Private Inspection Facility (PIF) License


A PIF license authorizes you to operate a Private Inspection Facility that performs safety and emission inspection for vehicles registered in the State of New Jersey. As a licensed PIF, you will certify that a vehicle has been approved or rejected for safety and/or emission defects. Standards and procedures are contained in the PIF Manual, available for download in Related Links.

How to apply for a Private Inspection Facility license

To apply to become a licensed Private Inspection Facility, you must complete an application. Complete the application [pdf] and mail to:

Motor Vehicle Commission
Division of Inspection Services
P.O. Box 680
225 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08666-0680

For any changes to an existing inspection facility license, please complete and submit the Application to Amend an Inspection Facility Business License.

Requirements for PIF licensing

Applicant must be at least 18 years of age to hold a Private Inspection Facility License. The facility must employ at least one licensed inspector. Visit the Inspector License page for further details on becoming a licensed inspector.

All owners, partners or principal executive officers of a corporation or association of the business will be subjected to a criminal background check and child support background check as part of the application process.

You must file proof of liability insurance coverage in the following minimum amounts:

  • $50,000 property damage in one occurrence
  • $100,000 injury or death – one person, one occurrence
  • $300,000 injury or death – two or more persons, one occurrence

Proof of Insurance must be an original certificate issued by an authorized insurance company stating that you will give 10 days notice to MVC Business License Service if you terminate or cancel the policy. File this certificate with the application. See your insurance agent for more information.

PIF license options

The new inspection program allows the Private Inspection Facilities to customize the inspection system that best suites the needs of their customers. Below are the different options the Private Inspection Facilities can choose from along with designation options:

OBD ONLY- $250 license fee, annual

  • 1996 and newer gas vehicles
  • 1997 and newer diesel vehicles up to and including 8500 lbs. GVWR
HEAVY DUTY DIESEL ONLY- $250 license fee, annual
  • Diesel vehicles 18,000 lbs. GVWR and above
OBD/HEAVY DUTY DIESEL- $250 license fee, annual
  • 1996 and newer gas vehicles
  • 1997 and newer diesel vehicles up to and including 8500 lbs. GVWR
  • Diesel vehicles 18,000 lbs. GVWR and above


Equipment

Refer to the Inspection Equipment page for PIF license requirements. For questions concerning equipment, contact Parsons by calling toll-free (888) 6NJ-2009 (888-665-2009) or download the PIF equipment operators instruction manual [rev Mar 2010, pdf]

Fleet or Mobile designation

FLEET: Fleet designation is for companies who own and/or operate 10 or more vehicles subject to inspection. Fleet owner is authorized to perform full inspection - including all safety and engine emissions inspections - and full re-inspection repair services.

MOBILE: With the purchase of mobile equipment, a PIF can perform off-site inspections provided that the PIF follows the guidelines established by the MVC. Contact your MVC Regional PIF Office for information on mobile inspections.

Inspection approval stickers and records

You must purchase approval stickers at $1.00 each in lots of 25 for all license classes by mail or at the MVC office in Trenton. During the last quarter of the calendar year you may purchase approval stickers in lots of five. You will be responsible to protect all stickers from theft or fraudulent use by storing them in a locked cabinet or safe under your control.

All PIFs are required to maintain records of all official inspections. See the 2016 PIF Manual for further clarification. You must maintain records for one inspection cycle or two years from the date of inspection. All records must be available for examination during normal business hours to MVC officials.

Effective March 8, 2013 inspection approval stickers will be available for sale at your regional PIF. Stickers are available from 9 AM to 12 PM and 1 Pm to 3 PM, Monday through Friday. Stickers available for sale include Inspection Stickers, Heavy Duty Diesel Approval; and New Car Dealer Stickers. To purchase inspection and Heavy Duty Diesel sticks, you must present an inspection Services issued PIF Sticker Identification card, sticker order form, personal identification such as a driver license and a business check issued in the name of the business that is listed on the PIF license. No personal checks will be accepted.

New Car Dealer Stickers can only be purchased by licensed New Jersey New Car Dealers. They must present copy of current wall, sticker order form, personal identification such as a driver license. All transaction must be verified before leaving the PIF Office. All sales are final.

Westfield
410 South Avenue East, Westfield, NJ 07090
Telephone: 908-232-6296
MVCWESTFIELDSS@MVC.NJ.GOV

Eatontown
109 Rte. 36W, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Telephone: 732-217-2560
MVC.SalvageAsbury@mvc.nj.gov

Winslow
550 Spring Garden Road, Ancora, NJ 08037
Telephone: (609) 567-8873
MVC.MVCWinslowSS@MVC.NJ.GOV

Inspection Stickers can still be purchase by mail through Operations-I/M Unit.

Please note the new address:

NJMVC
I/M Support
CN 680
225 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08666-0680

If you have any questions please contact your local PIF Office

PIF Audits

PIFs are subject to monthly audits.

Download audit requirments and sample documents:

Violation and penalties

All inspections are governed by the “New Jersey Motor Vehicle and Traffic Laws Title 39” and the "New Jersey Administrative Code.” Suspension and/or civil penalties may be imposed on the licensed facility and/or licensed inspector if any improprieties are found in violation of any laws or established procedures.

Emission repair

As part of program, the motorist whose vehicle fails the emission inspection must choose between:

  • Repairs performed at a New Jersey registered Emission Repair Facility (ERF); or
  • Complete repairs themselves

The PIF license does not automatically allow you to perform an emission repair. To make emission repairs, you must register with the MVC as an Emission Repair Facility. For more information about registering as an ERF, visit the Emission Repair Facility page.