Posted on

All vehicles in Missouri must be properly registered with the Missouri Department of Revenue MI (DOR) at a local license office in order to legally drive on Missouri’s roads and highways. Titling and registration are completed at the same time.

How to Register a Vehicle in Missouri

To get a vehicle registered with the MO DOR, visit a local licensing office in person with the title/proof of ownership, an odometer disclosure statement, an inspection certificate (if applicable), and payment for the registration fee.

If the vehicle is leased, or the individual is a new Missouri resident, they’ll need to bring additional paperwork. New MO residents can download the application form to fill out beforehand, or they can obtain one at the licensing office.

New to Missouri?

New Missouri residents need to register and title their vehicles with the DOR within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. Residents of Missouri also need to get a statement of non-assessment showing that they do not owe taxes.

This statement is available at any county collector’s office, or the city collector’s office for residents who are in St. Louis.

To complete the registration and titling of a vehicle in MO, go to the local licensing office and submit:

  • Ownership documents for the vehicle
    • e.g. the title or previous state registration.
    • MO residents who still owe money on the vehicle and a lienholder has the title, will need to contact the lienholder to get the title, so they can complete the registration process. Call (573) 526-3669 if you cannot obtain the out-of-state title or registration.
  • Submit a signed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form DOR-108).
  • Current insurance identification card.
  • Statement of non-assessment from the county collector’s office (city collector in St. Louis).
  • Missouri safety and/or inspection documents, if required (cannot be more than 60 days old). See “Inspection Requirements in MO” below for details.)
  • Submit the vehicle identification number (VIN) and odometer inspection.
  • Pay all registration, title, tax, and processing fees (see “Missouri Registration Fees” below for details).

When buying a new vehicle in MO, residents have 30 days to register it or risk late fees.

Individuals must submit the paperwork in person at their local licensing office, regardless of whether the vehicle has been purchased from a dealer or from a private individual.

To register a vehicle, submit the following at the closest licensing office:

  • Documents showing vehicle ownership:
  • Properly completed title certificate (for used cars from a dealership or a private party).
  • Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (for new cars from a dealership).
  • Application for Missouri Title and License (Form DOR-108).
    • For out-of-state vehicles, provide the VIN and odometer inspection certificates.
  • A current safety inspection from a Missouri authorized inspection station will cover this requirement.
  • Odometer disclosure statement (Form 3019) for vehicles 20 years old or newer.
  • A notarized Notice of Lien, Lien Release, or Authorization to Add/Remove Name from Title (Form DOR-4809), if individuals have paid off a loan on the vehicle.
  • A vehicle safety and/or emissions inspection certificate, if applicable for the vehicle (please see “Inspection Requirements in MO” below).
  • Payment for the fees and taxes (please see “Missouri Registration Fees” below).

MO Vehicle Inspections

Missouri requires vehicle safety inspections for most vehicles, and those from out of state will also need to complete odometer and VIN inspections. When residents have an inspection completed, the technician will provide them with paperwork they need to bring when they title and register their vehicle.

Depending on where an individual lives, they may also need to get a Missouri emissions inspection along with their safety, VIN, and odometer inspections.

Temporary Vehicle Registration Permit

MO residents who are buying a brand-new vehicle that has never been registered, or a vehicle that doesn’t have license plates available to be transferred, will need to get a temporary registration permit to drive the vehicle to a driver licensing office to have it permanently registered. The permit is valid for 30 days, during which time residents must have their vehicle permanently registered with the state.

Missouri residents can get a temporary permit from their local MO licensing office or from the car dealership where they purchase the vehicle. Even though a car dealership can issue temporary tags, they will not submit the paperwork for the title and registration. MO residents must do that themselves.

After purchasing a vehicle, go to the local license office and submit any of the following:

  • The signed over title
  • Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.
  • Bill of Sale (Form 1957).
  • Notice of Sale (Form 5049).
  • A completed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form DOR-108).
  • Present the safety inspection (less than 60 days old).
  • Show current insurance identification card or proof of financial responsibility.
  • Pay the $5 temporary permit fee and $6 processing fee.
  • Attach the temporary permit in the back of the vehicle so that it is completely secure and visible. The temporary vehicle registration will expire in 30 days.

MO residents do not need to present the safety inspection if:

  • They have a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.
  • They are a resident of a different state transporting the vehicle back to your home state.
  • The temporary permit is for a trailer.

Residents of Missouri need to remember they are required to title and register their vehicles. If MO residents don’t get their vehicle titled, there will be a $25 late fee assessed every 30 days after the required time to title has passed. Residents of MO could pay up to $200 maximum.

In order to register a vehicle in MO, residents must have the following paperwork:

  • A completed title certificate or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin signed over to the resident.
  • A completed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form DOR-108).
  • Proof of insurance or financial responsibility.
  • Statements of non-assessment from your home county collector’s office showing you do not owe any property taxes.
  • Residents who live in St. Louis will need a statement of non-assessment from the city collector’s office.
  • A 2-year registration will require statements of non-assessment covering the previous 2 years.
  • A signed statement from a commissioned officer verifying the vehicle identification number and odometer display.
  • A completed General Affidavit (Form 768) showing that the vehicle has not been in Missouri for more than 60 days.
  • Payment for the titling and registration fees, and the applicable taxes.

