All vehicles in Delaware more than seven years old have to get an emissions inspection every two years—although there are some exceptions.
You will also have to get an inspection on your vehicle within 90 days of its registration date. That rule applies whether you're buying a new car or simply re-registering an older one. If you miss a deadline, you could be tagged with a $20 late fee.
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What are the vehicle inspection requirements in Delaware?
You have to get an emissions inspection every two years in Delaware. That requirement is nullified, though, if the vehicle is less than seven years old.
You’re also required to get a vehicle inspection every time you either register or re-register your vehicle. That test has to be done within 90 days of the registration date to qualify, though. If you fail to get an inspection you could be fined—or your registration application could be denied altogether.
Unlike some other states, VIN inspections aren’t always necessary—although some dealerships or manufacturers might run tests.
Exceptions to the state requirements
There are a few exceptions to Delaware’s inspection requirements. The following types of vehicles are exempt from emissions testing:
Vehicles weighing more than 8500 lbs
Vehicles made before the 1967 model year
Diesel vehicles made before the 1997 model year
Vehicles made in the last 5 model years
Where to get a car inspection in Delaware
It’s fairly easy to get a car inspection in Delaware. There are numerous facilities dispersed across the state, so you shouldn’t have to travel too far to find one. You can find the one nearest to you on the Delaware emissions website
. How often do you need a car inspection?
In Delaware, you need to get an emissions inspection every two years on most types of vehicles. You also might have to get a VIN check when you sell your car—just for the peace of mind of the dealership or buyer.
Finding affordable car insurance
When you’ve completed all of your inspection requirements, it might be time to dip back into your car insurance. Even if you’ve got a pretty good deal, we’d wager that you can do better!
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