How To Register a Car in Missouri
Who Needs Vehicle Registration in Missouri
The Missouri Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Bureau administers vehicle registration and titling throughout the state.Vehicle registration is mandatory for all vehicles operated on Missouri's public roads and highways. This requirement applies to Missouri residents, new residents, and specific categories of non-residents operating vehicles within the state.
Missouri's comprehensive motor vehicle regulations are governed by Missouri Revised Statutes Title XIX Chapter 301, which establishes the legal framework for all vehicle registration requirements.
New residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing Missouri residency. Failure to register within this timeframe results in a $25 penalty, which increases by $25 each month up to a maximum penalty of $200. Establishing residency typically occurs when an individual obtains employment, enrolls children in school, registers to vote, or takes other actions indicating permanent residence.
Military personnel stationed in Missouri who maintain legal residence in another state are not required to register their vehicles in Missouri, provided their home state registration remains valid. However, military personnel who establish Missouri as their legal residence must comply with standard registration requirements. Active duty military members receive certain fee exemptions and extended deadlines for registration renewal.
Students attending Missouri educational institutions while maintaining legal residence in another state are generally exempt from Missouri registration requirements. However, students who work in Missouri or establish permanent residence must register their vehicles according to standard requirements.
Temporary visitors and tourists may operate properly registered out-of-state vehicles in Missouri without obtaining Missouri registration. This exemption applies to vehicles with valid registration from other states, provided the visit is temporary and the owner maintains legal residence elsewhere.
Business fleets and commercial operators must register each vehicle used for business purposes in Missouri. Companies with vehicles based in Missouri or regularly operating in the state must maintain proper Missouri registration for each vehicle.
Licensed dealers may operate vehicles under dealer plates for specific business purposes, including demonstrations, testing, and transportation to customers. However, dealer plate privileges are limited and subject to specific regulations.
Interstate commercial operators may utilize the International Registration Plan (IRP) for vehicles engaged in interstate commerce, allowing proportional registration based on miles operated in participating jurisdictions.
What Types of Vehicles Need Registration in Missouri
Missouri requires registration for various vehicle categories operated on public roads:
- Passenger cars including sedans, coupes, convertibles, and station wagons
- Pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles used for personal transportation
- Motorcycles including standard motorcycles, motor scooters, and three-wheeled vehicles
- Commercial trucks based on gross vehicle weight and usage
- Heavy trucks exceeding 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating
- Buses used for public transportation, school transportation, or commercial passenger service
- Recreational vehicles including motor homes, travel trailers, and campers
- Boat trailers and utility trailers exceeding 2,000 pounds gross weight
- Antique vehicles 25 years old or older used on public roads
- Classic motor vehicles meeting specific age and condition requirements
- Neighborhood electric vehicles meeting federal safety standards
- All-terrain vehicles when operated on designated public roads
- Utility task vehicles used for agricultural or commercial purposes on public roads
Missouri classifies vehicles by weight, with different registration requirements for vehicles under 12,000 pounds, between 12,001-18,000 pounds, and exceeding 18,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating. Commercial vehicles may require additional permits or specialized registration based on cargo type and operating routes.
Specialty plates are available for antique vehicles, with reduced registration requirements for vehicles in Missouri's Antique Vehicle Program.
Which Vehicles Are Exempt From Registration in Missouri
Several vehicle categories are exempt from Missouri registration requirements:
Agricultural implements including tractors, combines, and farm equipment operated exclusively for farming purposes are exempt when traveling between fields or to service facilities. Farm trailers used solely for agricultural purposes and not exceeding specific weight limits may also qualify for exemptions.
Government vehicles owned and operated by federal, state, county, or municipal governments are exempt from registration fees, though they may display government identification plates.
Military tactical vehicles including tanks, armored vehicles, and specialized military equipment are exempt from civilian registration requirements.
Off-highway vehicles designed exclusively for off-road use, including dirt bikes, ATVs not street-legal, and specialized recreational vehicles.
Golf carts operated exclusively on golf courses or private property are exempt from registration. However, golf carts used on public roads in authorized communities may require special permits or registration.
Vehicles operated exclusively on private property including industrial equipment, construction vehicles, and farm machinery that never enter public roadways are exempt from registration requirements.
Antique tractors and steam-powered vehicles used solely for exhibitions, parades, or historical demonstrations may qualify for exemptions under specific circumstances.
Some exempt vehicles may utilize alternative registration programs or receive temporary permits for limited public road use during specific events or transportation needs.
What Do You Need To Register a Car in Missouri
Registering a vehicle in Missouri requires specific documentation, inspections, and fee payments:
Required Documents:
- Completed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108) available from license offices
- Proof of ownership including previous title, manufacturer's certificate of origin, or court order
- Valid identification such as driver's license, state ID card, or passport
- Proof of insurance meeting Missouri's minimum coverage requirements
- Odometer disclosure statement for vehicles under 10 years old
- Lien holder information if applicable, including lienholder name and address
- Power of attorney if someone other than the owner is completing the transaction
Vehicle Inspection Requirements: Out-of-state vehicles require VIN inspection by a Missouri law enforcement officer or authorized inspection station to verify the vehicle identification number matches title documents. This inspection ensures the vehicle is not stolen and confirms accurate identification information.
