Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone selling or transferring a used vehicle in Maryland must obtain a Certificate of Inspection from an authorized station. New Maryland residents registering an out-of-state vehicle are also required to pass a safety inspection before the MVA will register the vehicle.

The MVA's safety checklist is comprehensive. It includes steering, brakes, suspension, wheels and alignment, tires, fuel system, exhaust, electrical systems, all lighting, emissions equipment, CV boots, safety belts, mirrors, wipers, doors, latches, windshield glazing, speedometer, odometer, and general vehicle condition.

Most inspections are completed in 1 to 2 hours. The MVA checklist is extensive, but our certified technicians are efficient and thorough.

Your Maryland Certificate of Inspection is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued. You must submit it to the MVA and register your vehicle within this window.

If your vehicle fails its initial Maryland safety inspection, you have 30 days or 1,000 miles (whichever comes first) to get the necessary repairs made and return for re-inspection. If you exceed that window, a full new inspection will be required. A re-inspection fee may apply depending on the items that failed.

Yes. You have three options: fix it yourself (your repairs must still pass re-inspection), have the inspection station handle the repairs, or take the vehicle to another repair facility. Keep in mind that re-inspection must be done by the same inspector at the same authorized station where the original inspection was performed.

You can obtain a temporary 30-day registration through the MVA website (mva.maryland.gov) that permits you to drive your vehicle to and from the inspection station.

Appointments are recommended to ensure minimal wait time, but we do accept walk-ins during business hours based on availability. Call us to schedule your inspection.

The MVA only accepts inspection certificates from authorized safety inspection stations in Maryland. Maryland Auto Inspections has been an MVA-authorized station since 1995 — licensed, insured, and trusted.