Do I Need an Inspection To Renew My Tags in Missouri?
Yes, safety inspections are required to renew vehicle tags in Missouri for most vehicles. Under Missouri Revised Statutes 307.350, motor vehicles must undergo biennial safety inspections unless they qualify for specific exemptions. Additionally, emissions inspections are required for vehicles registered in St. Louis City and the counties of St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin, and Jefferson.
The inspection certificate is valid for 60 days and must be presented at the time of registration renewal. Upon renewal, vehicle owners receive registration tabs that must be affixed to the license plate.
Exemptions and Special Circumstances
The following vehicles are exempt from Missouri's safety inspection requirements:
- Motor vehicles with less than 150,000 miles during the first ten years following their model year of manufacture
- Motor vehicles engaged in interstate commerce that are proportionately registered
- Historic motor vehicles
- Vehicles registered in excess of 24,000 pounds for a period of less than 12 months
Emissions inspection exemptions include new motor vehicles during the model year and the following year, vehicles with fewer than 40,000 miles at their first required biennial inspection, 1995 and older gasoline-powered vehicles, 1996 and older diesel-powered vehicles, and vehicles driven fewer than 12,000 miles between biennial safety inspections.
Contact Information for Tag Services
Missouri Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Bureau
301 West High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 526-3669
Official Website: Motor Vehicle Bureau
