How to become a certified motor vehicle inspector

How to apply

To become a motor vehicle inspector certified by the Department of Motor Vehicles in New York State, you must

You can also call the Office of Vehicle Safety and Clean Air at 1-518-474-4653 to get the forms, or call 1-518-474-0919 to get more information.

It usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to process an application. 

Refund for application rejection

Any rejected applications will receive a full refund.  If you take the class but fail your test, you will only be refunded the certification fee, not the $10 application fee.


Renew my certification

Complete the Application for Renewal as a Motor Vehicle Inspector (pdf) (VS-121W). Make sure that you include a check or a money order in the amount of $15, payable to 'Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.'

Mail the letter and your payment to

NYS DMV
Bureau of Consumer and Facility Services
Inspector Certification Unit
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 220
Albany, NY 12228 



Replace my Certified Motor Vehicle Inspector Card (certificate)

To replace your vehicle inspection certificate

There is no fee to replace your inspector card.

Change the address or amend

To make changes to your certification record

NYS DMV
Bureau of Consumer and Facility Services
Inspector Certification Unit
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 220
Albany, NY 12228