If you recently bought a bus, congratulations. Whether it’s for your church, daycare, shuttle service, or private use, there’s one major box to check before you can legally hit the road: passing inspection and completing registration.

This isn’t a quick oil change or DMV visit. It takes planning, paperwork, and knowing what state requirements you’re dealing with. This guide walks you through the process so you can move forward without surprises.

1. Know Your State’s Requirements Each state has its own rules, timelines, and definitions around bus inspections and registration. Some states require Department of Transportation (DOT) inspections, while others rely solely on DMV processes. 

For those of you in California, there’s an extra BIT (Basic Inspection of Terminals) inspection every 90 days for vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lbs or more. While California also adheres to annual federal DOT inspections, the 90-day BIT inspection is a state-specific requirement. Enjoy that.

And if your bus is used for commercial purposes or transporting people for hire, additional requirements may apply for your state.

Start by checking your state’s DMV and DOT websites. Look for requirements related to buses, commercial vehicles, or converted vehicles. If your bus is being used for private or nonprofit purposes, that distinction matters.

2. Gather the Paperwork You’ll Need

Before you even show up for an inspection, make sure your documents are in order. This will save you from repeat visits and delays.

Typical documents include:

• Title and Bill of Sale
• Proof of Insurance
• Emissions certificate (if required in your area)
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check or verification
• ADA paperwork if your bus has a lift or modifications

Keep all documents together in a folder that travels with the bus until you’re fully registered.

3. Complete a Pre-Inspection Checklist

Many inspection failures come down to simple things that could have been fixed in advance. Here’s what to check before taking your bus in:

• Brakes (pads, rotors, air lines if applicable)
• Tires (tread depth, wear, age)
• Lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights)
• Mirrors (adjusted and undamaged)
• Windshield wipers and washers
• Seatbelts and secure seating
• Emergency exits and warning signage
• Horn and audible alarms

It helps to walk around the bus like you’re the inspector. If anything is broken, loose, or leaking, take care of it first.

4. Watch for Common Red Flags

Inspectors tend to zero in on a few specific issues. Avoid these and you improve your chances of passing the first time.

• Structural rust or underbody corrosion
• Malfunctioning lights or signals
• Worn brakes or steering issues
• Missing fire extinguisher or first aid kit (for passenger use)
• Faulty or untested ADA lifts

Don’t wait for someone else to find them. Fix them before you arrive.

5. Register the Bus Correctly

Registration isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here are the distinctions that matter:

• Private Use: Used for personal transport or nonprofit operations like a church or youth group.
• Commercial Use: Used to transport passengers for compensation, including daycare shuttles or party buses.
• Converted Use: If your bus is a Skoolie or mobile business, different paperwork may be required. For instance, in New Jersey, a regular school bus is registered as a commercial vehicle, while a skoolie, after conversion to an RV, should be registered as a recreational vehicle.

Your state will also determine whether you need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) based on passenger count and vehicle weight.

6. Get a Pre-Certification Inspection

This is especially helpful if you bought the bus from out-of-state or sight-unseen. A pre-certification inspection by a bus-savvy mechanic can catch potential issues and make sure you’re not throwing away time or money.

This can also be helpful if you’re reselling the bus later. Buyers love records.

7. Conversion or Skoolie Notes If you’ve turned your bus into a camper, food truck, or mobile workspace, inspections get a bit more involved. You may need to show:

• Safety of electrical and plumbing modifications
• Proper emergency exits
• Permanent seating or sleeping arrangements
• Fire suppression or CO2 alarms

Converted buses may be treated more like RVs or mobile units than commercial buses, so check with your state about how to register it.

Final Tip on Inspections

Take the inspection process seriously, and give yourself time to do it right. The worst outcome isn’t a failed inspection—it’s getting halfway through registration and realizing your bus needs thousands in repairs or compliance fixes.

If you’re still in the shopping phase, make sure you search our listings at BusesForSale.com. Many of the used buses, like this 1987 Chevy Trolley Bus that’s perfect for wine tours, already meet inspection standards or come with service records to simplify your process.

Find your next bus at BusesForSale.com—where confidence rides along.