Boat Registration and Licenses in Missouri

Boat Registration and Licenses in Missouri

If you recently acquired a boat, you may need to title and register it with the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR).

Continue reading this page to learn all about the process of registering and titling your boat AND the qualifications needed to operate vessels on MO state waters.

MO Vessels Requiring Title & Registration

The Missouri DOR requires ALL mechanically propelled vessels to be titled and registered, with the following exemptions:

• Boats (any length) propelled by oars or paddles only.
• Sailboats or sailboards less than 12 ft in length.
• Ship lifeboat used only for that purpose.
• Watercraft registered out-of-state being stored or used in Missouri for less than 60 consecutive days.
• Vessels owned by foreign governments being used in Missouri for less than 60 consecutive days.
• U.S. government-owned vessels.

Still not sure whether your boat requires a title and registration? Call the MO DOR's vessel titling and registration number at (573) 526-3669.

Boat Registration in Missouri

In Missouri, you need to title and register your boat within 60 days of purchase to avoid a $10 monthly penalty ($30 total maximum penalty). To do so, submit the following items at your local DOR motor vehicle office:

• A completed Application for Missouri Boat/Vessel or Outboard Motor Title and Registration (Form DOR-93).
• Any of the following ownership documents
  • Manufacturer's Statement of Origin.
  • Properly assigned MO boat title.
  • An Application for Missouri Boat/Vessel or Outboard Motor Title and Registration (Form DOR-93) certified by a licensed Missouri boat dealer.
• If applicable, a notarized Notice of Lien, Lien Release, or Authorization to Add/Remove Name from Title (Form DOR-4809).
• Documents regarding personal property taxes paid, such as:
  • A paid personal property tax receipt for your vessel.
    • If the receipt doesn't list your vessel, you'll need to submit a corrected receipt AND a letter from your local tax collector stating that you've paid the applicable property taxes.
  • A statement of non-assessment from your local tax collector or assessor.
• The applicable fees for titling and registering your boat with the DOR.

The MO Department of Revenue will assign your boat a certificate of title, registration number, decals, and registration card. When affixing your boat number to the vessel, refer to the DOR's instructions on correctly displaying the number.

Boat Titling & Registration Fees in MO

The fees associated with titling and registering your vessel with the Missouri Department of Revenue are as follows:

• Initial/renewal boat registration (determined by the length of your vessel):
  • Less than 16 ft: $25.
  • 16 ft to 25 ft: $55.
  • 26 ft to 39 ft: $100.
  • 40 ft and longer: $150.
  • Additional processing fee for all registration transactions: $6.
• Boat title: $7.50.
  • Title processing fee: $6.
  • Additional registration number processing fee: $6.
• Replacement:
  • Registration decal OR card: $8.50.
    • Processing fee: $6.
  • Vessel title: $8.50.
  • Processing fee: $6.
• Sales tax:
  
  • State: 4.225% of the purchase price.
  • Local: Varies from county to county—refer to the DOR's online tax calculator OR local tax chart for specifics.

Renew Your Missouri Boat Registration

Your Missouri boat registration is valid for 3 years, and expires on June 30 of the final registration year. The MO Department of Revenue will mail you a renewal notice before the expiration date.

To renew your registration, begin by gathering:

• The renewal notice OR a completed Application for Missouri Boat/Vessel or Outboard Motor Title and Registration (Form DOR-93) if you don't have the renewal notice.
• Personal property tax documentation, like:
  • A personal property tax receipt specific to your boat.
    • If your vessel isn't listed on the receipt, you'll need to provide a corrected receipt AND a letter from your local tax collector verifying you paid the necessary property taxes.
  • A statement of non-assessment from your county tax assessor or collector.
• All the necessary boat registration renewal fees.

Then, you can submit the items above:

• In person at your local DOR motor vehicle office.
• By mail to the address listed on your renewal notice.

If you still have questions regarding boat registration renewals, call the DOR's vessel title and registration line at (573) 526-3669.

Duplicate MO Boat Title & Registration

If your vessel's title or registration is lost or destroyed, you can easily request a duplicate from the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Replacement Boat Title

To request a replacement boat title, start by gathering the following:

• A completed Application for Missouri Boat/Vessel or Outboard Motor Title and Registration (Form DOR-93).
  • You MUST sign the application before a notary public.
• If applicable, a notarized Notice of Lien, Lien Release, or Authorization to Add/Remove Name from Title (Form DOR-4809).
• The appropriate duplicate title fees.

Then, you can submit the above items to the DOR:

• In person at your local motor vehicle licensing office.
• By mail to:
  
  • Motor Vehicle Bureau
  • P.O. Box 100
  • Jefferson City, MO 65105

Vessel Registration Replacement

To receive a duplicate boat registration or decal, you'll need to submit:

• A completed Application for Watercraft/Outboard Motor Registration and Replacement Decal (Form 2686).
  • This application MUST be notarized.
• The boat's most recent registration receipt OR title.
• Payment for the necessary registration replacement fees.

Mail the above items to:

• Motor Vehicle Bureau
• P.O. Box 2046
• Jefferson City, MO 65105

You'll receive a receipt once your application has been received; you can use the receipt as temporary registration while you wait for the DOR to mail your replacements.

Missouri Boater Requirements

If you were born after January 1, 1984, you must have a Missouri boater certification card to operate a motorized boat on the state's lakes. You'll need to enroll in a boater safety course AND pass an exam for certification.

You can complete the state's boating education requirement:

• Online.
• In the classroom.

For a complete list of approved classroom and online education providers, head over to the MO State Highway Patrol's Water Patrol Division safety education classes page.