No, you generally cannot get a car inspected with an expired registration. In most states, a valid registration is a prerequisite for passing the annual safety and/or emissions inspection. The inspection station's system will typically flag an expired registration, and they will be unable to issue a new inspection sticker until the registration is current. Driving with both an expired registration and an expired inspection sticker can result in multiple fines.
The process is sequential for a reason. The inspection ensures your vehicle is roadworthy and meets environmental standards. Once it passes, you then use the new inspection certificate to renew your registration. Attempting to reverse this order creates a catch-22. You can't get an inspection without a valid registration, but you can't renew the registration without a valid inspection. The only way to resolve this is to address the registration first, which may involve paying late fees.
Some states offer a brief grace period for expired registrations, allowing you to get the car inspected. However, this is the exception, not the rule. Your best course of action is to contact your local DMV or check their website for specific procedures in your state. In some cases, you may be able to obtain a temporary or one-trip permit specifically to drive the vehicle to an inspection station.
| State | Typical Rule | Exception / Note |
|---|
| Texas | Inspection required before registration renewal. | Registration cannot be expired to get inspection. |
| New York | Valid registration needed for inspection. | May issue a temporary inspection permit for expired reg. |
| California | Registration must be current for Smog Check. | No smog check needed if registration is non-operational. |
| Florida | No statewide vehicle inspection. | Safety inspection only required for commercial vehicles. |
| Pennsylvania | Valid registration is required to pass inspection. | Mechanics can refuse to inspect a car with expired tags. |
The safest approach is to renew your registration on time. If it's already expired, plan to handle the renewal, which will likely require getting the car inspected as part of the process, potentially with the aid of a temporary permit for the journey to the inspection site.
