Do I Need an Inspection to Renew My Tags in Missouri?

Your Missouri tags are expiring and you're not sure if you need an inspection first. This is one of the most common questions drivers have when it's time to renew car registration in Missouri — and the answer isn't the same for everyone.

Missouri has two separate inspection programs: a safety inspection and an emissions inspection. Most drivers only need one of them. Some need both. And many drivers don't need either.

This guide explains exactly who needs an inspection to renew their Missouri tags, who's off the hook, and what to do next.

Do I Need an Inspection to Renew My Tags in Missouri? The Short Answer

Here's the quickest way to find out where you stand:

• Safety inspection: Required if your vehicle is 10 or more years old, OR has 150,000 miles or more on the odometer
• Emissions inspection: Required only if you live in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, or Jefferson County — AND your vehicle is not fully electric
• No inspection at all: If your vehicle is under 10 years old AND under 150,000 miles AND you live outside those four counties, you don't need any inspection

That's the core rule. The rest of this guide fills in the details.

Missouri Safety Inspection: Who Needs One?

A safety inspection checks that your vehicle is safe to drive. Brakes, lights, tires, steering — the basics. In Missouri, whether you need one comes down to your vehicle's age and mileage.

Safety Inspection Requirements

You need a safety inspection if your vehicle meets either of these conditions:

• Your vehicle is 10 or more years old (based on model year), OR
• Your odometer shows 150,000 miles or more

It's an OR — not an AND. If either condition is true, you need the inspection.

Safety Inspections Are Every 2 Years — Not Every Year

This surprises a lot of Missouri drivers. You don't need a safety inspection every single year. It's required every two years, and the year you test depends on your vehicle's model year:

• Even model year (2018, 2020, 2022, 2024): Inspected in even calendar years
• Odd model year (2019, 2021, 2023, 2025): Inspected in odd calendar years

So if your tags are expiring in an off year for your vehicle, you won't owe a safety inspection — even if your vehicle is older than 10 years.

How Much Does a Safety Inspection Cost?

The state caps the fee at $12. You can get a safety inspection at most auto repair shops, quick lube places, and dealerships that are Missouri-certified. Find one near you at the Missouri Safety Inspection Station Locator.

Missouri Emissions Inspection: Do You Need an Inspection to Renew Tags Based on Your County?

Emissions testing is different from safety testing in one key way: it's not statewide. Most Missouri drivers never need an emissions inspection at all.

Which Counties Require Emissions Testing?

Emissions inspections are only required in four counties:

• St. Louis County
• St. Louis City
• St. Charles County
• Jefferson County

If you live anywhere else in Missouri — including Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, or any rural county — you do not need an emissions inspection. Full stop.

Who Is Exempt from Emissions Testing?

Even if you live in one of the four required counties, you may still be exempt:

• Fully electric vehicles (EVs) — completely exempt from emissions testing
• Motorcycles — exempt from emissions testing statewide

Hybrid vehicles are not exempt. If you drive a hybrid and live in one of the four counties, you still need an emissions inspection.

Emissions Inspections Also Follow the Every-2-Years Schedule

Like safety inspections, emissions tests run on the same even/odd model year cycle. Your vehicle's model year determines which calendar years you test. Same rules apply.

How Much Does an Emissions Inspection Cost?

The state caps the fee at $24. Emissions tests require special equipment and must be done at a GVIP-certified station — not all auto shops qualify. Use the Missouri GVIP Station Locator to find a certified station near you.

Quick Reference Table: Do You Need an Inspection to Renew Your Missouri Tags?

What Other Documents Do You Need to Renew Car Registration in Missouri?

Inspections are just one piece of the MO license plate renewal process. Depending on your situation, you may also need:

• Your renewal notice (sent by mail, or you can look up your account online)
• Proof of Missouri car insurance
• Payment for registration fees (varies by vehicle weight and county)
• Personal property tax receipt from your county (if applicable)
• Your valid safety and/or emissions inspection certificate (if required)

The exact list depends on your county and vehicle type. Rather than guessing, use our Missouri tag renewal checklist tool to get a personalized document list for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri Tag Renewal Inspections

Do I need an inspection to renew my tags in Missouri every year?

No. Safety and emissions inspections in Missouri are required every two years, not every year. The specific year depends on whether your vehicle is an even or odd model year. In off years, you skip the inspection entirely — even if your vehicle would otherwise require one.

What happens if I renew my tags without getting a required inspection?

You won't be able to complete the renewal. Missouri's system requires a valid inspection certificate before it will issue new tags. If you drive with expired tags, you can be stopped and ticketed by law enforcement.

Can I get my safety inspection and emissions inspection done at the same place?

Sometimes, but not always. Some stations are certified for both. Others only handle one type. The safest move is to call ahead before making the trip. Use the station locators linked above to find certified locations.

I just moved to Missouri. Do I need an inspection?

Yes, most likely. New Missouri residents have 30 days to register their vehicle. You'll need any required inspections done before you can complete your initial registration. The same rules apply — county, age, and mileage determine what you need.

Do electric vehicles need a safety inspection?

EVs are fully exempt from emissions inspections. But they are not automatically exempt from safety inspections. If your EV is 10 or more years old, or has 150,000 or more miles, it still needs a safety inspection in the appropriate year.

How do I know if it's my inspection year?

Match your vehicle's model year to the calendar year. Even model year vehicles (2020, 2022, 2024) get inspected in even calendar years. Odd model year vehicles (2019, 2021, 2023) get inspected in odd calendar years. If you're renewing in a year that doesn't match your vehicle's parity, you skip the inspection.

Where can I find inspection stations near me?

For safety inspections, use the Missouri Safety Inspection Station Locator from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. For emissions inspections, use the Missouri GVIP Station Locator.