Missouri Vehicle Registration

Vehicle Registration for Missouri Residents

Missouri residents have a 30-day window to register their newly acquired vehicle. Adhering to this timeline is vital, as failing to title the car within the given time frame will result in a title penalty.

To register a vehicle in Missouri, residents must prepare the following:

• A Title Certificate or the Statement of Origin from the manufacturer
• Completed Missouri Title and License Application Form
• Inspection of Identification Number and Odometer if vehicle ownership has been transferred from another state or country
• Odometer Disclosure Statement, if applicable
• A Lien Release (notarized) if applicable

Residents must visit a Licensing Office where they will submit the mentioned documents. They must also pay the required title and processing fees to finish the registration process.

Vehicle Registration for New Residents in Missouri

New Missouri residents who want to title their vehicles in the state must do so 30 days after establishing residency.

If a lienholder holds the new resident's title from outside the state, they must complete the Owner Out-of-State Title Request. This form should be sent to the lienholder via email, fax, or mail to request the original title from outside the state.

In cases where the lienholder cannot release the title, they may complete the bottom part of the form, have it notarized, and return it with documents proving ownership to the new resident.

Once these documents are received, the new resident can apply for a Missouri registration and title by preparing the following:

• Original title or ownership proof from the state where the car is titled (in the new resident's name)
• A completed Missouri Title and License Application Form
• Inspection of Identification Number and Odometer
• An insurance ID card or evidence of financial responsibility
• A statement of non-assessment
• A safety inspection from the past 60 days, if applicable
• An emissions inspection from the past 60 days, if applicable

Note that the licensing office may request additional documents during the titling process. To successfully register, new residents must comply with the requirements and pay the necessary title and processing fees.

Registration of Imported Vehicles in Missouri

Those interested in registering an imported vehicle in Missouri must submit specific requirements. These include:

• Properly signed Title Certificate, a Statement of Origin, or any other ownership proof
• Completed Missouri Title and License Application Form
• CBP Form 7501 from U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Form HS-7 from the U.S. Department of Transportation
• Insurance document
• Tax compliance document
• Inspection of Identification Number and Odometer
• General Affidavit if the vehicle hasn't been in the state for over 60 days
• Payment of applicable fees

Note that processing imported vehicle registrations is currently limited to the central branch in Jefferson City or through mail-in processing.

For further assistance registering an imported vehicle, contact the Customs and Border Protection or Department of Transportation.

Vehicle Registration for MO Military Members Stationed Outside the State

Missouri military members stationed outside the state can complete the registration process by preparing the following:

• A completed title certificate or Statement of Origin
• Completed Missouri Title and License Application Form
• Insurance or financial responsibility document
• Statements of non-assessment obtained from the county collector's office confirming no outstanding property taxes
• Inspection for Identification Number and Odometer
• General Affidavit asserting the vehicle hasn't been in the state for over 60 days
• Payment for registration fees, titling fees, and applicable taxes

The DOR recommends sending the documents to a trusted family member who can deliver them at a licensing office. This could expedite the registration process, as any issues with the documents or fees can be addressed immediately.

If a family member cannot file the registration paperwork, it is possible to register through mail. To do so, the required documents must be sent to the address below:

Missouri License Plates

The DOR will provide license plates to vehicle owners upon completing vehicle registration. All vehicles on Missouri roads must prominently display these plates, which serve as both identification and compliance with state regulations.

Apart from standard license plates, the MO DOR provides personalized and specialty plates that cater to individual preferences and affiliations. These offer motorists the chance to add a personal touch, whether with their name, favorite phrase, or unique combination of characters.

How To Obtain Vanity License Plates in Missouri?

Obtaining a vanity license plate in Missouri requires applicants to follow a few simple steps. To begin, individuals must complete the appropriate application form, depending on the type of plate they desire.

Applicants must complete the Missouri Personalized and Special License Plates Application Form for personalized and special license plates. The Missouri Military Personalized License Plates Application Form is also required for military customized plates.

