VIRGINIA · automotive-tech
VA Certified Safety Inspector
Virginia Department of State Police — Safety DivisionScope of Work
Inspection of motor vehicles in Virginia may be performed only by individuals who are certified and licensed as safety inspectors by the Virginia Department of State Police (VSP). The credential is the individual side of a two-credential regime; inspection stations also hold a separate facility credential issued by VSP. Source: Virginia State Police Safety Division for Inspectors (https://vsp.virginia.gov/safety-and-enforcement/safety-division-for-inspectors/) and 19 VAC § 30-70-9 et seq. (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title19/agency30/chapter70/section9/).
Minimum Age
All certified inspectors must be at least 18 years of age. Source: 19 VAC § 30-70-9.1 (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title19/agency30/chapter70/section9.1/).
Experience Pathways
Applicants qualify under one of three pathways: (1) a minimum of one year of practical experience as an automotive mechanic; (2) six months of practical experience as an automotive mechanic combined with an additional six months of mirroring (i.e., shadowing) a certified state inspector; or (3) satisfactory completion of a training program in automotive mechanics approved by the Superintendent of State Police. Source: 19 VAC § 30-70-9 (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title19/agency30/chapter70/section9/).
Application Documents
Applicants complete VSP Form SP-170B and Form SP-167, plus an Inspector Applicant Worksheet that lists character references, mechanical references, places of employment, and qualifying automotive training or mechanical experience. Source: Virginia State Police Safety Division (https://vsp.virginia.gov/safety-and-enforcement/safety-division-for-inspectors/).
Exam
The Department of State Police administers the written examination for original certification of all inspectors. Source: 19 VAC § 30-70-9.2 (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title19/agency30/chapter70/section9.2/).
License Validity
A safety inspector's license is valid for three years. Source: 19 VAC § 30-70-9.1 (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title19/agency30/chapter70/section9.1/).
VSP Number
Each certified inspector is assigned a VSP number, which is recorded on every inspection sticker receipt or displayed on the automated MVIP receipt the inspector issues. Source: Virginia State Police Safety Division (https://vsp.virginia.gov/safety-and-enforcement/safety-division-for-inspectors/).
Note on Scope
The Virginia Certified Safety Inspector credential authorizes only the right to perform Virginia's annual safety inspection. Virginia does not license individual general repair mechanics. Technicians performing repair work in Virginia without conducting state inspections do not need this credential.
Verified May 1, 2026 · compiled from public sources, verify current rules with Virginia Department of State Police — Safety Division before acting