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Missouri emissions test (Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program): the official wording
Everything in quotation marks here is from 5 sources and was matched to them on November 11, 2026. The quotes are the sources’ words; ours only label them.
On this page: where · how often · fee · new and older vehicles · diesel, electric, hybrid · check a vehicle · sources
What does the text call it?
The Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program (GVIP) improves air quality in the St. Louis region.
The page we point to: Gateway VIP, Does My Vehicle Need a Test?.
Which areas does the text name?
The quoted text names 4 areas:
- City of St. Louis
- Jefferson County
- St. Charles County
- St. Louis County
GVIP is an emissions testing program for vehicles registered in the St. Louis area, which includes the city of St. Louis as well as Jefferson, St. Charles and St. Louis counties.
How often is the test?
Listed under:
When do I get a test?
Odd vehicle model years test in odd years.
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When do I get a test?
Even vehicle model years test in even year.
What does the test cost?
The emissions test is $24 and the safety inspection is $12.
What does the text say about new and older vehicles?
No line we hold for Missouri is set up for a model-year comparison. Lines that mention age or model year, if we hold any, are under “What else does the text say?”.
What about diesel, electric and hybrid vehicles?
Every current line we hold for Missouri that uses the word diesel, electric or hybrid. Some are about one place or one kind of test; each speaks for itself.
Listed under:
You need a test if your vehicle is:
Gas-powered vehicles 1996 and newer or diesel powered vehicles 1997 and newer
This testing uses a computer system installed in all 1996 and newer gas-powered and 1997 and newer diesel-powered vehicles 8,500 pounds or less in Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
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Vehicles that don't need emissions testing
Plug-In Hybrid Electric and Electric Vehicles;
Listed under:
These vehicles are also subject to emissions testing:
Hybrid electric vehicles with gasoline or diesel engines.
What about heavier vehicles?
This testing uses a computer system installed in all 1996 and newer gas-powered and 1997 and newer diesel-powered vehicles 8,500 pounds or less in Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
What else does the text say?
Vehicles failing a paid inspection get one free re-inspection at the same station within 20 business days (excludes holidays and weekdays) of date paid.
Listed under:
Vehicles that don't need emissions testing
New (unused) vehicles within first model year that has an odometer reading of fewer than 6,000 at the time of original sale by a vehicle manufacturer or licensed motor vehicle dealer to the first user;
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Available when a vehicle is:
Two years old with less than 40,000 miles.
According to state statutes, any motor vehicle more than 25 years old that is owned only as a collector's item and is used or intended to be used for exhibition and education purposed can be registered as an historic vehicle.
Even if you are exempt from emissions inspections you must have a safety inspection.
Private sellers of vehicles are required to provide the purchaser with a current emissions test approval or waiver for the vehicle prior to sale.
A passing test is only valid for registration for 60 days from the inspection date for a vehicle owner.
Check a vehicle against these quotes
Enter a model year, a fuel and a weight rating, and choose the area. The checker repeats the quotes above and, where a figure can be compared, says where your entry falls against it. It does not decide anything about your vehicle.
Where do these quotes come from?
- Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program, home (gatewayvip.mo.gov; state agency page; read November 11, 2026)
- Gateway VIP, Does My Vehicle Need a Test? (gatewayvip.mo.gov; state agency page; read November 11, 2026)
- Gateway VIP, What should I know before the test? / Cost Of Testing (gatewayvip.mo.gov; state agency page; read November 11, 2026)
- Gateway VIP, Emissions Testing Procedure (gatewayvip.mo.gov; state agency page; read November 11, 2026)
- Gateway VIP, Vehicle Sales, Title Transfers (gatewayvip.mo.gov; state agency page; read November 11, 2026)
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