Arlington, VA Inspection Stations
Arlington County · Northern Virginia
Vehicles registered in Arlington and throughout Virginia must undergo mandatory annual state inspections at licensed inspection stations. Operating any car, truck, or motorcycle with an expired Virginia state inspection sticker in Arlington is considered a moving violation and can result in fines and higher insurance rates. Local inspection stations in Arlington, VA provide certified inspections to help drivers remain compliant with state laws and maintain road safety. Vehicles registered in this area are also subject to Virginia emissions testing requirements.
Northern Virginia. Emissions + safety inspection stations in Crystal City, Ballston, and Clarendon.
Inspection coverage in Arlington, Arlington County
We list 12 certified stations in Arlington covering ZIP codes 22201, 22202, 22203, 22204, 22206 and 22207. Bays are clustered along S Glebe Rd, Shirlington Rd, 10TH St N, Fairfax Dr and Lee Hwy. 3 of them also perform Virginia emissions testing, so you can complete both inspections in one visit. 1 station lists Saturday hours.
Riding a bike? Fees are lower — see the Virginia motorcycle inspection guide ($12) and call ahead, since not every Arlington shop has a motorcycle-certified inspector.
Popular choices include Ballston Auto & Emissions in Arlington, Crystal City Tire in Arlington, and Clarendon Auto Service in Arlington.
Emissions testing in Arlington
Arlington is one of the Northern Virginia localities where vehicles must pass an emissions inspection in addition to the annual safety check. The test runs on a two-year cycle and the fee is capped at $28 by state law. See the full Virginia emissions testing guide for the complete list of counties, what the test checks, and who qualifies for an exemption.
Guides for Arlington drivers
- How much is a Virginia state inspection? — the $20 safety, $12 motorcycle, and $28 emissions fees that apply statewide, including Arlington.
- Virginia emissions inspection counties — the full list of localities that require emissions testing, and whether Arlington is among them.
- Motorcycle inspection near me — what it costs in Arlington ($12), which shops have a motorcycle-certified inspector, and how the sticker differs.
- Virginia inspection checklist — the exact items inspectors check in Arlington and how to pass on the first visit.