Is Inspection Required for Registration in Delaware?

Yes, inspection is required for registration in Delaware. Under Delaware Code Title 21, Section 2143, before the Division of Motor Vehicles registers, renews, or reregisters a motor vehicle, the vehicle must first be inspected by the Department and determined to be safe and fit for operation and equipped according to law.

Delaware Inspection Requirements

Delaware operates a mandatory vehicle inspection program under Title 21, Chapter 21, Subchapter III of Delaware Code. The legal authority for inspections comes from Section 2142, which states that inspections shall be for the purpose of determining whether a vehicle is in a safe and fit condition to be operated upon the highways of the State.

The inspection mandate requires biennial testing at state-operated facilities. Most vehicles must pass both safety and emissions inspections once every two years. The Division of Motor Vehicles performs all inspections at no charge to Delaware residents. Section 2141 requires the Department to maintain at least one inspection facility in each of Delaware's three counties with qualified inspectors for registration and inspection purposes.

Vehicles may be inspected up to 90 days before registration expiration without changing the expiration date. The Division sends email or phone renewal notices 90, 60, and 30 days before expiration.

Inspection Requirements for New Registrations in Delaware

New vehicle inspection requirements depend on the vehicle's source and age.

New Vehicles from Dealers: New motor vehicles sold by dealers who provide the Delaware Application for Title Form MV212 are exempt from inspection. Under Section 2143(a), the Department may waive inspection requirements for new motor vehicles never titled in any state. Dealers may also be assigned authority to perform safety and VIN inspections on vehicles seven model years old or newer.

Used Vehicles from Private Sellers: Used vehicles being titled for the first time in Delaware must pass a full inspection before registration. This includes safety and emissions testing. The newest seven model years weighing 10,000 pounds or less may only require VIN verification.

Out-of-State Vehicles: All out-of-state vehicles require Delaware DMV inspection for initial registration. Under Section 2143(b), the Department may accept out-of-state inspections for vehicles temporarily outside Delaware, but owners must submit vehicles for Delaware inspection within 10 days of returning to the state.

Types of Inspections Required in Delaware

Delaware requires safety and emissions inspections to ensure vehicles meet state standards for roadworthiness and air quality compliance.

Safety Inspection: The safety inspection examines critical components including:

• Lights (headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals) must be clean, functional, and properly aimed
• Brakes must stop the vehicle within the required distance
• Windows and windshields must have no holes, breaks, or cracks
• Mirrors must be clean and unbroken
• Windshield wipers must be fully operative with good rubber blades
• Horn must be audible for at least 200 feet
• Tires must have adequate tread depth with no structural damage
• Steering and suspension systems must be properly aligned and functional
• The exhaust system must be secure with no leaks
• Seat belts must be present and functional for all positions

Inspections also include a pressure test of the fuel system for leaks.

Inspection Fee Schedule: All inspections are performed at no charge:

Emissions Testing: Delaware performs two types of emissions testing: idle emissions tests and OBD-II testing. Testing requirements vary by vehicle year and weight:

• 1968-1995 vehicles: Curb idle emissions test (all counties)
• 1996+ gasoline vehicles under 8,500 lbs: OBD-II test
• 1997+ diesel vehicles under 8,500 lbs: OBD-II test
• 2008+ vehicles 8,501-14,000 lbs: OBD-II test
• Newest seven model years: Exempt from emissions testing

Exemptions: The following vehicles are exempt from inspection requirements:

• Vehicles in the seven newest model years under 10,000 lbs (emissions exempt; may need VIN verification)
• Antique motor vehicles (25+ years old)
• Trailers 4,000 lbs or less without brakes
• Motorcycles and mopeds
• Fire and rescue vehicles (with certification)
• Vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan
• Fleet vehicles at approved facilities (10+ vehicle fleets)

Under Section 2143(d), trailers 4,000 pounds or less not required to have brakes are exempt. Trailers over 4,000 pounds must pass brake and safety inspections every two years.

Delaware Registration Renewal and Inspection Requirements

Delaware links inspection compliance to registration renewal eligibility. Vehicles in the six newest model years under 10,000 pounds do not require inspection and receive renewal notices by mail or email. Six-year-old vehicles receive one-year renewals without inspection. All other vehicles must pass inspection for a two-year renewal.

Penalties for Expired Inspections in Delaware

Operating without a valid inspection carries penalties.

The mandatory $20 late fee applies to all renewals after expiration, as specified in Section 2151(6).

Roadside Inspection Orders: Under Section 2144, police officers may require vehicles to stop for inspection at any time. If deficiencies are found, owners receive a written notice requiring repairs and inspection approval within five days. Vehicles cannot be operated except to drive within 20 miles to a residence or a repair facility.

Where to Get an Inspection in Delaware

The Division operates inspection lanes at four DMV locations statewide.

Finding a Licensed Inspection Station

Delaware does not license private stations for registration inspections. All safety and emissions testing for registration must be performed at DMV facilities in Delaware City, Wilmington, Dover, or Georgetown.

For emission-related repairs after inspection failure, vehicle owners should use Certified Emission Repair Technicians. These certified facilities can perform repairs that may count toward emissions waivers.

Types of Inspection Facilities

• State DMV Inspection Lanes: Four locations performing all registration inspections
• Certified Emission Repair Facilities: Private shops certified to perform emission repairs and limited drive-cycle testing
• Authorized Dealer Facilities: Dealers may perform safety/VIN inspections on vehicles seven model years or newer (with DMV approval)
• Fleet Inspection Sites: Approved facilities for fleets of 10+ vehicles at company headquarters

Choosing Where to Get Repairs

After an inspection failure, owners may choose any qualified repair facility. Retesting at DMV is free. For emissions failures, repairs by Certified Emission Repair Technicians may qualify for inspection waivers if vehicles cannot feasibly meet standards. Owners should obtain written repair estimates before authorizing work.

Delaware Registration Without Current Inspection

Delaware provides temporary permits for vehicles needing inspection.

Under Section 2103, the Department may issue temporary permits valid up to 15 days. When registration expires, owners pay a $20 fee plus regular registration fees for temporary permits allowing operation while completing the inspection.

Owners with expired registration may obtain Direct Drive Permits by phone to drive to the nearest DMV for inspection. These recorded telephone permits authorize travel specifically for inspection purposes.

New vehicle temporary tags cost $40 and provide 60 days of legal operation. Tags can be extended once for an additional 60 days at no charge.

For vehicles outside Delaware when inspection is due, owners may submit out-of-state inspections on DMV-prescribed forms. However, vehicles must be inspected at the Delaware DMV within 10 days of returning to the state.

Government Agencies

Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Delaware City Location
2101 Mid County Drive, New Castle, DE 19720
Phone: (302) 326-5000
Website: Delaware DMV

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 739-9000
Website: DNREC Air Quality