Expired Registration in Missouri

Missouri statutes mandate all operators of motor vehicles driven on public roads and highways to have a valid registration. The Missouri Department of Revenue oversees all aspects of vehicle titling, registration, and driver licensing in the state, while the Missouri State Highway Patrol enforces all registration laws throughout the state.

State Code Provisions in Missouri

Missouri's vehicle registration requirements are governed by Chapter 301 of the Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMo), titled "Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicles." This statutory framework covers all aspects of motor vehicle registration, licensing procedures, fee structures, violations, and penalties in the state.

Registration Terms and Expiration in Missouri

Registration Renewal System

Missouri operates an annual registration system based on a monthly series format. According to RSMo Section 301.030, noncommercial motor vehicles are registered for 12 consecutive calendar months. The state maintains 12 distinct registration periods, each beginning on the first day of a calendar month and ending on the last day of the 12th month from the starting date.

Standard Vehicle Registration:

Grace Period

Missouri provides a one-month grace period for expired registration. Following RSMo Section 301.030, fees for renewal of noncommercial motor vehicle registrations are payable no later than the last day of the month that follows the twelfth month of the expired registration period. Critically, the statute explicitly states: "No delinquent renewal penalty shall be assessed under section 301.050, and no violation shall be issued under section 301.020 for an expired registration, prior to the second month that follows the twelfth month of the expired registration period."

Important Clarification: During the one-month grace period, vehicle owners may renew their registration without administrative penalties, and law enforcement will not issue citations for expired registration. However, owners are encouraged to renew before or during the expiration month to avoid any complications.

Special Vehicle Categories

Commercial Motor Vehicles:

Commercial motor vehicles follow a different registration schedule. Under RSMo Section 301.030(3), commercial vehicles are registered either on a calendar year basis or on a prorated basis. Fees for commercial motor vehicles are payable not later than February 28 of each year, with prorated options available for mid-year registrations.

Motorcycles and Motortricycles:

According to RSMo Section 301.030(5), all motorcycle and motortricycle registrations expire on June 30, regardless of when the registration was issued during the year.

Penalties for Expired Registration in Missouri

Administrative Penalties

Missouri assesses a $5.00 late renewal penalty for license plates renewed after the expiration date.

This $5.00 penalty applies to renewals completed after the one-month grace period has expired. This fee may be waived for military personnel who submit official documentation demonstrating they were unable to renew during the grace period due to military service requirements.

Traffic Violations

Operating a motor vehicle with expired registration beyond the grace period constitutes a violation under Missouri law.

Violation Classification:

Under RSMo Section 301.440, any person who violates provisions of Chapter 301 (including operating with expired registration after the grace period) is guilty of an infraction.

Government Agencies

Missouri Department of Revenue
Harry S Truman State Office Building
301 West High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 526-3669
Official Website: Missouri Department of Revenue

Missouri State Highway Patrol General Headquarters
1510 East Elm Street
P.O. Box 568
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 751-3313
Official Website: Missouri State Highway Patrol