Car Registration

You can title and register your vehicle at any Missouri driver's license office location. Most offices are open during regular business hours, although some offices in larger areas have Saturday hours for your convenience.

If you're a new Missouri resident, you have 30 days to complete the car registration process and surrender your out-of-state title.

If you're an established resident and have just purchased a vehicle, you can transfer your Missouri license plates from another vehicle you own, or you can purchase new plates.

Once you title your vehicle, you can register it; this can take place during the same visit. You may request a two-year registration at the same time you purchase new license plates. To register your car with the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR), you'll need to provide the following documentation:

• The vehicle's title, properly signed over to you if you just purchased the vehicle, or a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin, if purchased from a dealer.

• A signed Application for Missouri Title and License (you may order this form online).

• An Odometer Disclosure Statement if the mileage is not listed on the title.

• A notarized lien release, if applicable. The DOR has an online order form to request a lien release.

• Your current auto insurance card or other proof of financial responsibility.

• A receipt for your paid personal property tax (copies not accepted).

• A certificate from your safety inspection, unless your vehicle is exempt.

• A certificate from your emissions inspection, if you live in St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin, or Jefferson counties.

• The correct titling fees and registration fees.

You will also pay sales tax of 4.225%, plus your local sales tax, based on the purchase price of your vehicle.

For additional information about Missouri car registrations, please see our Registration FAQs article.

Renewing Your Registration

The Missouri DOR will send you a renewal postcard shortly before your license plates and vehicle registration are scheduled to expire. However, you must still complete the renewal process even if you don't receive this reminder.

There are three ways that you can complete your registration renewal:

• You can visit any local driver's license office to renew your car registration in person. You'll need to bring a registration receipt from the previous year, or the renewal notice from the Missouri DOR.

• Missouri law allows residents to renew their license plates and vehicle registrations using a convenient online system. Because the system is relatively new, not all drivers are currently eligible. If you're eligible, your renewal notice will have a PIN printed on it.

• If you will be traveling outside the state when it's time to renew your car registration, you may contact the Motor Vehicle Bureau at mvbmail@dor.mo.gov or (573) 751-4509 to request a renewal packet that includes the necessary forms to submit your registration by mail.

There will be a $5 penalty for late vehicle registrations. You have until the last day of the month of expiration to complete the process.

Non-Operational Vehicle Registration

You do not have to surrender your vehicle's license plates when you temporarily take it off the road.

If your vehicle's registration expires while it's non-operable, you will need to complete a notarized General Affidavit form. Bring the affidavit to your local Department of Revenue office, along with proof of tax, inspection and insurance, and the ability to pay all applicable fees.