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:
Business Licensing Service Bureau
P.O. Box 170
225 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08666-1684
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
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
- Diesel vehicles 18,000 lbs. GVWR and above
- 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 SGS 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. Guidelines are available in the PIF equipment participation kit [pdf].
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
Asbury Park
1010 Comstock Street, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Telephone: 732-869-8335
MVCASBURYPARKSS@MVC.NJ.GOV
Winslow
550 Spring Garden Road, Ancora, NJ 08037
Telephone: (609) 567-8873
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:
- PIF audit requirements [pdf]
- Vehicle Inspection Reports (VIR)- sample [pdf]
- Invoices- sample [pdf]
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