Maine law requires all motor vehicles to undergo a safety inspection once a year. Vehicles registered in Cumberland County are also required to undergo an emissions test. Inspections are conducted at licensed automobile dealerships, service stations and garages.
Online Inspection Sticker Sales
The Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit has partnered with InforME to offer Online Sales of inspection stickers and materials using credit/debit cards. This will reduce turnaround time of shipping and the handling of orders.
Station ID is required (including three letter designator - which are the three letters that precede your station number on you station license) ie. PUB 1234. Once logged in, the site will allow you to purchase inspection stickers that you are licensed for and inspection materials that you are authorized to obtain.
Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit
This unit is responsible for the administrative testing, licensing, investigation, and regulating processes associated with over 2,600 inspection stations and 8,000 inspection technicians in Maine. The unit also renews inspection stations every two years and inspection technicians every five years. Our clerical staff is responsible for the licensing processes and the sale of nearly 1.3 million inspection stickers per year. Field Inspectors are also responsible for station audits, as well as the investigation and administrative action against inspection stations and technicians who fail to comply with Maine’s inspection laws and rules.
The Inspection Unit is statutorily responsible for inspecting every school bus in the state at least once per year. Hundreds of calls are fielded yearly from police officers, Inspection Stations, Inspection Technicians, members of the public, other state agencies and members of the legislature regarding inspection laws and rules. The Inspection Unit also conducts hundreds of hours of educational speaking informing law enforcement agencies and the industry about vehicle inspection safety standards and related rules.
Motor Vehicle Inspection Program
The Inspection Program includes field audits and investigations, as well as the administrative business and licensing processes. Eight field Motor Vehicle Inspectors conduct station audits, investigate complaints, and administer tests to technician applicants. The two office personnel manage the business processes associated with the program, to include sales of inspection stickers, inspection manuals, processing applications, licenses, and clerical support for field and supervisory personnel.
Click here to download a copy of the motor vehicle inspection rules (PDF)
- For routine questions about motor vehicle inspections, or to make a complaint on an inspection station call 207-624-8935.
- To inquire about inspection station and technician licensing call - 624-8935.
- Information for inspection stations and technicians
- TintWaiver (PDF)
- Fees (PDF)
- Inspection Refusal Form (PDF)
How do I file a complaint against an inspection station/technician?
Complaints may be filed online. Any complaints regarding inspection stations/technicians may be made through the Maine State Police Traffic Division Inspection unit by e-mail, phone (624-8935), or by writing to:
Maine State Police
Traffic Division Inspection Unit
20 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0020
How can I obtain a copy of the Maine Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual?
Click here to download a copy of the motor vehicle inspection rules (PDF)
- For routine questions about motor vehicle inspections, or to make a complaint on an inspection station call - 207-624-8935 or 207-624-8934.
- For Questions about Ordering Inspection Stickers (Licensed Garages Only) call – 207-624-8934.
- To inquire about inspection station and mechanic licensing call - 207-624-8935.
How do I become a licensed inspection technician?
An applicant must be at least 17 ½ years of age and have a valid, active Maine driver's license. Applications may be obtained from the links below or by writing to:
Maine State Police - Traffic Division
Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit
20 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0020
Once the application has been submitted and approved, you will be scheduled for a written examination. Examinations are administered at various locations throughout the state. The approval process consists of a criminal and driving history check. Allow at least 60 days for the application to be processed and approved.
How does my business become a licensed inspection station?
A business may apply to become a licensed inspection station by making written application to or from the links below:
Maine State Police - Traffic Division
Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit
20 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0020
Applications may be obtained from the links below or by writing to the address above. Inspection station owners and on-site managers must go through the same approval process as inspection technicians, and should allow at least 60 days for the application to be processed and approved. Once the application is approved, it will be assigned to an Inspector for a facility inspection to ensure the reliability and fitness of the premises, including all tool requirements. The business must employ a licensed inspection technician that is available to perform inspections at a minimum of 16 hours per week. The complete list of inspection station tools and requirements may be found in the Inspection Manual (PDF).
How long is my inspection technician license valid for, and how do I renew it?
Inspection technician licenses are valid for a period of 5 years from the date of issue. An inspection mechanic shall file a new application in order to be renewed. An examination is not required if application for a renewal is made within one year of expiration.
Inspection Station Applications