Finally, applicants for historic or personalized historic plates must furnish the Missouri Historic or Personalized Historic License Plates Application Form.

In addition to the application form, applicants must submit the required application fee. The fee for specialty, personalized, or military plates is $15, while personalized historic plates require a $43.75 fee.

Missouri specialized plates allow up to six characters. The DOR prohibits the issuance of license plates that contain obscene, profane, offensive, or racially or ethnically derogatory content. Plates that threaten public safety or conflict with the regular license numbering system will also not be issued.

Since the DOR cannot guarantee the availability of a specific configuration, it is advisable to check the availability of a vanity plate beforehand to avoid any potential issues.

Passenger Vehicles

• Less than 12 horsepower: $18.25 for one year and $36.50 for two years
• 12 to 23 horsepower: $21.25 for one year and $42.50 for two years
• 24 to 35 horsepower: $24.25 for one year and $48.50 for two years
• 36 to 47 horsepower: $33.25 for one year and $66.50 for two years
• 48 to 59 horsepower: $39.25 for one year and $78.50 for two years
• 60 to 71 horsepower: $45.25 for one year and $90.50 for two years
• More than 72 horsepower: $51.25 for one year and $102.50 for two years

Trucks or Commercial Vehicles

• Local 6,000 pounds: $15.75 for one year and $31.50 for two years
• Beyond local 6,000 pounds: $25.75 for one year and $51.50 for two years
• Local 12,000 pounds: $18.25 for one year and $36.50 for two years
• Beyond local 12,000 pounds: $38.25 for one year and $76.50 for two years
• Local 18,000 pounds: $20.75 for one year and $41.50 for two years
• Beyond local 18,000 pounds: $63.25 for one year and $126.50 for two years
• Local 24,000 pounds: $27.75 for one year and $55.50 for two years
• Beyond local 24,000 pounds: $100.75 for one year and $201.50 for two years

Other costs apply in addition to the aforementioned fees. For example, the processing fee for passenger and commercial vehicles is $6 for one year and $12 for two years. Moreover, titling fees and taxes also apply in specific scenarios.

For a comprehensive breakdown of vehicle registration fees in Missouri, check out the Registration Fees page on the MO DOR website.

Online Renewal

Individuals seeking to renew their vehicle registration online must meet specific criteria outlined by the DOR.

Applicants must possess a renewal notice containing a personal identification number. Additionally, their vehicle registration should be current or expired for not more than 90 days. They should also settle their property surcharges and ensure the DOR has been notified of this information.

Lastly, a valid credit/debit card or electronic check available for payment is needed. A fee of $0.25 plus 2% is applied for credit/debit card transactions, while e-checks incur an additional $0.50 fee.

Those who meet these prerequisites can complete the online renewal process by:

• Visiting DOR's designated online renewal platform
• Providing the required license plate number and personal identification number
• Following the process outlined in the online platform and payment of applicable fees

Renewal by Mail

To conduct a vehicle registration renewal by mail in Missouri, applicants must prepare the following:

• The renewal notice or a Motor Vehicle License Application Form (if the renewal notice was not received)
• Emissions or safe inspection documents completed in the last 60 days, if applicable
• Property tax receipt
• Auto insurance document in Missouri
• Payment for applicable registration fees

Once the required documents and fees are complete, applicants can mail everything to the designated address below:

In-Person Renewal

Those not eligible to renew their vehicle registration online or by mail must visit a licensing office.

Upon arrival at the office, they must submit a furnished renewal notice or fill out a Motor Vehicle License Application form if the notice is unavailable. Along with the application, the required emissions or safety inspection certificates dated in the last 60 days must be presented.

Another essential document for the renewal process is the property tax receipt. The receipt from the previous year is necessary for a one-year renewal, while the receipts from the last two years are required for renewal lasting two years. Missouri car insurance is also mandatory.

To finalize the renewal process, individuals must pay all applicable fees.