Is there still a Texas inspection sticker? How “Two Steps, One Sticker” works

On March 1, 2015, the State of Texas stopped issuing vehicle inspection stickers and transitioned to a “Two Steps, One Sticker” vehicle inspection and registration program. Vehicles owners must pass the annual emissions inspection before going to register the vehicle.

Vehicles must successfully pass the emissions inspection before receiving a passing vehicle inspection report, which is required in order to renew the vehicle's annual registration and obtain a vehicle registration sticker.

As of January 1, 2025, non-commercial vehicles are no longer required to obtain a safety inspection prior to vehicle registration

Inspection requirements for commercial vehicles have not changed. All commercial vehicles must continue to obtain a passing commercial inspection regardless of county of residence.

All inspections are collected at a central database.

The vehicle inspection report (VIR) is provided to the vehicle owner upon completion of the inspection and indicates whether the vehicle passed or failed the inspection.

Most inspection records are available in near real time, but there may be instances when the record is not immediately available.

A copy of the VIR can be obtained from any inspection station within 13 months of the last inspection.

If you need proof of a safety inspection (commercial vehicle) or emissions inspection to complete your vehicle’s registration renewal, visit www.mytxcar.org to download, display electronically, or print a copy of the document.

Present your current, passing Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) to DMV and they will renew your registration.

At the time of inspection, motorists pay only the inspection station’s portion of the fee. The state’s portion of the inspection fee is collected at the time of registration or renewal.

DPS’s FAQ, written for the 2015 change

Inspection fees have not changed. You now pay the inspection fee in two parts, at the inspection station and at the time of registration.

Your vehicle registration may be renewed online 90 days prior to the expiration date or up to 12 months after the expiration date if you have not received a citation for an expired registration.

Vehicle registration renewals can be completed up to 90 days in advance of expiration; a passing emissions test can be obtained within that period.

Eligible motorists that do not pass the vehicle emissions inspection will not receive the required vehicle registration sticker and will be subject to traffic citations from law enforcement authorities.

A vehicle may be operated up to five working days after the registration expires without penalty. After those five days, you can receive a citation of up to $200.