Missouri residents who have paid sales taxes in their current state will have that amount subtracted from the amount they paid to the state where they bought the vehicle. MO residents will be required to get a safety inspection for their vehicle within 10 days of returning to Missouri. Residents who have a vehicle that requires emissions testing must be tested within 10 days of returning to Missouri.

Register Through a Family Member

The DOR suggests sending all the paperwork to a family member and have them deliver the vehicle registration paperwork in person. Having a family member submit the necessary paperwork in person can speed up the registration process because the family member may be able to handle any problems regarding the paperwork or fees right away instead of waiting for notification from the DOR.

The license plates for the vehicle will be issued as soon as the paperwork is filed, and a family member can send the plates to the individual quicker than they would normally get them from the Department of Revenue.

Register by Mail

MO residents who are unable or choose not to have a family member file their registration paperwork, may register by mail. Once the resident gathers and completed all the required paperwork and pays the necessary fees, they can send everything to the central office:

Missouri Department of Revenue
Harry S. Truman State Office Building
301 West High Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101

Vehicle Registration Fees

The state of Missouri vehicle registration fee is a variable rate based on taxable horsepower or weight of the vehicle. The title fees, processing fees, and taxes are also due at the same time. All fees shown are for 1 year. MO residents who would like to register their vehicle for two years, will pay for both years at the same time.

Processing Fees

There are processing fees for registration and titling. Both are due when the resident registers the vehicle.

The vehicle registration processing fees are as follows:

Vehicle Registration Processing

  • 1 year: $6.
  • 2 years: $12.

Titling Fee and Processing Fees in Missouri

The title and processing fees in MO are as follows:

  • Title fee: $14.50 (includes the initial registration and titling processing fee: $6).

Passenger Missouri Vehicles Registration Fees

The taxable horsepower of a car determines the cost of the vehicle registration fee. The vehicle registration fees are as follows:

Horsepower (HP)/1-Year Fee

  • Less than 12 HP: $18.25.
  • 12-23 HP: $21.25.
  • 24-35 HP: $24.25.
  • 36-47 HP: $33.25.
  • 48-59 HP: $39.25.
  • 60-71 HP: $45.25.
  • 72 HP and over: $51.25.

Taxes

Taxes are due when Missouri residents register their vehicle for the first time. Residents of this state will be charged a 4.225% tax on the cost of the vehicle plus whatever local sales tax the county charges.

Residents who purchased the vehicle in another state and have had it less than 90 days will be required to pay the difference between the sales tax in the state where the vehicle was purchased and the Missouri sales tax.

Inspection Requirements in MO

Missouri requires vehicle inspections to register all vehicles over 10 years old whenever there is a change of ownership. If there has been no change in ownership, vehicles will be required to follow normal inspection laws (see below). Residents of MO need to have their vehicle inspected at a Missouri Authorized Inspection Station.

MO Safety Inspections

All vehicles over five years old must have a safety inspection to maintain their vehicle registration. Vehicles with even-numbered model years are required to be inspected in even-numbered years and vehicles with odd-numbered model years are inspected in odd-numbered years.

Depending on the year, residents of MO may have to get a safety inspection prior to registering your vehicle for the first time.

MO Smog and Emissions Inspections

Emissions inspections are required for all vehicles registered in the city of St. Louis and the following counties:

  • Franklin.
  • Jefferson.
  • St. Charles.
  • St. Louis.

Vehicles must be inspected if the ownership changes. Vehicles with even-numbered model years are required to be inspected in even-numbered years and vehicles with odd-numbered model years are inspected in odd-numbered years.

Motorcycle Registration in Missouri

Missouri law requires all motorcycles to be registered with the Department of Revenue (DOR) before they can be operated on the road.

Use this guide to learn more about registering your motorcycle:

  • As a new Missouri resident.
  • Following a new purchase.

New Missouri Residents

Upon establishing Missouri residency, you have 30 days to title and register their motorcycle at a license office.

Visit a local Missouri license office and submit:

  • Proof of ownership (i.e., your motorcycle’s title).
    • If a lienholder currently has the title, provide your out-of-state registration. Residents should attempt to get the title from your lienholder; if they can’t, they can call (573) 526-3669.
  • A completed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form DOR-108).
  • Proof of Missouri motorcycle insurance.
  • A statement of non-assessment proving you do not owe personal property taxes (since you are a new resident of the state).
  • Proof of a safety inspection within the last 60 days.
  • Odometer and vehicle identification number (VIN) inspections will also be completed at this time.
  • Payment for all applicable taxes and fees (see below).

MO residents who owned and rode their motorcycle for at least 90 days before moving to Missouri will NOT owe any sales tax on the vehicle.

