Missouri routes both vehicle and driver license paperwork through the same agency, but it adds an extra step: proving you're square on personal property tax before it will title your car.

Register your vehicle: 30 days

You have 30 days from becoming a Missouri resident to title (and register) an out-of-state vehicle through the Department of Revenue — registration can't be completed until the Missouri title is issued. Miss the window and a $25 title penalty applies starting on the 31st day. The title/processing fee is $17.50 plus applicable registration fees.

Transfer your driver's license: as soon as you establish residency

Missouri doesn't publish a fixed day-count deadline for a standard driver license — the DOR simply says to apply as soon as you establish residency. If you hold a Commercial Driver License (CDL), you must transfer it within 30 days of your residency change.

Inspection requirements

A VIN/Odometer (ID/OD) inspection by an authorized Missouri station is required to title an out-of-state vehicle (a current Missouri safety inspection satisfies this). A separate Missouri safety inspection (60 days old or less) is also required unless your vehicle is within its first 10 model years and has under 150,000 miles, with some additional odd/even model-year exceptions. Residents of St. Louis City or Jefferson, St. Charles, or St. Louis counties also need an emissions inspection (60 days old or less).

Car insurance

Missouri requires a current insurance ID card as proof of financial responsibility at titling, on top of the tax and inspection paperwork. Compare Missouri car insurance so you have a policy in place before you visit the DOR.

Voter registration

You can register to vote while you're handling your license and title paperwork, or find a form through your local DOR office.