. Because they still need to pay for a safety inspection, commercial vehicles are exempt from the inspection program replacement fee.
Remember, all vehicles still need to be registered; the registration process continues to be managed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
The department encourages drivers in Bexar Co. to begin preparing for emissions testing requirements now by taking their vehicles in for service. Regularly servicing your vehicle can help avoid surprise delays in vehicle registration by ensuring your vehicle’s emissions system is in good condition. In addition to checking your vehicle’s emissions system, regular maintenance also ensures the proper operation of your vehicle’s headlights, taillights, horn, mirrors, windshield wipers, tires and other critical functions. Driving a vehicle without many of these properly working safety features is against the law and puts everyone at risk.
Static Internet Protocol Address Required for all Emissions Vehicle Inspection Stations
August 1, 2025
Effective August 1st, 2025, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires all Emissions Vehicle Inspection (VI) stations to have a Static Internet Protocol (IP) address for each location that will be used by all analyzers at the station location. Non-compliance of TAC Rule 23.55 will result in a state lockout of the analyzer. The station’s Static IP Address information must be submitted to DPS via Contact Us or by emailing documents to RSD.StaticIP@dps.texas.gov. Completion of the Static IP Address requires two documents: the VI-100 form and an official communication (letter or email) from your internet carrier. The letter/email must have the station name, station address, and proof of Static IP Address, stating the Static IP.
If your inspection station changes location or you change internet providers, you must submit updated Static IP information to maintain compliance.
Any questions can be directed towards your local Program Investigator.
OBD Communication Error
January 15, 2025
Gasoline powered vehicles that are 2-24 years old that are registered in an affected county or primarily operated in an affected county, must complete an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) emissions test in accordance with State and Federal requirements. The primary purpose of the OBD test is to ensure that vehicles emit the minimum level of pollutants through their useful life.
Effective February 1, 2025, if a vehicle fails the required On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) emissions test due to a communication error, the owner/operator of the vehicle will need to contact Texas Department of Public Safety at the phone number listed at the top of the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) provided by the vehicle inspection station.
Vehicle Safety Inspection Program Changes Now in Effect
January 6, 2025
As of January 1, 2025, Texas Department of Public Safety, Regulatory Services Division implemented House Bill 3297 (88th Legislative Session, 2023). This implementation means non-commercial vehicles are no longer required to obtain a safety inspection before registering their vehicle. Non-commercial vehicles that reside in an emissions county are still required to obtain an emissions inspection prior to registering their vehicle.
All commercial vehicles, regardless of county, continue to be required to have a safety inspection. Commercial vehicles will be exempt from the inspection program replacement fee, as a safety inspection is still required.
All vehicles must be registered. The registration process continues to be managed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. You can find more information on registering your vehicle here.
For more information, please refer to the Department’s news article here.
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