Inspection Stations and Mechanics

The Automotive Safety Enforcement Division (ASED) provides licenses and oversees all vehicle safety inspection stations and certified inspection mechanics in Maryland.

Apply to become an inspection station

Apply online through the ASED Licensing portal.

You’ll need the following documents on hand to upload.

• Business documents such as Articles of Incorporation
• Trader’s license if you’re selling parts to customers
• Power of Attorney form (if applying on behalf of a business owner or officer).

After you apply, ASED will inspect your facility to confirm it meets all equipment and staffing requirements. Inspection stations shall have regular daytime business hours Monday through Friday from at least 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Licenses are valid for one year, and may be renewed from April 1st through June 30th.

Application Fees:

• $100 application fee per station
• $3 Credit Card or $3 eCheck service fee per station
• $50 annual renewal fee

Additional fees may be charged if significant changes occur in the station’s operation, such as its location or ownership.

Apply to become an inspection mechanic

To register as an inspection mechanic, apply online and sign up for written examinations at the Inspection Mechanic Exam portal. 

Exams include Admin, types A, B, C, M, R and TL.  You can register and pay for up to three tests. The test itself is not available online. Once registered, you will receive instructions from Maryland State Police on how to take the test(s). You must pass the Admin portion of the exam and then take the exam specific to what type of vehicle you want to inspect. Once you pass the exams, you are given a Demonstrated Ability exam before you can be approved to become a licensed Maryland Safety Inspector Mechanic. 

Requirements

• You must be at least 18 years old, or 17 with approved automotive training
• Have 12 months of vehicle repair experience
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Have a score 80% or higher on both the knowledge and inspection exams
• Pass a hands-on skills test administered by ASED
• Be reexamined if inactive for more than 6 months and be subject to periodic reexamination as required by the ASED

Registered inspection mechanics may only be registered at one authorized inspection station on a full-time basis.

Learn more about Inspection Mechanic Requirements.

Exam Registration Fees:

• $15 exam registration fee
• $1 Credit Card or $1 eCheck service fee

Vehicle safety inspection program bulletins

The ASED Vehicle Safety Inspection Program bulletin offers interpretations of regulations, procedural guidance for unique situations not covered in the Vehicle Inspection Handbook, and addresses new automotive technologies or inspection methods that may appear to conflict with existing regulations. 

To view the bulletins, visit the archive.