Auto mechanic performing routine inspection

AAA Car Care
Store Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 6pm; Saturday 8am - 4pm

AAA makes getting your NC state inspection a breeze

It can feel like a hassle to bring your car in for an inspection year after year, so that's why AAA Car Care makes it quick and easy to get your annual safety inspection (and emission test if required). For the fastest service, be sure to reserve an appointment with your local AAA Car Care Center.

The safety inspection consists of a trained technician inspecting your headlights and taillights, tire tread, exhaust system, rearview and side mirrors, horn, turn signals, foot brake and parking brake, windshield wipers, and steering mechanics. 19 North Carolina counties also require an emissions inspection, which will be completed at the same time as the safety inspection.

In order to successfully renew your vehicle's registration, make sure to have your inspection completed up to 90 days before your license plate expires. Although you can legally operate your vehicle up to 15 days after expiration, the NC DMV will charge a late fee of up to $25 for all registration renewals completed after your plate's expiration date, so be sure not to wait!

Don't let your registration lapse

Schedule your state inspection today

Reserve Appointment
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2.1 million Carolinians trust AAA to get them back on the road

AAA Car Care is trusted to keep them there

Nobody understands drivers or driving better than AAA, which is why so many members and non-members alike trust AAA Car Care to keep their vehicles running in top shape.

Your vehicle is in great hands as our trained technicians are trained in a full range of car maintenance and repair services.

Relax and enjoy complementary coffee and free Wi-Fi in a welcoming atmosphere while your vehicle is being serviced. And with Digital Vehicle Insight® (DVI), our digital vehicle inspection, you'll receive real-time status updates, technician notes, and digital photos & videos to provide total transparency on your vehicle's condition and any recommended services.

Hours of operation may vary at select locations.

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Offer valid through 9/02/2025. Offer valid for Classic/Basic Memberships only. Pricing valid at member join only. Offer excludes Motorcycle coverage. Payment of full AAA Membership dues is required upon renewal. Offers, terms, conditions and restrictions apply and are subject to change without notice. Not combinable with any other offer. Offer not valid in FL, GA, MI or PR. A member can add one eligible family member for free for up to one year. Additional Associates are half price. Associate memberships are available to the Primary member’s spouse, one other adult living in the household, and their children living at the same residence or away at school. Associate members must have the same type of membership as their Primary member, with the exception of Motorcycle. Associate membership expires on the renewal date of Primary member.

Upon activation and with proper identification, AAA will provide regular AAA services and full privileges for the new member. Roadside benefits begin three days after payment of dues. Some restrictions apply. Roadside assistance is provided by independent facilities contracted by AAA. Coverage in taxis, limousines and other ride-sharing conveyances is excluded. Visit AAA.com/MemberHandbook for details about member benefits, including any limitations or restrictions. Offers, terms, conditions and policies are subject to change without notice. Savings partners subject to change. Source: 2023 AAA U.S. Market Track national surveys. Includes service vehicles owned by clubs and service vehicles owned by third parties under contract with AAA to provide services to AAA members. Taxes, fees & options excluded. Terms apply. Partners and offers are subject to change and restrictions apply. For a complete list of offers, visit us online at AAA.com/Save or your local AAA office.