Do I Need an Inspection To Renew My Tags in Pennsylvania?
Yes, an inspection is required to renew your vehicle tags in Pennsylvania. All registered vehicles must pass an annual safety inspection, and vehicles registered in 25 designated counties must also complete emissions testing.
The emissions testing requirement applies to vehicles registered in specific regions. The Philadelphia Region includes Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. The Pittsburgh Region encompasses Allegheny, Beaver, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. The South Central Region consists of Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Northampton, and York counties. The Northern Region comprises Blair, Cambria, Centre, Erie, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, and Mercer counties. Vehicles registered in the remaining 42 counties require only safety inspections.
Pennsylvania no longer issues registration stickers for license plates since 2017. Drivers must carry their registration card as proof of current registration. Inspection stickers are affixed to the lower left corner of the windshield on the driver's side, with separate stickers displayed for safety and emissions inspections where applicable.
Exemptions and Special Circumstances
Certain vehicle categories receive exemptions from inspection requirements under Pennsylvania regulations. Antique vehicles, defined as motor vehicles manufactured more than 25 years prior to the current year, are exempt from both safety and emissions inspections. Classic vehicles, manufactured at least 15 years prior to the current year, are exempt from emissions testing but must undergo annual safety inspections.
Farm vehicles with Type A exemption certificates are not required to display valid inspection certificates and may only be operated for farm-related purposes during daylight hours. New vehicles registered during their first model year are exempt from emissions inspection in counties requiring such testing. Motorcycles require annual safety inspections but are exempt from emissions testing requirements.
Contact Information for Tag Services
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Driver and Vehicle Services
1101 South Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone: (717) 412-5300
Official Website: PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services
