My propane tanks (30 lbs.) will need to be recertified in a couple of months. Does it make a difference what State they are recertified in? I'm from Minnesota but will be in Alabama when my date comes up.Also, do the tanks need to be empty or can they be somewhere between full and empty?I called our local propane dealers, one said empty one said doesn't make a difference. One wants $5.00 the other $10.00, what's the going price.My thinking is if I have them filled now (home) that I will be shorting myself by about 6 months before the next recertification.Just wondering what others are doing.Thanks.Paul...

I had mine recertified by a propane dealer in Florida at the same time he filled the tanks. Don't remember what it cost but I think I tipped him $5.

Its a federal requirement, so it doesn't matter what state.

Many propane supplier will inspect and certify for free when you buy the propane.It is a federal requirement.

I found that the best and easiest way is to go to a welding shop where they fill and recertify tanks all day long. They know what they are doing and usually don't charge except for the fill which is also less than the corner store.

Its a federal DOT requirement, Any dealer can do it BUT not all will do its best to call and ask first.Some charge because of liability/record keeping some don't, For the required visual inspection the tanks do not need to be empty, but if you need a repair its to you benefit to use the gas up before. You also don't have to worry to much about the date. It will only be an issue if you need a refill and they are expired. So you could wait till you get home.

Propane tank recertification | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

johndeerefarmer
Explorer III
Nov 03, 2014
I paid $5.00 and he basically pressurized it, then let it set for a minute or two to see if it lost any pressure.
jeb5
Explorer
Nov 03, 2014
$8 in Ohio. Had another company quote $20.
Timbodeuce
Explorer
Nov 02, 2014
I have the smaller tanks,and when they need certification I use a tank exchange such as Blue Rhino and trade it for a certified one..... They certify their own, so no big deal.
joegray
Explorer II
Nov 01, 2014
Fill both and use only one. When you can't get one filled, buy a new one and use it all the time. Keep the old full one and use it only till you get the new one filled again. The one old tank should last you years.
ralphnjoann
Explorer
Oct 31, 2014
Rarely do I have propane sellers check the date. I mostly go to those who sell it as a sideline such as service stations, hardware stores, etc. If they don't mention it, neither do I.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Oct 31, 2014
Re-certification is a Federal DOT requirement after 12 yrs from original date stamped on cylinder collar.

You can have them re-certified 3 ways
"Volumetric Expansion"-----good for another 12 yrs
"Proof-Pressure"-----------good for another 7 yrs.
"External Visual"----------good for another 5 yrs.

External Visual-----------most common re-certification/easiest to have done and cheapest.
A BULK propane company can preform/re-certify.

Pricing......varies state to state/location to location $5--$15 common charge for 'visual'
bobsallyh
Explorer II
Oct 31, 2014
A thing to remember, if going to Canada, they don't accept any tank over ten years old or our re-certification.
Roger10378
Explorer II
Oct 31, 2014
Wait till you need them filled after they have expired. It is not illegal to have them with expired date, only illegal to fill them with expired date.
GASMAN6674
Explorer
Oct 31, 2014
Its a federal DOT requirement, Any dealer can do it BUT not all will do its best to call and ask first.
Some charge because of liability/record keeping some don't, For the required visual inspection the tanks do not need to be empty, but if you need a repair its to you benefit to use the gas up before. You also don't have to worry to much about the date. It will only be an issue if you need a refill and they are expired. So you could wait till you get home.
powderman426
Explorer
Oct 31, 2014
I found that the best and easiest way is to go to a welding shop where they fill and recertify tanks all day long. They know what they are doing and usually don't charge except for the fill which is also less than the corner store.