Propane tank recertification questions
How often tanks need it, how to read the date on yours, what it costs, what the E stamp means, and what happens if a tank doesn’t pass.
How often does a propane tank need to be recertified?
A new DOT propane tank (grill, RV or forklift) is good for 12 years from the date it was made. After that it has to be recertified before anyone can refill it.
When I recertify a tank by visual inspection, it’s good for another 5 years. After that it can be recertified again.
How do I find the date on my tank?
Look at the collar, the metal ring around the valve. You’ll see the spec, like DOT-4BA240, and a month and year like 05-14, which means May 2014. That’s when the tank was made.
If it’s been recertified before, there’s also a mark like V143124 0926 E: the recertifier’s ID, the month and year, and a letter. The newest date is the one that counts. You can check your date here.
Can an expired tank be refilled?
No. A tank that’s past its date can’t legally be refilled, so the refill station should turn it away. If it was filled before it expired, you can use it until it’s empty. Once it’s recertified, it can be refilled again.
What does the E in the stamp mean?
E means the tank passed an external visual inspection, the 5-year recertification DOT allows for propane and similar cylinders (49 CFR 180.209(g)). My stamp reads V143124 0926 E: my ID number, the month and year (September 2026 in that example), then the E.
What do you check?
The whole outside of the tank, following the industry standards DOT requires (CGA C-6 for steel and CGA C-6.3 for aluminum). I’m looking for leaks, rust and corrosion, dents, gouges and digs, a damaged collar or foot ring, fire or heat damage, and the condition of the paint.
What if my tank doesn’t pass?
I’ll show you what I found and give you a written notice, and you only pay half the usual price for that tank. Depending on the problem, the tank is either rejected, which means it can’t be refilled unless it’s repaired and requalified by a shop approved to do that, or condemned, which means it’s marked so it can never be refilled again.
Which tanks can’t you recertify?
Acetylene; oxygen, argon, CO2, nitrogen and helium; SCUBA and SCBA tanks; fire extinguishers; 1 lb disposable camping bottles; and composite (fiberglass or plastic) tanks. Most of those need a hydrostatic test or a different approval.
Mounted home and motorhome propane tanks are ASME tanks, not DOT cylinders, so they aren’t recertified this way. See the full list.
Where do you work?
Anywhere from Yuba City and Grass Valley down to Davis and El Dorado. That includes Marysville, Wheatland, Lincoln, Auburn, Rocklin, Roseville, Folsom, Placerville, Sacramento and West Sacramento. See every town I cover.
How do I book?
Fill out the booking form with your tanks and a day and time that work. You can also call or text (530) 718-9129 or email eliblanco502@gmail.com. I’ll get back to you to confirm the time.
How much does it cost?
There’s a flat $40 trip fee for each visit, then a set price per tank: $15 for a grill tank, $20 for an RV or forklift tank, $30 for a 100 lb cylinder and $35 for an ammonia cylinder. A tank that doesn’t pass is half price. See every price.
Are you certified?
Yes. I hold Requalifier Identification Number V143124 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). It approves me to recertify cylinders by visual inspection from my mobile unit in California.
Do you work with businesses?
Yes. Forklift fleets, RV parks and campgrounds, propane refill stations, HVAC and refrigeration contractors, and welding shops. Put your tank count in the booking form and I’ll plan the visit around it.
Have tanks that are due?
Book online, call or text (530) 718-9129, or email eliblanco502@gmail.com.