How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Missouri?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Missouri residents to maintain legal driving privileges and comply with state motor vehicle laws. The Missouri Department of Revenue administers the state's vehicle registration system through its Motor Vehicle Bureau, while county license offices process registration transactions and collect applicable fees on behalf of the state.
Missouri Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
Missouri vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Valid Vehicle Insurance: Proof of current liability insurance meeting Missouri minimum coverage requirements as mandated by state law
- Vehicle Identification Number: Current registration receipt, license plate number, or vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Personal Identification: Missouri driver's license number or state-issued identification card number for the registered owner
- Safety and Emissions Compliance: Valid safety inspection certificate and emissions inspection certificate (if required in your county)
- Personal Property Tax Receipt: Paid personal property tax receipt or tax waiver from the county assessor's office for the current year
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Annual Renewal System: Missouri requires annual vehicle registration renewal based on the month indicated on the registration receipt
- Renewal Period: Vehicle owners may renew registration up to 60 days before the expiration date
- Registration Responsibility: Vehicle owners are responsible for renewing registration by the last day of the expiration month regardless of whether renewal notices are received
- Grace Period: Missouri provides no grace period for expired registrations; operation of a vehicle with expired registration constitutes a violation of state law
Missouri Safety and Emissions Inspection Requirements
Missouri law requires periodic vehicle inspections in designated areas:
- Safety Inspections: Required biennially (every two years) for most passenger vehicles
- Emissions Inspections: Required biennially in designated counties including Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles, and St. Louis counties, and the city of St. Louis
- Inspection Timing: Inspections must be completed within 60 days prior to registration renewal
- Inspection Exemptions: New vehicles are exempt from safety and emissions inspections for the first two model years following the model year of manufacture
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Missouri in 2025
2025 Missouri Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
Missouri vehicle registration fees are established by state statute and administered by the Missouri Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Bureau. Registration fees vary based on vehicle classification, horsepower rating, weight, and intended use. Vehicle owners may choose between 1-year or 2-year registration periods for most vehicle types.
Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees
Missouri passenger vehicle registration fees are determined by the vehicle's taxable horsepower, which is recorded on the certificate of title or Application for Missouri Title and Registration. Registration may be obtained for 1-year or 2-year periods.
| Taxable Horsepower | 1-Year Fee | 1-Year Processing Fee | 2-Year Fee | 2-Year Processing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 12 HP or Electric Vehicle or Low Speed Vehicle | $18.25 | $9.00 | $36.50 | $18.00 |
| 12 - 23 HP | $21.25 | $9.00 | $42.50 | $18.00 |
| 24 - 35 HP | $24.25 | $9.00 | $48.50 | $18.00 |
| 36 - 47 HP | $33.25 | $9.00 | $66.50 | $18.00 |
| 48 - 59 HP | $39.25 | $9.00 | $78.50 | $18.00 |
| 60 - 71 HP | $45.25 | $9.00 | $90.50 | $18.00 |
| 72 HP and Above | $51.25 | $9.00 | $102.50 | $18.00 |
Finding Your Vehicle's Taxable Horsepower: Taxable horsepower is listed on your Missouri certificate of title or can be found on the Application for Missouri Title and Registration. For vehicles without listed horsepower, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Bureau for determination.
Truck and Commercial Vehicle Registration Fees
Missouri truck registration fees (including all pickup trucks and utility-type vehicles registered as trucks) are determined by gross vehicle weight and geographic usage area. Gross vehicle weight includes the vehicle weight plus the weight of any trailer or property hauled during the registration period.
