Washington Car Inspection
Washington state law requires a VIN inspection for out-of-state registrations.
Written by R.E. Fulton
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
Washington requires a one-time VIN inspection for all out-of-state and rebuilt title registrations. Emissions inspections are no longer mandatory in this state.
A VIN inspection confirms that a vehicle’s identification number matches the information found in public records. This type of inspection is often an important part of transferring a car’s registration to a different state.
Here to walk you through Washington State’s car inspection requirements is
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comparison and broker app Jerry
. What are the vehicle inspection requirements in Washington?
After 38 years, Washington officially
ended its emissions testing program
in January 2020. Air quality in Washington has improved enough since 1982 to make emissions testing unnecessary. Under current state law, the only vehicle inspection required in Washington is a one-time VIN inspection for out-of-state or rebuilt vehicles.
If you’ve just moved to Washington or if your car was previously destroyed or declared a total loss by an insurance company, you’ll need to
schedule a VIN inspection
with the Washington State Patrol.RECOMMENDED
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Where to get a car inspection in Washington
To get a VIN inspection in Washington, start by visiting your local licensing agency to confirm that you need an inspection. They’ll issue you a Washington State Patrol Inspection Request Form.
Complete the form and use the Washington State Patrol’s
online directory
to schedule your inspection at a location near you.How often do you need a car inspection?
Washington’s VIN inspections are a one-time requirement: they are only necessary if the car is being registered for the first time after being rebuilt or registered in another state.
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FAQs about car inspections
Do I have to get an inspection before I sell my car?
Since Washington ended its emissions inspection program, getting a smog check before selling or registering a car is not legally required. However, it’s still a good idea to let your buyer take the car to a mechanic before they sign the paperwork.
How much does an emissions inspection cost?
The cost of emissions inspections in Washington isn’t regulated, so the amount you’ll pay is determined by the shop doing the inspection.
If you choose to get a voluntary smog check, you could pay between $30 and $70.
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