Missouri law requires that motor vehicle owners must register their vehicle with the Missouri Department of Revenue before taking it on the road. Both new and second-hand vehicles must be registered, regardless of whether they are purchased from a dealer or an individual. In addition, new Missouri residents who have registered their vehicle in another state must register their vehicle in Missouri. The initial vehicle registration must be done in person, and registration renewals must be done annually, either in person, online or by mail.

If you have bought a vehicle or been given one as a gift, you must register it within 30 days of possession. New residents to Missouri have the same period to register their vehicles.

INITIAL REGISTRATION

If you are registering a motor vehicle in Missouri for the first time, you must complete the following steps:

Provide the following documents:

1. A Lien Release (DOR-4809) or the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) signed over to you.
2. An form.
3. A notarized lien release.
4. An Odometer Disclosure Statement, unless this information is already on your title.
5. Your Personal Property Tax Receipt, or a Statement of Non-Assessment, whichever is applicable.
6. Get your vehicle inspected unless it is exempt. Vehicle safety inspections must be performed at an inspection station or by an inspector that has been licensed by the Missouri Department of Revenue Find out more about vehicle inspections in Missouri, or authorized stations near you. Once the vehicle passes inspection, you will be issued an inspection certification.
7. If you live in St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin or Jefferson counties, get an emissions test carried out on your vehicle. Find out more about emission inspections in Missouri, or locate an emission inspection station near you. Once the vehicle passes inspection, you will be issued an inspection certification.
8. Visit your MVDL branch office, with the above documents. In addition, you will need to provide proof of insurance.
9. For vehicles that have been registered in another state, you must also bring the original, out-of-state title. If the title is unavailable, bring the registration document, along with proof of sales tax payment.

Temporary permits for 30 days are available in Missouri. Contact your DOR branch office for more details.

REGISTRATION FEES

When registering your vehicle at the DOR branch office you will be required to pay certain fees, typically as follows:

1. The here, which varies depending on the manufacturer's model year or the vehicle's total weight.
2. Sales tax which must be paid as well.

There may be additional fees when you register, depending on your county. Contact the MVDL branch office for the specific requirements.

RENEWING YOUR VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Owners of motor vehicles in Missouri are required to renew their vehicle registration annually, and can do so in person, online or by mail. See our Registration Renewal section for complete details.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• If you are a non-resident active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces or a non-resident full-time student attending a Missouri college or university, you are not required to title or register your vehicle.
• The process for registering a motorcycle is generally the same as a car registration; however, there are different procedures for boat registration and custom car registration.
• Auto Insurance is needed to legally operate all vehicles in Missouri.
• See also Renewing Your Vehicle Registration.
• See also Title Transfers and Car Insurance.