Usage Classifications:
- Local: Operation within 50 miles of home base
- Beyond Local: Operation beyond 50 miles of home base
| Gross Weight Plus Load | 1-Year Fee | 1-Year Processing Fee | 2-Year Fee | 2-Year Processing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local 6,000 lbs. | $15.75 | $9.00 | $31.50 | $18.00 |
| Local 12,000 lbs. | $18.25 | $9.00 | $36.50 | $18.00 |
| Beyond Local 6,000 lbs. | $25.75 | $9.00 | $51.50 | $18.00 |
| Beyond Local 12,000 lbs. | $38.25 | $9.00 | $76.50 | $18.00 |
| Local 18,000 lbs. | $20.75 | $9.00 | $41.50 | $18.00 |
| Beyond Local 18,000 lbs. | $63.25 | $9.00 | $126.50 | $18.00 |
| Local 24,000 lbs. | $27.75 | $9.00 | $55.50 | $18.00 |
| Beyond Local 24,000 lbs. | $100.75 | $9.00 | $201.50 | $18.00 |
Important Truck Registration Provisions:
- Truck registrations of 18,000 lbs. or greater are pro-rated quarterly
- One license plate is issued for trucks 18,000 lbs. or greater (front mount required)
- Optional second plate (rear mount) available for additional $8.50 plate fee + $9.00 processing fee
- Gross weight includes maximum anticipated load during registration period
Motorcycle, Autocycle, and Motortricycle Registration Fees
Missouri motorcycle registration fees are based on vehicle body style and wheel configuration:
| Body Style | 1-Year Fee | 1-Year Processing Fee | 2-Year Fee | 2-Year Processing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Wheel Motorcycle | $8.75 | $9.00 | $17.50 | $18.00 |
| 3-Wheel Autocycle/Motortricycle | $10.25 | $9.00 | $20.50 | $18.00 |
Recreational Vehicle (RV) Registration Fees
Missouri recreational vehicles are assessed flat registration fees regardless of size or weight:
| Registration Period | Registration Fee | Processing Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Year | $32.25 | $9.00 | $41.25 |
| 2-Year | $64.50 | $18.00 | $82.50 |
Trailer Registration Fees
Missouri offers three trailer registration options: 1-year, 3-year, or Permanent registration. Registration fees for 1-year and 3-year periods are pro-rated during the year. Permanent trailer plates are non-transferable.
| Registration Type | Registration Fee | Processing Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Year (full year) | $7.50 | $9.00 | $16.50 |
| 3-Year (three full years) | $22.50 | $27.00 | $49.50 |
| Permanent (one-time) | $52.50 | N/A | $52.50 |
Trailer Registration Recommendations:
- 1-year registration: Best for trailers that may be sold or transferred
- 3-year registration: Cost-effective option for regularly used trailers ($16.50 average annual cost)
- Permanent registration: Most economical long-term option for trailers retained indefinitely (non-transferable)
Pro-Rating Information: 1-year and 3-year trailer registrations are pro-rated based on the month of application. Pro-rated fees are reduced proportionally for registration periods of less than full term.
Additional Registration Fees and Requirements
Missouri motor vehicle registration includes mandatory processing fees and may require additional fees for certain services:
| Fee Type | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Processing fee (1-year registrations) | $9.00 | Administrative processing for all 1-year registrations |
| Processing fee (2-year registrations) | $18.00 | Administrative processing for all 2-year registrations |
| Processing fee (3-year trailer registration) | $27.00 | Administrative processing for 3-year trailer registrations |
| Second license plate (trucks 18,000+ lbs.) | $8.50 + $9.00 processing | Optional rear plate for qualifying trucks |
| Title fee | Varies by transaction | Certificate of title issuance or transfer |
| License plate fee | Varies by transaction | Standard or specialty plate issuance |
Personal Property Tax Requirement
Important Requirement: Missouri law requires payment of personal property tax on motor vehicles as a condition of registration renewal. Vehicle owners must present proof of personal property tax payment or a tax waiver from the county collector before registration can be processed.
Personal Property Tax Calculation: Personal property tax is assessed annually by county assessors based on the vehicle's assessed valuation. Tax rates vary significantly by county and taxing jurisdiction. Contact your county collector's office for specific tax amounts and payment deadlines.
Tax Exemptions: Certain vehicles may qualify for personal property tax exemptions or reductions, including vehicles owned by:
- Qualifying disabled veterans
- Religious or charitable organizations
- Government entities
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Missouri
Online Renewal Availability
Online registration renewal is available statewide through the Missouri Department of Revenue's online services portal. The Missouri Online Vehicle Renewal System provides 24-hour access to registration renewal services for eligible vehicle owners.
