What a New Hampshire vehicle inspection covers

New Hampshire requires an annual safety inspection for most vehicles registered in the state. The inspection checks whether your vehicle meets minimum safety standards set by the state — things like brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, and steering. It does not test emissions; New Hampshire has no emissions testing program.

The inspection sticker you receive is valid for one year from the month it is issued. You can get an inspection done anytime during the month before your sticker expires, so if your sticker expires in June, you can get inspected starting in May.

The inspection costs $25 and is performed at any authorized inspection station — these are typically independent repair shops, tire shops, and some gas stations throughout the state. You do not go to the DMV itself for this inspection.

Key Takeaways

  • New Hampshire inspections check safety equipment like brakes, lights, and wipers, but do not test emissions.
  • You can get inspected at any authorized private repair shop or gas station, not at a DMV office.
  • The inspection costs $25 and the sticker is valid for one year from the month it is issued.
  • You can have your vehicle inspected anytime during the month before your current sticker expires.
  • Driving with an expired inspection sticker can result in a fine and is considered a safety violation.

Finding an authorized inspection station

The New Hampshire Department of Safety maintains a list of all authorized inspection stations on its website. You can search by town or by the type of station (repair shop, tire dealer, gas station) to find one near you. Most stations can inspect your vehicle the same day you visit, though busy shops may have a short wait.

When you call ahead, confirm that the station is currently authorized — some stations occasionally lose their authorization. You will need to bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance, though the inspector does not need to see your insurance card; they just verify that your vehicle is insured through the state's database.

What happens during the inspection

The inspection takes about 15 to 30 minutes. The inspector checks your brakes, lights (headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights), windshield wipers, horn, steering, and the condition of your windshield for cracks or damage that blocks your view. They also verify that your vehicle identification number (VIN) matches your registration.

If your vehicle passes, you receive a sticker to place on your windshield. The sticker shows the month and year it expires. If your vehicle fails, the inspector gives you a written report listing what needs to be fixed. You then have 10 days to have the repairs made and return for a re-inspection at no additional cost.

Some common reasons vehicles fail inspection include worn brake pads, burned-out lights, cracked windshields, non-functioning wipers, or steering problems. Many of these are inexpensive fixes.

What vehicles need an inspection

Most passenger vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles registered in New Hampshire need an annual inspection. Vehicles that are less than one year old from the date of first registration do not need an inspection for their first year. After that, they follow the standard annual schedule.

Vehicles registered as antiques or classics may have different inspection requirements — contact your local DMV office or the Department of Safety to confirm. Vehicles registered out of state do not need a New Hampshire inspection unless you are registering them in New Hampshire.

Inspection sticker expiration and renewal

Your inspection sticker expires on the last day of the month shown on the sticker. You can renew your inspection anytime during the month before expiration. For example, if your sticker says "06/24" (June 2024), you can get a new inspection anytime in May 2024, and the new sticker will be valid through June 2025.

If your sticker expires and you have not yet had a new inspection, you should not drive the vehicle on public roads. Driving with an expired inspection sticker is a violation and can result in a fine. If you are pulled over, a police officer can issue a citation.

Scam alert: Inspection sticker fraud

Do not buy inspection stickers from anyone other than an authorized inspection station. Some people sell stickers illegally online or through private sales. These stickers are counterfeit and will not pass verification if you are stopped by police. Using a fraudulent sticker is a crime and can result in fines and criminal charges.

Authorized inspection stations are the only legal source for stickers. If someone offers to sell you a sticker without inspecting your vehicle, or offers to inspect your vehicle without actually checking it, report that station to the New Hampshire Department of Safety.

What to do if your vehicle fails inspection

When your vehicle fails, the inspector provides a detailed report of what failed and why. You have 10 days from the date of the failed inspection to have the repairs completed and return for a re-inspection. The re-inspection is free — you only pay the $25 fee once.

You do not have to return to the same station for the re-inspection, though many people do for convenience. Any authorized station can perform the re-inspection. If your vehicle fails a second time, you have another 10 days to fix the remaining issues and return again.

If you cannot afford the repairs, some community action agencies and non-profit organizations in New Hampshire offer vehicle repair information for low-income drivers. Contact your local community action program to ask about these programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my inspection done before my current sticker expires?

Yes. You can get inspected anytime during the month before your sticker expires. If your sticker expires in July, you can get inspected starting in June. The new sticker will then be valid for one year from that month.

What if I move to New Hampshire and my vehicle was registered in another state?

When you register your vehicle in New Hampshire, you will need to get a New Hampshire inspection before or at the time of registration. Bring your vehicle to an authorized inspection station, get the sticker, and then complete your registration at your local DMV office.

Do I need an inspection if my vehicle is parked and not driven?

If your vehicle is registered in New Hampshire, it needs an inspection even if you do not drive it regularly. If you do not plan to drive the vehicle, you can let the registration expire instead, which also means you do not need an inspection.

What if the inspection station says my vehicle cannot pass because of damage I cannot afford to fix?

Contact your local community action agency or non-profit organization about vehicle repair information programs. Some offer grants or low-cost repairs for low-income drivers. You can also ask the inspection station for recommendations on affordable repair shops in your area.

How do I know if an inspection station is actually authorized?

Check the Department of Safety website, which lists all currently authorized stations by town. You can also call the station and ask for their authorization number. Do not use a station that is not on the official list, as their inspection sticker will not be valid.