Registering an MO Motorcycle

Whether residents of this state purchase a new motorcycle at a dealership or a used motorcycle from a private seller, they’ll have 30 days from the sale date to register it with the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Visit a local DOR office and present the following:

  • Proof of ownership for the motorcycle (i.e. the title or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin).
  • A completed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form DOR-108).
  • A current safety inspection dated within the last 60 days, if applicable.
  • An Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 3019) IF:
    • The motorcycle is 20 years old or newer.

AND

  • There is no space provided on the title.
  • A notarized Notice of Lien, Lien Release, or Authorization to Add/Remove Name From Title (Form DOR-4809), if applicable for leased or financed vehicles.
  • Show proof of Missouri motorcycle insurance.
  • Payment for all applicable taxes and fees (see below).

When residents purchase a motorcycle out-of-state, a VIN and odometer inspection may also be needed to complete registration if a safety inspection is not required. A current Missouri safety inspection will satisfy this requirement.

Temporary Motorcycle Registration Permit

When MO residents purchase a new or used motorcycle without license plates to transfer, they’ll need to obtain a temporary motorcycle registration permit in order to operate your motorcycle.

The permit will be valid for either 30 days or 90 days. During this time, residents will be required to fulfill the requirements for permanent registration and titling outlined above.

After purchasing a new motorcycle, residents of MO need to visit their local Missouri DOR office and present:

  • The signed-over title.
  • A Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.
  • A Bill of Sale or Even-Trade Bill of Sale (Form 1957).
  • A Notice of Sale or Transfer (Form 5049).
  • A completed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form DOR-108) signed by the dealer, IF the motorcycle was purchased from a dealership.
  • Have proof of a current motorcycle safety inspection, if applicable.
  • Show proof of Missouri motorcycle insurance.

Temporary motorcycle registration permits are $5 plus $6 for processing. Make sure to place the temporary permit clearly visible in the place where the license plates will be after registering.

Motorcycle Registration Fees & Taxes

Residents of MO may be required to pay the following fees and taxes when they register or renew their motorcycle registration in Missouri:

Motorcycle registration:

Cycles with 2 wheels:

  • 1 year: $8.75.
  • 2 years: $17.50.

Cycles with 3 wheels:

  • 1 year: $10.25.
  • 2 years: $20.50.
  • Title fee: $14.50.
  • Temporary permit (30 days): $5 plus $6 for processing.
  • Transfer fee: $2.
    • Applicable if MO residents are transferring the previous motorcycle plate to the new vehicle.
  • Sales tax: 4.225% plus local sales tax (varies by residence).
    • Based on the purchase price of the motorcycle.

Registration processing fees:

  • 1 year: $6.
  • 2 years: $12.

Boat Registration and Licenses in Missouri

Residents of this state who recently acquired a boat 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 a 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.

Missouri residents who are still not sure whether their boat requires a title and registration can call the MO DOR’s vessel titling and registration number at (573) 526-3669.

Boat Registration in Missouri

In Missouri, residents of this state need to title and register their boat within 60 days of purchase to avoid a $10 monthly penalty ($30 total maximum penalty). To do so, submit the following items at a 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 the vessel, MO residents need to submit a corrected receipt AND a letter from a local tax collector stating they’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 a boat with the DOR.

The MO Department of Revenue will assign the boat a certificate of title, registration number, decals, and registration card. When affixing the 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 a 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

A 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 a renewal notice before the expiration date.

To renew an MO boat 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 a resident doesn’t have the renewal notice.
  • Personal property tax documentation, like:
    • A personal property tax receipt specific to your boat
      • If the vessel isn’t listed on the receipt, MO residents need to provide a corrected receipt AND a letter from a local tax collector verifying they’ve 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, MO residents can submit the items above:

In-person at a local DOR motor vehicle office or by mail to the address listed on the renewal notice.

Missouri residents who still have questions regarding boat registration renewals can call the DOR’s vessel title and registration line at (573) 526-3669.

Duplicate MO Boat Title & Registration

If a vessel’s title or registration is lost or destroyed, residents of Missouri 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).
    • The MO resident 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, residents can submit the above items to the DOR:

In-person at a local motor vehicle licensing office or

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, Missouri residents 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

MO residents will receive a receipt once their application has been received. They can use the receipt as temporary registration while they wait for the DOR to mail the replacements.

Missouri Boater Requirements

Residents of this state who were born after January 1, 1984, must have a Missouri boater certification card to operate a motorized boat on the state’s lakes. MO residents also need to enroll in a boater safety course AND pass an exam for certification.

Missouri residents can complete the state’s boating education requirement:

  • Online.
  • In the classroom.

Accepted Forms of Payment

The Missouri DMV accepts the following forms of payment:

  • Cash
  • Personal check
  • Cashier’s check
  • Money order
  • Credit card
  • Debit card
  • Discover
  • American Express
  • Visa
  • MasterCard

Personal checks must be made payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue, and personal checks must be pre-printed with the MO resident’s name, address, bank code, and account number.

Leave a Reply