The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) wants drivers to know the state still requires vehicle inspections.
In a written statement on Jan. 6, DOR said inaccurate information has been circulated through some media outlets, “most likely generated from artificial intelligence (AI) sources” regarding changes to Missouri vehicle registration requirements.
“Several outlets have released information reporting Missouri, beginning January 1, 2026, will no longer require vehicle inspections and will expand vehicle registration options allowing drivers to select longer registration periods for vehicles,” the written statement said. “This information is incorrect. Missouri law has not changed regarding these issues. Vehicle registration and safety requirements remain unaltered. For clarity, similar proposals have been introduced in recent legislative sessions but never became law.”
DOR encourages residents to rely on official DOR communications and the website at dor.mo.gov for accurate and up-to-date information regarding motor vehicle laws.
Already this legislative session, Rep. Mazzie Christensen, R-Bethany, introduced HB 1695, which seeks to end vehicle inspections for all vehicles except commercial motor vehicles and prior salvage vehicles. The bill was read twice on Jan. 7 but has not been assigned to a committee as of Jan. 8. If approved this session, the law would go into effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Currently, the state requires safety inspections for motor vehicles over 10 years of age that have more than 150,000 miles; commercial motor vehicles; prior salvage vehicles; certain street rods; historical vehicles and vehicles in excess of 24,000 pounds registered for less than 12 months.