DC residents are required to have their vehicles inspected prior to registration. New vehicles which have a Manufacturers Certificate of Origin (i.e., title for a new vehicle) and which are not used for commercial or for hire use are exempt from an initial inspection. The DC safety/emissions inspection of a vehicle is transferable to another owner as long as it is still valid. All inspection fees must be paid at the time of registration.

Individuals with vehicles that fail inspection are provided instruction sheets with information on repairs. Minor defects are identified to receive a pass with warning and do not require re-inspection, but must be repaired before the next regular scheduled inspection cycle.