In most states, you cannot get a car inspected without a valid registration card or a valid temporary registration. The inspection station is legally required to verify that the vehicle is properly registered with the state before performing the safety and/or emissions inspection. However, there are a few exceptions and specific procedures you can follow if your registration card is lost.
The primary reason for this rule is that the inspection is tied directly to the vehicle's registration status. The inspection sticker's expiration date is often aligned with the registration's renewal date. Without proof of current registration, the inspection station has no way to confirm the vehicle is legally allowed on the road, making the inspection process moot. If your card is lost or stolen, your first step should be to contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or its equivalent. You can typically request a duplicate registration card, which is often available for a small fee, and sometimes even instantly online or at a kiosk.
Some states may accept alternative forms of documentation. For instance, you might be able to use a registration renewal notice from the DMV, which contains all the necessary vehicle information. In cases where you've just purchased the vehicle, a signed title application or a bill of sale, along with your photo ID, might suffice at some private inspection stations, but this is less common and not guaranteed. It’s always best to call the inspection station ahead of time to confirm what documents they require. Attempting to get an inspection without the proper paperwork will likely result in a rejected attempt, wasting your time.
| State | Typical Document Required | Accepts Temporary/Online Copy? | Special Notes |
|---|
| Texas | Current Registration Receipt | Yes, a printed temporary is acceptable. | The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) must match. |
| New York | Valid Registration Document | Yes, but must be official DMV issue. | Inspection is electronically linked to registration. |
| California | Registration Card or Renewal Notice | Varies by station; official copy is best. | Smog check results are sent directly to the DMV. |
| Florida | Valid Registration | Generally requires the physical card. | Safety inspections are largely discontinued; some counties require emissions. |
| Pennsylvania | Current Registration Card | A temporary registration (MV-1) is acceptable. | Proof of insurance is also required at the time of inspection. |