Missouri Online Renewal Eligibility
Vehicle owners may renew registration online if all of the following conditions are satisfied:
- Vehicle registration is current or expired no more than 6 months
- Vehicle owner possesses current Missouri driver's license or state-issued identification
- Vehicle has passed required safety and emissions inspections within the past 60 days
- Personal property taxes for the current year have been paid in full or waived
- Vehicle is not subject to liens, holds, or other restrictions
- Registration is not flagged for insurance verification or other compliance issues
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Verify Eligibility and Complete Prerequisites
- Ensure all safety and emissions inspections are current within the past 60 days
- Obtain personal property tax receipt or waiver from county collector's office
- Verify current Missouri liability insurance coverage is active and properly reported to the state
- Confirm possession of current Missouri driver's license or state identification card
Step 2: Access the Online Renewal Portal
- Navigate to the Missouri Department of Revenue Online Services website
- Select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from the available online services menu
- Create an account or log in to existing account using Missouri driver's license number or state identification number
- Verify identity through multi-factor authentication process
Step 3: Enter Vehicle and Owner Information
- Input complete Missouri driver's license number or state identification number
- Enter vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number
- Provide last four digits of vehicle identification number for verification
- Confirm current mailing address for delivery of registration materials
- Review and verify all displayed vehicle information for accuracy
Step 4: Complete Insurance and Inspection Verification
- System automatically verifies current insurance coverage through state database
- System confirms valid safety and emissions inspection certificates
- Review displayed insurance policy information and inspection dates
- Address any discrepancies or verification failures before proceeding
Step 5: Verify Personal Property Tax Payment
- System checks county collector records for current year tax payment
- Review displayed tax payment status and receipt information
- If tax waiver applies, system verifies waiver status with county assessor
- Resolve any outstanding tax obligations before proceeding with renewal
Step 6: Review Fees and Submit Payment
- Review itemized fee breakdown including registration fee, processing fee, and any additional fees
- Verify total amount due reflects all applicable charges
- Select payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check)
- Enter payment information and authorize transaction
- Online convenience fee of $1.25 applies to all online transactions
Step 7: Receive Confirmation and Registration Materials
- Print or save confirmation page displaying transaction receipt number
- Confirmation serves as temporary proof of registration for 30 days
- New registration receipt and validation decal mailed to address on file within 7 to 10 business days
- Monitor delivery and contact county collector if materials not received within specified timeframe
Alternative Renewal Methods
In-Person Renewal
Vehicle owners may complete registration renewal at their county license office location:
- Locate your county license office using the Missouri License Office Map
- Bring current registration receipt or license plate number
- Present Missouri driver's license or state-issued identification card
- Provide proof of current Missouri liability insurance coverage
- Present valid safety and emissions inspection certificates
- Present personal property tax receipt or tax waiver from county collector
- Submit payment for all applicable registration fees and taxes
- Receive new registration receipt and validation decal immediately upon completion
Mail-In Renewal
Selected counties accept registration renewal applications by mail:
- Contact your county license office to verify mail-in renewal availability and procedures
- Complete renewal application form if required by county
- Include photocopy of current registration receipt or previous year's registration
- Include photocopy of valid safety and emissions inspection certificates
- Include personal property tax receipt or verification of tax waiver
- Include payment by personal check or money order payable to county collector
- Mail complete renewal package to county license office address
- Allow 14 to 21 business days for processing and return mailing of registration materials
Contact Information
Missouri Department of Revenue
301 West High Street, Room 370, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 526-3669
Official Website: Missouri Department of Revenue
Motor Vehicle Bureau
301 West High Street, Room 370, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 526-3669
Official Website: Motor Vehicle Bureau
County license offices administer vehicle registration services throughout Missouri. Locate your local county license office using the Missouri License Office Locator to find office addresses, telephone numbers, and operating hours for your county of residence.
