Become a Certified Motor Vehicle Inspector [1]

How to apply

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

• be age 17 or older
• have a valid New York State DMV ID Number (Client ID Number) from your NY State driver license, learner permit or non-driver photo ID card
• comply with the qualifications listed in Part 79 of the DMV Commissioner's Motor Vehicle Inspection Regulations (pdf) [2] (CR-79)
• complete the Application for Certification as a Motor Vehicle Inspector (pdf) [3] (VS-120)

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. The time varies however, depending on availability of certification classes in your area.

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) [4] (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

• complete Application for Certification as a Motor Vehicle Inspector (pdf) [3] (VS-120 )
• check the box on the form for 'Duplicate'
• mail the form to the address listed on the form

There is no fee to replace your inspector card.

Change the address or amend

To make changes to your certification record

• complete Application for Certification as a Motor Vehicle Inspector (pdf) [3] (VS-120 )
• check the 'Amendment' box on the form
• send a fax of the form to (518) 474-4702, or mail the form to

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