2026 Virginia State Inspection Checklist & Appointment Guide
Book a state inspection appointment near Town Center, Kempsville, and Pembroke. $20 Virginia state inspection at 5564 Virginia Beach Blvd, just off I-264 and Independence Blvd, most vehicles done in 30 to 45 minutes. Below is the full 2026 checklist of every item we are required to check, so you know what to fix before you come in.
Open Mon-Fri 7am-6pm · Sat 7am-5pm · (757) 600-2095
How our state inspection appointments work
Call (757) 600-2095 and we will reserve an inspection bay at 5564 Virginia Beach Blvd for your time slot.
Wait in our lounge or drop the keys and we will text you the moment the sticker is on.
If something fails, you get a 15-day rejection sticker and we can repair and re-inspect in house.
Every passenger vehicle registered in Virginia has to pass an annual safety inspection at a station licensed by the Virginia State Police. The fee is capped at $20, and the inspection usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. If you are searching for a "state inspection near me" in Virginia Beach, Kempsville, Town Center, Pembroke, Norfolk, or Chesapeake, our shop is on Virginia Beach Blvd between Rosemont Road and Independence Blvd, with easy access from I-264 and I-64. Book a state inspection appointment and we will have a bay ready.
Use the checklist below before you come in. Most failures are cheap fixes that only cost you a second trip if you miss them. Need repairs first? See our Virginia state inspection service page or schedule a repair visit.
Are wheels removed during a Virginia state inspection?
Usually not. For most cars and light trucks, the wheels stay on during a Virginia safety inspection. The state only requires the inspector to visually examine a minimum of two wheels, one front and one rear, to check brake pad thickness, rotor condition, and related hardware.
If your wheels are open enough for the inspector to see the brake pads and rotors clearly, they do not need to come off. This is the case for most modern passenger vehicles.
Wheels are removed if the wheel design or hubcap blocks the view of the brakes, or if the vehicle has drum brakes, the wheel and drum must both be removed for inspection.
- Inspectors must check at least one front and one rear wheel on each passenger vehicle.
- New-model vehicles less than one year old may be exempt from wheel removal.
- If wheels are removed, lug nuts are retorqued to manufacturer specs and the receipt shows which wheels were pulled.
Searching for a state inspection near you in Virginia Beach? Book a state inspection appointment at Beach Auto & Transmission Repair and we will inspect your vehicle the same way the Virginia State Police regulations require.
The full checklist
Brakes
- Brake pad thickness (minimum 2/32" remaining)
- Brake rotor and drum condition (no excessive scoring or warping)
- Parking brake holds the vehicle on an incline
- Brake pedal travel within spec, no spongy feel
- Brake fluid level above MIN line, no visible leaks
- Brake warning light not illuminated
Tires & Wheels
- Tread depth at least 2/32" across the full width of each tire
- No exposed cord, cuts, bulges, or sidewall damage
- All lug nuts present and tight
- No mismatched tire sizes on the same axle
- Spare tire (if equipped) safely secured
Steering & Suspension
- Steering wheel free play within spec (no excessive looseness)
- Tie rod ends, ball joints, and control arm bushings tight
- Shocks and struts not leaking or worn out
- Power steering operates normally without whining or binding
- Vehicle sits level, no broken or sagging springs
Lights & Electrical
- Headlights (low + high beam) aimed correctly and working
- Taillights, brake lights, and license plate light functional
- Turn signals and hazard flashers (front, rear, side) working
- Reverse lights illuminate when in reverse
- Dashboard warning lights not stuck on (ABS, airbag, etc.)