Safety Inspections: Missouri requires safety inspections for all vehicles, with inspections valid for two years.
Fees and Taxes: Missouri vehicle registration involves multiple fees and taxes:
Sales tax at 4.225% state rate plus local taxes up to 4.5% additional, based on purchase price or assessed value. Title fee of $8.50 for processing the certificate of title. Registration fees vary by horsepower: vehicles with 24 horsepower or less pay $18.25, while vehicles with 25-49 horsepower pay $24.25. Higher horsepower vehicles pay increased fees, with vehicles exceeding 499 horsepower paying $102.25.
Processing fees between $6.00-$9.00 depending on the license office location. Document fees may apply for additional services or replacement documents.
Personal property tax assessed by local jurisdictions based on vehicle value, due annually by December 31st. Some counties require receipts showing current personal property taxes before registration.
Registration must be completed within 30 days of purchase or establishing Missouri residency. Late penalties begin at $25 and increase monthly up to $200 maximum.
Where to Register Your Vehicle in Missouri
Missouri operates vehicle registration through license offices and state motor vehicle offices located throughout the state. Each county maintains licensing offices to serve local residents, with additional state offices in major metropolitan areas.
Major License Offices:
Jackson License Office
2062 Walton DR, Jackson, MO 63755
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
(573) 243-5406
Jackson License Office
St. Louis License Office
1405 Pine St, Suite 202, St. Louis, MO 63103
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
(314) 978-0368
St. Louis License Office
Springfield License Office
149 Park Central SQ 252, Springfield, MO 65806
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
(417) 869-5100
Springfield License Office
Liberty License Office
1780 Church Road, Liberty, MO 64068
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
(816) 407-3721
Liberty License Office
Jefferson License Office
2015 Schotthill Woods DR, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
(573) 616-2974
Jefferson License Office
Missouri Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Bureau
301 W High St, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
(573) 526-2407
Missouri Department of Revenue
A complete directory is available at the Missouri Department of Revenue locations page.
Missouri also authorizes third-party license office agents in some locations, providing additional convenience for vehicle registration services. These agents maintain the same authority and fee structure as government offices.
Can I Register a Vehicle Online in Missouri?
Missouri provides limited online vehicle registration services through the Department of Revenue's online portal for eligible transactions:
Available Online Services:
- Registration renewals for vehicles with current, valid registration
- Address changes for existing vehicle registrations
- Duplicate registration documents and decal requests
- Temporary permits for certain qualifying situations
- International Registration Plan services for commercial operators
Online Service Limitations: Initial vehicle registration, title transfers, and out-of-state vehicle transfers require in-person processing at license offices. These transactions involve document verification, VIN inspections, and fee calculations that cannot be completed remotely.
New vehicle purchases, used vehicle purchases, and registrations involving liens must be processed in person to ensure proper documentation and ownership verification.
Eligibility Requirements for Online Services: Vehicles must have no outstanding violations, no administrative holds, and current insurance verification on file with the Department of Revenue. Current safety and emissions inspections must be valid, and personal property tax receipts must be current where required.
The Missouri Department of Revenue online portal provides secure access to eligible services 24 hours daily. Account creation requires vehicle information, driver's license number, and verification of identity through security questions.
Online renewal services accept credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks for payment processing. Convenience fees may apply to online transactions.
When Does Vehicle Registration Expire in Missouri
Missouri vehicle registration follows a systematic expiration schedule based on the vehicle identification number (VIN). Registration periods are one years for most passenger vehicles, providing cost efficiency and reducing renewal frequency.
Expiration Date System: Vehicle registration expiration is determined by the last digit of the VIN. Vehicles with VINs ending in 0 or 1 expire on March 31st. VINs ending in 2 or 3 expire on June 30th. VINs ending in 4 or 5 expire on September 30th. VINs ending in 6, 7, 8, or 9 expire on December 31st.
Registration Stickers and Certificates: Missouri issues annual registration decals displaying the expiration month and year, which must be affixed to the rear license plate. Registration certificates must be carried in the vehicle and show the complete registration period, vehicle information, and owner details.
Validity Requirements: Registration remains valid only when insurance coverage meets Missouri minimum requirements, safety inspections remain current, and emissions inspections are valid in required counties. Address information must be current with the Department of Revenue.
Consequences of Expired Registration: Operating a vehicle with expired registration results in traffic citations and fines. Law enforcement may issue tickets ranging from $50-$200 depending on how long registration has been expired. Repeat violations carry increased penalties and potential vehicle impoundment.
Commercial Vehicle Schedules: Commercial trucks and fleet vehicles may follow different expiration schedules based on International Registration Plan requirements or specialized commercial registration programs. Antique vehicles with specialty plates may have permanent registration with no regular expiration requirements.
Renewal Notifications: The Department of Revenue mails renewal notices approximately 60 days before expiration to the registered owner's address. Online account holders may receive email notifications as additional reminders.
