1. (a) Applicants for a new or renewal vehicle inspector certificate must apply in a manner prescribed by the department.
2. (b) By submitting a new or renewal vehicle inspector application, the applicant agrees to allow the department to conduct background checks as authorized by law.

3. (c) A new or renewal vehicle inspector application must include, but is not limited to, the items listed in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection:

   1. (1) Criminal history disclosure of all convictions of the vehicle inspector applicant; and
   2. (2) Payment of the new or renewal vehicle inspector nonrefundable application fee of $25.
4. (d) If an incomplete new or renewal vehicle inspector application is received, notice will be sent to the applicant stating that the application is incomplete and specifying the information required for completion.
5. (e) The new or renewal vehicle inspector applicant has 60 calendar days after receipt of notice to provide the required information and submit a complete application. If an applicant fails to furnish the information, the application will be considered withdrawn.

6. (f) A new or renewal vehicle inspector application is complete when:

   1. (1) It contains all items required by the department.
   2. (2) It conforms to Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 548, this chapter, and the Texas vehicle inspection program's instructions.
   3. (3) All fees are paid pursuant to Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 548 and this chapter.
   4. (4) All requests for additional information are satisfied.
   5. (5) The applicant has completed department provided training as outlined in this chapter.
   6. (6) The applicant has passed an examination with a grade of not less than 80 on Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 548, this chapter, and regulations of the department pertinent to the Texas vehicle inspection program.
   7. (7) The applicant has successfully demonstrated the ability to correctly operate the required testing devices (commercial inspectors only).
7. (g) The new or renewal vehicle inspector certificate will expire on December 31 of the even numbered year following the date of issuance and is renewable every two years thereafter.
8. (h) A renewal of the vehicle inspector certification issued by the department is conditional upon the receipt of criminal history record information.

9. (i) For a new or renewal vehicle inspector application to be approved the applicant must:

   1. (1) be at least 18 years of age;
   2. (2) provide the applicant's driver license number;
   3. (3) not be currently suspended or revoked in the Texas vehicle inspection program; and
   4. (4) meet all other eligibility criteria under Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 548 or this chapter.

Source Note:The provisions of this §23.3 adopted to be effective March 13, 2013, 38 TexReg 1700; amended to be effective March 1, 2015, 40 TexReg 256; amended to be effective September 15, 2016, 41 TexReg 7119; amended to be effective May 14, 2020, 45 TexReg 3138; amended to be effective January 1, 2025, 49 TexReg 10656.