Maryland State Inspection
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New Level Auto Service is a licensed Maryland State Inspection station at 716 E Gude Dr in Rockville, MD. We inspect Type A vehicles, like cars, SUVs, minivans and trucks up to 10,000 lbs GVWR, and send your certificate to the MVA electronically. The inspection starts at $110 for passenger cars and $140 for SUVs. If something fails, we can fix it right here. Call (301) 762-1200.
- ASE-certified mechanics
- 20+ years of experience
- Licensed MD inspection station
- All makes and models
- Se habla español
When you need a Maryland State Inspection
Maryland requires a safety inspection before a used vehicle can be titled, sold or transferred in the state. The most common reasons people come to us:
- You bought a used car. A used vehicle has to pass inspection before you can title and register it in your name.
- You moved to Maryland. Bringing a car from another state? It needs a Maryland inspection before you can get Maryland title and plates.
- You're selling or transferring a car. An inspection is part of transferring a used vehicle's title in Maryland.
- Your car failed somewhere else. We can repair the items on your failure list. The quick re-check of just those items has to be done at the station that did the first inspection, or you can get a full new inspection here.
- You're not sure if you need one. Call us and we'll tell you. It's quicker than guessing.
- Your certificate is about to expire. A certificate is good for 90 days, so title and register before then.
What the inspection covers
The Maryland safety inspection looks at the parts that keep a car safe on the road. Among the main items:
- Brakes
- Tires and wheels
- Lights and signals
- Steering
- Suspension
- Windshield and wipers
- Exhaust system
- Other safety equipment
If we find a problem, we'll show you what failed and explain the fix. Because we're also a full repair shop, you don't have to take the car somewhere else. See our brake, steering and suspension and exhaust repair pages.
Getting your inspection at New Level
- Call or walk in. Walk-ins are welcome. Calling ahead at (301) 762-1200 gets you in faster.
- We inspect the vehicle. A licensed inspector checks the items the state requires.
- If it passes, the certificate goes to the MVA electronically. You have 90 days to title and register.
- If it fails, you get a list of what to fix. Bring it back to us within 30 days and under 1,000 miles and only the failed items are re-checked.
How much is a Maryland State Inspection?
At New Level Auto Service, a Maryland State Inspection starts at $110 for passenger cars and $140 for SUVs, including mid-size SUVs.
- Passenger carsMaryland State Inspection (safety inspection)Starting at$110
- SUVs, including mid-size SUVsMaryland State Inspection (safety inspection)Starting at$140
These are starting prices, not fixed prices. The exact price depends on your vehicle's make and model. Maryland lets each licensed station set its own fee, so prices vary from shop to shop. Not sure which applies to your car? Call (301) 762-1200 and we'll tell you, and check wait times while you're at it. Prices as of October 2026.
Why Rockville drivers bring their cars to us
New Level Auto Service is owned by Christian, a mechanic with more than 20 years of experience. The shop has been in Rockville for over 10 years, and our mechanics are ASE certified.
- 20+ yrsHands-on experience behind the owner
- 10+ yrsServing drivers in Rockville
- ASECertified mechanics
- EN / ESWe speak English and Spanish
Maryland inspection guides
Answers to the questions we hear most at the counter.
- What fails a Maryland safety inspection? The most common failure items and a quick checklist you can do before you come in.
- Buying a used car in Maryland Who gets the inspection, what paperwork you need, and how title and tags work.
- Moving to Maryland with your car The 60-day rule, the inspection and what to bring to the MVA.
- Safety inspection vs. emissions test How the one-time safety inspection differs from the VEIP emissions test.
Maryland State Inspection FAQ
When do I need a Maryland State Inspection?
Maryland requires a safety inspection before a used vehicle can be titled, sold or transferred in the state. That includes buying a used car and bringing a car from another state when you move to Maryland.
How long is a Maryland inspection certificate good for?
The certificate is valid for 90 days. You need to title and register the vehicle with the MVA before it expires.
What happens if my car fails the inspection?
You get a list of what needs to be fixed. If you come back to the same station within 30 days and have driven less than 1,000 miles, only the items that failed are re-checked. After that, a full new inspection is needed. We can do the repairs here in our shop.
Do you send the certificate to the MVA?
Yes. We do electronic inspections, so when your vehicle passes, the certificate is sent directly to the Maryland MVA.
How much does a Maryland State Inspection cost?
At New Level Auto Service it starts at $110 for passenger cars and $140 for SUVs, including mid-size SUVs. These are starting prices, not fixed prices: the exact price depends on the make and model. Maryland lets each licensed station set its own fee, so prices vary from shop to shop.
Is the Maryland safety inspection the same as the emissions test?
No. The safety inspection is done when a vehicle is titled or transferred. Emissions testing (VEIP) is a separate state program with its own schedule.
Do I need an appointment for an inspection?
Walk-ins are welcome, but calling ahead at (301) 762-1200 is recommended so we can get you in faster.
Bring your car in
New Level Auto Service, 716 E Gude Dr, Rockville, MD 20850. Walk-ins are welcome, but calling ahead gets you faster service.
- Phone (301) 762-1200
- Hours Monday to Friday 8 AM to 5 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 2 PM
- Extras Night drop available and 24-hour emergency towing
- Payment Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express
