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How long is a car inspection good for in Texas?

I recently moved to Texas, and I'm so confused by the state’s vehicle inspection laws. How long is an inspection good for here?

avatar
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
There are a lot of different rules surrounding car inspections in
Texas
—but most inspections in Texas are good for one year. The exception comes for new vehicles, as their initial inspection remains valid for two years. 
Make sure that your Texas car inspection takes place 90 days (approximately three months) before your
registration
expires. You’ll need to provide the following to register your car in Texas:
Keep in mind: You may also need to pass
emissions testing
. There are 17 counties in the Lone Star state that require emissions testing, including: 
  • Brazoria County
  • Collin County
  • Dallas County
  • Denton County
  • El Paso County
  • Ellis County
  • Fort Bend County
  • Galveston County
  • Harris County
  • Johnson County
  • Kaufman County
  • Montgomery County
  • Parker County
  • Rockwall County
  • Tarrant County
  • Travis County
  • Williamson County
If you reside in one of the counties above, be sure to set up an emissions test for your vehicle prior to registration. 
MORE: How to register a car in Texas
View full answer 
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