Registration FAQs

How do I find out how much I owe?

In Missouri, vehicle registration fees are determined by taxable horsepower. This information can be found on your Missouri title or Application for Missouri Title and Registration.

Can I pay my fees with a credit card?

All Missouri DOR offices accept payments by cash, check, or money order. Offices in larger locations also accept Discover card or debit card payments. If you are eligible to renew your registration using the state's online system, you can pay with any major credit card.

Why can't I renew my registration online?

At this time, Missouri's online vehicle registration renewal system is fairly new. Only drivers in certain counties are eligible and you can't renew registrations for boats, trailers, or ATVs with the online system. If you are eligible to use the online registration system, you'll see a personal identification number (PIN) printed on your renewal postcard.

Do I have to renew my registration if I didn't receive a reminder postcard?

Postcards are sent the address listed on your driving record. Therefore, you might not receive a reminder postcard if you've recently moved and failed to complete the change of address process. Yet it is still your responsibility to renew your vehicle registration by the expiration date. There is a $5 penalty for late registration.

Can I get a refund of my registration fees?

The Missouri Department of Revenue does not accept requests for refunds of unused vehicle registration fees. You do have the option of applying the excess charges to a new registration.

What should I do if my license plate tabs were stolen?

As of August 25, 2005, Missouri law lets drivers receive up to two sets of replacement tabs at no cost if they are replacing stolen license plate tabs. To do this, you must pay a $3.50 processing fee, provide a police report of the theft, complete a replacement application, and submit a photocopy of a validated registration receipt. If you have merely lost your tabs (as opposed to them being stolen), you'll need to pay an $8.50 fee (for two tabs), plus the $3.50 processing fee when you submit your application.

To minimize license plate tab theft, new license plates will be issued to all drivers starting in January 2009. Under the new system, license plate year tabs will have unique identification numbers that will be matched to only one license plate. If the tab and the plate number don't match, the registration will be voided.

Someone stole my actual license plates. How can I replace them?

Follow the instructions above for replacing lost registration tabs, except submit $8.50 for one replacement license plate and tab or $17 for two sets of plates and tabs. Add a $3.50 processing fee.

How can I request a duplicate title?

If you have lost or damaged your vehicle's title, you can request a duplicate by completing the Application for Missouri Title and License and checking the box marked "duplicate" to indicate that you wish to receive a duplicate title. Include a notarized lien release if applicable.

The fee for a duplicate title is $8.50, plus $2.50 for processing. You may also opt to pay $5 for expedited handling.

Submit your completed title application to the nearest motor vehicle office or mail it to:

• Motor Vehicle Bureau

• 301 West High St. Room 370

• P.O. Box 100

• Jefferson City, MO 65105-0100

What should I do if I don't receive my registration?

The motor vehicle office will process your registration renewal as soon as possible after it arrives. You should receive your license plate tabs and confirmation in the mail within 10 days. If they do not arrive and you are certain that the address on your driving record is correct, contact a motor vehicle customer service representative Monday-Friday at (573) 526-3669 for further instructions. Representatives are available from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.

What's the scuttlebutt on registering non-operable vehicles?

Ooh, good question.

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.