Yes they do check for converters here in NC, and I'm 99% sure they would in every other state. If your lucky you might get an inspector who doesn't care. Personally though I will not pass a car without converters unless I know who they are, and even then I don't like it. I already have a 150 dollar ticket in my name for missing a friggen check engine light, they'd rape me big for purposely overlooking 'verters.