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Title: Certified Vehicle Inspector
Alternate Title:
Description: Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Subject: Commercial Vehicles
Creation Date: 7/23/2024 6:03:16 PM
Modification Date: 2/4/2025 6:03:23 PM
Agency Name: Public Safety (DPS), Minnesota Department of
Agency URL: https://dps.mn.gov
Agency Description: The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is responsible for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), Emergency Communication Networks, Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Office of Justice Programs, State Fire Marshal, Pipeline Safety, State Highway Patrol, Capitol Security and Traffic Safety.
Agency Phone: 651-201-7000
Agency Fax: Agency URL: https://dps.mn.gov
Agency Address: Public Safety (DPS), Minnesota Dept. of
445 Minnesota Street

St. Paul
MN
55101
Division Name: Statre Patrol
Division URL: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/msp/Pages/default.aspx
Division Description:
Division Phone: 651-350-2000, Option 2 or
651-247-6468
Division Fax: Division URL: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/msp/Pages/default.aspx
Audience: Application URL:
Renewal URL:
Versa URL:
Requirements:

A Minnesota State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Inspector (CVI) is responsible for enforcing state and federal laws, rules and regulations governing the operation of motor carriers, commercial vehicle operations and school bus operations in the State of Minnesota. CVI’s investigate complaints of violations and educate, train, and advise carriers, shippers, other law enforcement agencies and the general public regarding motor carrier regulations. 

Who may perform an annual inspection
  • A required inspection may be performed only by the following: 
  • An employee of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) or Transportation (MnDOT) who has been certified by the commissioner of public safety after having received training provided by the State Patrol 

  • Another person who is not an employee of DPS or MnDOT certified by the commissioner if the person is: 
            -An owner, or employee of the owner, of one or more commercial motor vehicles that are power
             units 
            -A dealer licensed under Minn. Stat. § 168.27 and engaged in the business of buying and selling
             commercial motor vehicles, or an employee of the dealer 
            -Engaged in the business of repairing and servicing commercial motor vehicles 
            -Employed by a governmental agency that owns commercial vehicles 

How to become a certified inspector

The Minnesota State Patrol partners with several technical colleges and the Minnesota Trucking Association to provide inspector certification and re-certification courses. To register for a class, see the current certification course schedule

How often is re-certification Required 

Inspectors are required to re-certify every two years. You must complete re-certification before the expiration date of your certification. Once your certification expires, you are no longer able to perform inspections. If you do not successfully complete a recertification course within six months following the expiration of your certification, you must successfully complete the full certification course to be reinstated.  

How to get re-certified

To register for recertification, contact the approved course provider at training providers

For questions about annual inspections, certification or re-certification 

For answers to MIP (Mandatory Inspection Program) or certification/re-certification questions, call 651-350-2000, option 2, or contact Lt. Dave Hanson at david.hanson@state.mn.us or call 651-247-6468.​​​​​   

MIP resources and updates
Certified Inspector Handbook 


Updates from the previous year’s handbook are noted on the MIP updates webpage

Rules:
Statutes: 168.27

Forms:
Current forms and publications​ 
 
Only the following forms are accepted. Outdated forms are not accepted. 
 
The following PDF forms may not be filled out online. Where applicable, they may be filled out, printed, and mailed or emailed to the addresses indicated on the forms. 
 
Vehicle inspection forms 
​Change of Address Form (may be mailed or emailed) 
Change of Employment Form (may be mailed or emailed) 
Notification of Secondary Employment (may be mailed or emailed)​ 



Fees:
Period of Issuance: Re-certification every two years.
Length of Determination:
Other Info:
Activity: License Detail URL:

Mandatory Inspection Program (MIP)

MN Dept. of Public Safety (DPS)

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