The Texas Department of Public Safety is making changes to the state’s Vehicle Safety Inspection Program. Starting January 1, 2025.
Non-commercial vehicles will no longer need a safety inspection before registration. Instead, owners will pay a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee when registering their vehicles.
New vehicles bought in Texas will need to pay an initial inspection program replacement fee of $16.75 for the first two years.
Vehicles in certain counties will still need emissions tests. This includes counties like Harris, Dallas, Travis, and El Paso. Bexar County will start requiring emissions tests in 2026.
Commercial vehicles will still need safety inspections and will be exempt from the $7.50 fee. All vehicles must still be registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