- Horn audible from at least 200 feet
Windshield & Visibility
- No cracks longer than 1 1/2" in driver's direct line of sight
- No star/chip damage larger than 1 1/2" anywhere
- Wipers clear the windshield without streaking or chattering
- Washer fluid sprays and reaches windshield
- Window tint complies with Virginia limits (front side: 50%+ VLT, rear: 35%+ VLT)
- Rear-view mirror and both side mirrors present and intact
Exhaust System
- Exhaust system sealed end-to-end (no leaks, holes, or excessive rust)
- Catalytic converter present and unaltered
- Muffler reduces noise to legal levels
- Emissions hardware present and unaltered (a check engine light by itself is not a Virginia safety inspection rejection item)
- Fuel cap seals tight and the fuel system shows no leaks
Safety Equipment
- Seat belts retract and latch securely in all positions
- Driver and passenger seats lock in place (no sliding)
- Doors open and close from inside and outside
- Airbag system present and unaltered (an illuminated airbag lamp is not a Virginia safety inspection rejection item)
- Hood latch (primary and secondary) holds securely
Fluids & Under the Hood
- No active oil, coolant, or transmission leaks dripping to the ground
- Battery secured in tray, no major corrosion on terminals
- Belts free of cracks, glazing, or fraying
- Hoses firm, not bulging or cracked
Catch these before they catch you
Where to book your Virginia state inspection
Our inspection bays are on Virginia Beach Blvd, minutes from Town Center, Kempsville, and the Pembroke area, and an easy drive from Norfolk and Chesapeake. Call to book a state inspection appointment during open hours.
- Virginia Beach
- Town Center
- Kempsville
- Pembroke
- Great Neck
- Norfolk
- Chesapeake
- Hampton Roads
- Mon-Fri: 7am - 6pm
- Sat: 7am - 5pm
- Sun: Closed
Virginia state inspection FAQ
How do I book a state inspection appointment in Virginia Beach?
Call Beach Auto & Transmission Repair at (757) 600-2095 to book a state inspection appointment at 5564 Virginia Beach Blvd. We schedule inspections Monday through Friday 7am to 6pm and Saturday 7am to 5pm. Appointments are required so we can reserve an inspection bay for your vehicle.
What is the best time to book a state inspection?
Early morning appointments right at 7am and mid-week afternoons are usually the easiest to get. The last week of the month is the busiest, since most stickers expire on the final day of the month.
How much does a Virginia state inspection cost in 2026?
Virginia caps the official state inspection fee at $20 for passenger vehicles. Beach Auto & Transmission Repair charges the standard $20, with no add-on fees for the inspection itself.
How long does a Virginia state inspection take?
Most inspections take 30-45 minutes if there are no issues. We recommend dropping off if you can; we'll text you when it's done.
What happens if my car fails inspection?
You'll get a rejection sticker that's valid for 15 days. During that window you can drive only to and from a repair shop. Once the issue is fixed, the same shop can re-inspect, often at no additional charge if it's within the 15-day window.
When does my Virginia state inspection expire?
Look at the sticker on your windshield. The month punched on top is the month it expires, you have until the last day of that month to renew. Don't wait until day 30; failed items take time to fix.
Can I get inspected before my sticker expires?
Yes. Virginia lets you inspect any time, and the new sticker is dated from the inspection month. You don't lose time by going early.
Do all repair shops in Virginia do state inspections?
No, only Official Virginia State Inspection stations licensed by the Virginia State Police. Beach Auto & Transmission Repair is an official station.
Do I need an appointment for a state inspection?
Yes. Virginia state inspections at Beach Auto & Transmission Repair are by appointment only. Call (757) 600-2095 to book a state inspection appointment and we will hold an inspection bay for your arrival.
How long does an inspection appointment take?
Most booked inspections are finished in 30 to 45 minutes. Because we reserve a bay for your appointment time, there is no first-come, first-served wait.
Can I wait at the shop during my inspection?
Yes. We have a customer waiting area with seating, Wi-Fi and coffee, and most inspections are finished in 30 to 45 minutes.
What do I need to bring for a Virginia state inspection?
Bring the vehicle, your current registration and $20 for the state-set inspection fee. If your vehicle has aftermarket tint, lighting or exhaust, mention it when you arrive.
Are wheels removed during a Virginia state inspection?
Usually no. Virginia requires inspectors to check at least two wheels, one front and one rear, on passenger vehicles, but the wheels typically stay on if the brakes are visible through the wheel design. Wheels are removed only when the wheel or hubcap blocks the view of the braking system, or when the vehicle has drum brakes, which require removing the wheel and drum. If any wheels are removed, we retorque the lug nuts to manufacturer specifications and mark the inspection receipt to show which wheels were pulled.
Book a state inspection appointment today
Beach Auto & Transmission Repair is an Official Virginia State Inspection Station at 5564 Virginia Beach Blvd. Inspections are by appointment, $20, and we handle any repairs on the spot if something fails.
Mon-Fri 7am-6pm · Sat 7am-5pm · See our full inspection service page.