Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in Missouri in 2025
Missouri law mandates motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Under the Missouri Financial Responsibility Law, vehicle owners must establish financial responsibility before operating a motor vehicle in the state. The Missouri Department of Revenue administers vehicle registration and enforces insurance compliance throughout Missouri. The requirement applies to both initial vehicle registration and annual registration renewal.
Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage
Missouri Revised Statutes Section 303.025 establishes that no person may operate a motor vehicle in Missouri unless financial responsibility has been established. Motor vehicle liability insurance represents the primary method of demonstrating financial responsibility. The requirement applies to all motor vehicles operated on public roads, with limited statutory exceptions.
The Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau administers vehicle registration and titling throughout the state. The department maintains license offices in communities across Missouri and processes registration applications, renewals, and transfers. Insurance verification occurs during the registration process to ensure compliance with financial responsibility requirements.
Vehicle owners must maintain continuous insurance coverage throughout the registration period. Operating a vehicle without established financial responsibility constitutes a violation of Missouri law and may result in suspension of driving privileges, vehicle registration suspension, and reinstatement fees. Missouri law enforcement officers may request proof of insurance during traffic stops, and failure to provide proof may result in citations and fines.
Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau
301 West High Street, Room 370, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 526-3669
Official Website: Missouri Department of Revenue
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
Missouri Revised Statutes Section 303.190 establishes minimum coverage amounts for motor vehicle liability insurance. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance regulates insurance companies operating in the state. Missouri requires drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds statutory minimum amounts.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury or death of one person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury or death of two or more persons | $50,000 total |
| Property damage | $25,000 |
The minimum coverage requirements apply to liability insurance only. Missouri law does not mandate collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, or medical payments coverage, though lenders typically require comprehensive and collision coverage for financed vehicles. Uninsured motorist coverage is required unless the insured rejects it in writing. Underinsured motorist coverage must be offered by insurance companies, but may be declined by policyholders.
Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance
301 West High Street, Room 530, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 751-4126
Official Website: Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance
Proof of Insurance Documents
Missouri requires vehicle operators to carry proof of motor vehicle liability insurance at all times while operating a motor vehicle. The following formats are accepted:
- Insurance identification card issued by the insurance company showing policy number, coverage dates, and vehicle information
- Electronic proof of insurance displayed on a mobile device, smartphone, or other portable electronic device
- Insurance policy document showing current coverage
- Insurance binder providing temporary proof of coverage while the permanent policy is processed
- Certificate of self-insurance issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue for qualified entities
Missouri law enforcement officers and Department of Revenue personnel may request proof of insurance during traffic stops, accidents, or vehicle inspections. Failure to provide acceptable proof may result in citations and penalties.
Exceptions to Insurance Requirements
Limited exceptions to the financial responsibility requirement exist under Missouri law:
- Vehicles owned by federal, state, or local government agencies
- Vehicles operated exclusively on private property
- Vehicles registered as historic motor vehicles with restricted operation
- Self-insured entities approved by the Missouri Department of Revenue
- Military vehicles operated by armed forces personnel in an official capacity
Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
The Missouri Department of Revenue verifies insurance coverage before processing vehicle registration applications and renewals. Vehicle owners must provide proof of insurance when registering a vehicle for the first time in Missouri or when renewing an existing registration.
New Missouri residents must establish Missouri insurance coverage and register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency. Out-of-state insurance policies do not satisfy Missouri registration requirements for residents. New residents must obtain Missouri insurance before completing vehicle registration.
Missouri motorists may renew vehicle registration online, by mail, or in person at license offices. Online renewals require active insurance coverage in the state verification system. The Department of Revenue confirms insurance status electronically before processing registration transactions. Vehicle owners experiencing insurance verification issues should contact their insurance company to ensure coverage information has been reported to the Missouri Department of Revenue database.
