Station Licensing
Welcome to the Massachusetts Vehicle Check website for current and prospective inspection station owners and managers.
This page contains links to information about the licensing process, testing equipment, inspection regulations and much more. We hope you find it helpful as you become a part of or continue your participation in the program.
Interested in Becoming a Licensed Inspection Station?
If you are interested in becoming a licensed inspection station in the Massachusetts Vehicle Check program, please complete the Station Waiting List form to be added to the waiting list.
Assignment of new stations is determined based on program needs and program requirements.
Licensing Policies
All inspection stations are required to be licensed by the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to conduct vehicle inspections. RMV station licensing policies include guidance on which station license Classes are open and which license Classes are closed, the requirements to maintain an active station license, inspector training and licensing requirements, and more.
Please review these policies if you are:
Considering an application to own and operate a new inspection station
Transferring the ownership of an existing station to a new owner, or
Relocating an existing station to a new physical location
These policies are a supplement to the inspection station licensing requirements found in MGL c.90 s.7A and 540 CMR 4.08, included in the Station and Inspector Resources section for your convenience.
Please download and complete the Letter of Intent when requesting any Inspection Station changes or transactions.
Station Licensing Classes & Availability
Station Licensing Classes
Inspection station licenses are divided into classes, based upon the type(s) of vehicle chassis and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicles that will be inspected. GVWR is defined as "the maximum loaded weight for which the vehicle is designed, as specified by the vehicle manufacturer”. The following table provides a summary glance of the vehicle types inspected by each station licensing class.
Inspection Station Licenses are divided into classes, based upon the type of vehicle chassis and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle that will be inspected. 310 CMR 60.02 defines GVWR as "the maximum loaded weight for which the vehicle is designed, as specified by the vehicle manufacturer."
| Class | Designation | Pounds GVWR | Duty Classification | Description of Vehicles Inspected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | Non-commercial | 10,000 or less | Light-Duty | Passenger cars, including minivans, pickup trucks & SUVs |
| Class B | Commercial & Non-commercial | 26,000 or less | Light- & Medium-Duty | Passenger cars, commercial vehicles & trailers, including light-duty pole or pull trailers only |
| Class C | Commercial | 10,001 or more | Medium- & Heavy-Duty | All trailers, semi-trailers & converter dollies |
| Class D | Commercial & Non-commercial | All | Light-, Medium- & Heavy-Duty | All passenger cars, commercial vehicles & trailers (all trailers, semi-trailers & converter dollies) |
| Class E | Commercial | 26,001 or more | Heavy-Duty | Commercial vehicles & trailers |
| Class F | Commercial | All | Light-, Medium- & Heavy-Duty | Commercial vehicles & limited non-commercial vehicles (Mobile Stations) |
| Class M | Non-commercial | - | - | Motorcycles |
Licensing Requirements
A minimum 45-foot-long by 14-foot-wide inspection bay is required for fleet and heavy-duty public inspection stations. (This is not required for fleet mobile inspectors). Also, a commercially trained CDL-licensed inspector must be available at all times to perform inspections.
An applicant for a Class M motorcycle inspection station license must be a licensed Motorcycle Dealer pursuant to M.G.L. c. 140, § 58 or a motorcycle repairer with a license to operate a repair business who has received factory training or equivalent training approved by the Registrar.
For more information about inspection and licensing requirements, please see the detailed inspection station rules and regulations or call our Customer Service Center at 1-844-358-0135.
Station Equipment - Approved Third Party Providers
In addition to purchasing inspection workstations, all licensed stations must be equipped with the following:
A headlight aiming board
A brake meter
A ball joint gauge
Jack and stands
A tire depth gauge
A window tint meter
Check the Resources section for the list of third party providers that offer equipment approved by the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).