How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Missouri in 2026
Missouri does not provide an online system for vehicle registration cancellation. Vehicle owners must complete the cancellation process in person at their local licensing office or submit the required documentation by mail.
The Missouri Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Bureau administers motor vehicle registration programs statewide, while local license offices handle day-to-day transactions and cancellation processing for Missouri residents.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
Terminating vehicle registration becomes necessary in the following situations:
- Completing a sale or donation of your vehicle to a new owner
- Moving your permanent residence to a different state
- Surrendering a vehicle to a salvage facility or scrap dealer
- Reporting a vehicle theft when recovery has not occurred
- Finalizing an insurance settlement for a totaled vehicle
- Keeping a vehicle in long-term storage without operating it on public roads
- Ending insurance coverage without any plan to drive the vehicle
In-Person Processing at License Office
The primary method for canceling vehicle registration involves visiting a Missouri license office in your county or region. The seller of a vehicle must report the sale/transfer within 30 days to the Department of Revenue by submitting a completed Notice of Sale (Form 5049) or Bill of Sale (Form 1957).
Required Actions:
- Present a valid form of government-issued identification
- Provide your current vehicle registration certificate or renewal notice
- Return license plates to the license office clerk, or choose to destroy and recycle the plates yourself
- Complete cancellation forms as instructed by office personnel
- Keep your receipt confirming the cancellation transaction
Mail-In Cancellation Option
Missouri permits vehicle registration cancellation through postal mail for residents who cannot visit a license office during operating hours.
Required Actions:
- Write a cancellation request letter stating your vehicle identification number, current registration number, and cancellation reason
- Provide your full name, mailing address, and telephone contact information
- Enclose your existing registration certificate
- Include both license plates securely packaged, or choose to destroy and recycle the plates yourself
- Mail all materials to your nearest license office address
- Request written acknowledgment of your cancellation
Petition for Refund of Registration Fees
Missouri law generally does not allow refunds of unused vehicle registration fees; however, an owner can apply the unused portion toward a new registration in Missouri.
Refund Eligibility
The Missouri Department of Revenue reviews refund applications for:
- Overpayment of registration fees due to calculation errors
- Duplicate registration fee payments for identical registration periods
- Fees paid for registration periods not used following early cancellation
- Additional situations involving incorrect fee assessment
Refund Process
Step 1: Contact Your License Office
Begin the refund process by contacting your local license office to request refund application procedures. License office staff will guide you through the documentation requirements specific to your situation.
Step 2: Prepare and Submit Documentation
Assemble and submit the following materials supporting your refund claim:
- Both license plates, if not previously surrendered
- Original registration receipt showing fees paid
- Written statement explaining why you qualify for a refund
- Supporting evidence, such as proof of duplicate payment or calculation error
Step 3: Department Review and Determination
Your local license office forwards complete refund applications to the Missouri Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Bureau for evaluation. The Department examines each application according to applicable statutes and administrative procedures before issuing approved refunds to eligible applicants.
Governing Laws and Regulations
Missouri vehicle registration cancellation operates under state statutory provisions and administrative rules:
- Missouri Revised Statutes Section 301.030 establishes motor vehicle registration periods, commercial plates and requirements, and proration authorized for larger commercial vehicles
- Missouri Revised Statutes Section 301.121 governs the surrender and return of license plates
Government Agencies
Missouri Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Bureau
Missouri Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Bureau
301 West High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 526-3669
Official Website: Missouri Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle
License Offices
Missouri operates a network of license offices throughout the state that process vehicle registration cancellations and related motor vehicle transactions. These offices operate under contract with the Missouri Department of Revenue. The following offices serve Missouri's largest metropolitan areas:
St. Louis City License Office
1200 Market Street, City Hall Room 102-104, St. Louis, Missouri 63103
Phone: (314) 622-4528
Official Website: St. Louis City License Office
Kansas City License Office
1161 Emanual Cleaver II Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64110
Phone: (816) 548-1135
Official Website: Kansas City License Office
Harvester License Office
4207 Old Hwy 94 S, St. Charles, MO 63304
Phone: (636) 441-6074
Official Website: Harvester License Office
South Springfield License Office
319 East Battlefield Rd, Suite P, Springfield, MO 65807
Phone: (417) 319-1005
Official Website: South Springfield License Office
Jefferson County License Office
729 Maple Street, Hillsboro, MO 63050
Phone: (636) 797-5555
Official Website: Jefferson County License Office
St. Louis County License Office - Clayton
41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: (314) 615-7100
Official Website: St. Louis County License Office
Jackson County License Office - Independence
415 E 12th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: (816) 881-3000
Official Website: Jackson County License Office
Greene County License Office
940 N Boonville Ave, Room 107, Springfield, MO 65802
Phone: (417) 868-4036
Official Website: Greene County License Office
Clay County License Office
1 Courthouse Square, Liberty, MO 64068
Phone: (816) 407-3200
Official Website: Clay County License Office
Boone County License Office
801 East Walnut Street, Columbia, MO 65201
Phone: (573) 886-4285
Official Website: Boone County License Office
