[TN · STATE LICENSING · REPUBLISHER]
Licensing data: Data as of May 5, 2026

Trades Navigator summarizes state licensing rules from the state board. We do not characterize the rules, order classes against each other, or combine them into a single number. Each license class links to the issuing authority for primary-source verification.

Reported

Missouri State Highway Patrol — Motor Vehicle Inspection Division — Primary source · Missouri

Page last refreshed: May 1, 2026

[03·GET LICENSED · MO]

Automotive Service Technician licensing in Missouri

State-issued license classes for automotive service technicians in Missouri. Each class links to the issuing state board for primary-source verification.

License classes

MISSOURI · automotive-tech

MO Inspector/Mechanic Permit

Missouri State Highway Patrol — Motor Vehicle Inspection Division
Exam
Missouri State Highway Patrol
Renewal
Every 3 yrs

Scope of Work

Missouri licenses individual inspector/mechanics under 11 CSR § 50-2.080 (Licensing of Inspector/Mechanics). The credential is administered by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Motor Vehicle Inspection Division and authorizes the holder to perform Missouri's biennial safety inspection at a licensed inspection station. Source: 11 CSR § 50-2.080 (https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/missouri/11-CSR-50-2-080) and MSHP Inspector Testing (https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/MVI/inspectorTesting.html).

Minimum Age and Experience

Applicants must be at least 17 years old and qualify under one of two pathways: (1) at least one year of practical experience in an auto technician job, or (2) a degree or certificate of completion from an auto mechanic school or vocational program. Source: MSHP Inspector Testing (https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/MVI/inspectorTesting.html).

Exam

Applicants must pass a written examination covering the entire MSHP Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual (SHP-478), with a minimum passing score of 80%. The applicant must also demonstrate practical inspection knowledge by inspecting an actual vehicle as part of the test. Source: MSHP Motor Vehicle Inspection Regulations Manual (https://apps.mshp.dps.mo.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/DVSD/MVI/documents/MVIRegulationsManual.pdf).

Fee

There is no charge to apply for or receive an inspector/mechanic permit. Source: 11 CSR § 50-2.080.

Validity

Inspector/mechanic permits are valid for three years. If a permit expires, the mechanic must retake the exam to qualify for a new permit. Source: 11 CSR § 50-2.080.

Application

To be scheduled for an exam, the applicant submits the official Inspector/Mechanic Application (Form SHP-451R) to MSHP. Source: MSHP Inspector Testing (https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/MVI/inspectorTesting.html).

Retesting Authority

State law allows MSHP to retest an inspector at any time, for any reason. If the inspector fails the random retest, the permit is suspended for at least 30 days. Source: 11 CSR § 50-2.080.

Note on Scope

Missouri does not license individual general repair mechanics. The Inspector/Mechanic Permit authorizes only the right to perform Missouri's biennial safety inspection.

Verified May 1, 2026 · compiled from public sources, verify current rules with Missouri State Highway Patrol — Motor Vehicle Inspection Division before acting

Free educational resource. Not legal, financial, or career advice. Trades Navigator compiles state board rules, statutes, and federal data into a navigable layer linked to primary sources. We do not maintain editorial attestation on each line. Always verify the specific number, fee, deadline, or rule against the linked primary source before relying on it. Confirm any decision with the relevant state agency, a lawyer, or an accountant.

Correction reports open at launch (target May 2026).