Frequently Asked Questions

Are there times I won’t be allowed to renew registration?
In Missouri, you can renew car registration up to six months before its expiration. You should receive a registration renewal notice at your mailing address on file. The notice contains a PIN number you can use to renew car registration online. In some instances you will not be able to renew online. For example, you cannot renew online if your vehicle is under lease. For more information regarding circumstances in which you may not be allowed to renew your car registration, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle division at 573-526-3669.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Missouri

Can somebody else renew my registration for me?
It is possible for another person to apply for a Missouri car registration renewal for you. The person that you designate to renew car registration on your behalf must have the following items:
  • Written proof of consent
  • Proof of auto insurance
  • Copy of your driver s license

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Missouri

Do boats need to be registered?
In Missouri, all boats, vessels, outboard motors and sailboats longer than 12 feet must be titled and registered. To apply for a boat registration present the following at a DOR licensing office:

All taxes and fees apply to register your boat, vessel or outboard motor in Missouri.

For more information: How to Register a Boat or Water Craft in Missouri

Do I need to file a police report if my registration was lost or stolen?
You may or may not be required to file a police report if for your lost or stolen car registration. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at (573) 526-3669 to report a lost car registration. They will help you to figure out how to proceed. You will have to apply to receive acar registration replacement. The fee is $12, which includes a $3.50 processing fee.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Missouri

Do I need to return my license plate if I move out of the state?
If you move out of Missouri, you should relinquish your license plates. Your unexpired plates could be used for unlawful reasons. Whether or not they are expired, they could be used for fraudulent purposes. The Missouri DOR recommends that you either recycle or destroy them. You may send your old Missouri license plates to any licensing office or to the below address:

Missouri Department of Revenue

ATTN: License Plate Surrender

301 West High Street Rm 370

Jefferson City, MO 65105-0100

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Missouri

Do I need to turn in my damaged registration?
Your damaged car registration should be replaced as soon as possible. Law enforcement officials should be able to read your car registration, so if it is damaged to the point of being illegible, then you apply for a car registration replacement. You must turn in your damaged registration in order to get a duplicate registration. The fee for a duplicate car registration receipt is $12.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Missouri

Does a motorized scooter need to be registered?
No, a moped does not need to be registered with the Missouri Department of Revenue. However, the law does require certain equipment that a moped must have in order to operate on public roads. This equipment includes:
  • Brakes
  • A white light
  • A rear reflector

These laws are applied to both mopeds and bicycles.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Missouri

Does my vehicle qualify for a smog inspection?
Not all residents or vehicles need to complete vehicle emissions testing to get car registration. Only residents of the following Missouri municipalities have to do so:
  • St. Louis City,
  • St. Louis County
  • St. Charles County
  • Franklin County
  • Jefferson County

The Department of Revenue has a long list of exemptions for emission testing. For example, brand new cars are exempt from testing.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Missouri

How can I renew my vehicle registration?
You can renew vehicle registration in Missouri during the expiration month or up to six months beforehand. There are three different ways in which you can go about renewing car registration, online, by mail or in person. To apply, you will need to provide:
  • Your vehicle registration renewal notice
  • Receipt of paid personal property tax or a statement of non-assessment, or receipts from previous registrations
  • Proof of insurance
  • Proof of safety and/or emissions inspection, if applicable

Also, included is the car registration renewal fee for either a one-year or two-year registration.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Missouri

How can I transfer my registration to another state?
If you are moving out of state and taking your vehicle with you, then you need to register your vehicle in your new state of residence. Each state has its own set of requirements for registering a car out of state. You will be responsible for finding out the guidelines for transferring your title and registration from your new state. In regards to your Missouri license plates, you may either recycle or destroy them to prevent unlawful use your unexpired plates.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Missouri

How do I apply for a disabled person parking placard or plates?
Missouri disabled drivers may qualify for handicap placards for use to park in handicapped parking spots. If you have a permanent disability, you may apply for a disabled placard by:

Once completed and signed, mail your applications to:

Motor Vehicle Bureau

P.O. Box 100

Jefferson City, MO 65105-0100

For more information: Information for Disabled Drivers in Missouri

How do I file a police report if my car registration was stolen?
You can report your stolen car registration and/or license plates or stickers to your local law enforcement officials. You must also apply for replacement car registration plates or stickers to the Missouri Department of Revenue. You may receive up to two sets of replacement license plates or stickers a year. The replacement is free except for a $3.50 processing fee. To apply for replacement license plates, fill out an Application for Replacement Plates/Tabs.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Missouri

How do I obtain a duplicate car registration?
If your car registration has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, you may apply for a Missouri duplicate car registration receipt. You may apply in person or by mail with the following:

You can mail your application and fee to:

Motor Vehicle Bureau

P.O. Box 2048

Jefferson City, MO 65105-2048

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Missouri

How do I obtain car registration?
After the purchase of a new or used vehicle, you must apply for a title and registration. To get car registration, bring the following to a Missouri licensing office:
  • The Certificate of Title, in your name or the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO)
  • A signed Application for Missouri Title and License
  • Receipt of paid personal property tax or a statement of non-assessment
  • A valid safety inspection
  • Proof of insurance
  • Proof of emissions inspection, if applicable

Also, if your title was transferred from outside the state of Missouri, then you may also have to submit proof of an odometer reading inspection to register your vehicle. County taxes, title, and other fees apply to register your vehicle in Missouri.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Missouri

If I do not renew on time, will there be an additional fee?
Yes, if you do not renew your Missouri car registration before it expires, then you will be charged an additional fee. You will be charged a $5 late fee to renew expired car registration. You may renew vehicle registration up to six months prior to expiration, and have up until the last date of the month of your expiration to renew.

Vehicle owners will receive a renewal notice in the mail from the Missouri DOR at the address on file.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Missouri

Is there a different process I must follow if I lost personalized plates?
If your license platesand/or stickers were lost or stolen, then you may apply for a new set with the Missouri Department of Revenue. Personalized plates may require additional steps to the process. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-3669 for more information on replacing lost personalized license plates. As for regular license plates, you may receive up to two sets of replacement license plates or stickers a year. The replacement is free except for a $3.50 processing fee. To apply, fill out an Application for Replacement Plates/Tabs.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Missouri

Should I carry the registration on me or in the car?
Yes, you should carry your motor vehicle registration with you in your car. You may be asked to provide your registration by a law enforcement officer. You must also be able to provide proof of insurance in the event that you are pulled over. You should keep both documents inside your vehicle at all times.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Missouri

What are the most common reasons why I would need to replace my registration?
Some of the most common reason why you would need to replace car registration are if it has been:
  • Lost
  • Stolen
  • Damaged or Mutilated
  • Destroyed

In any case, you may apply for a duplicate car registration by filling out an Application for Replacement Plates/Tabs and paying the $12 replacement fee.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Missouri

What are the required fees for my vehicle registration?
To register your vehicle in Missouri, you will be responsible for paying the appropriate fees including taxes.
  • State sales tax and local sales tax
  • Title fee: $8.50
  • Plate fee- based on weight of vehicle
  • Title processing fee: $2.50
  • Registration processing fee: $3.50 for one year, $7 for two-year registration

The total cost of getting car registration in Missouri will depend on the cost of the vehicle, weight, and for how long you want it registered.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Missouri

What are the required fees to get replacement registration?
To get a Missouri car registration replacement, you may apply in person or by mail. The total required fee to get replacement car registration receipt is $12.50. Included in this fee is a $3.50 processing fee. Additionally, if you would like to have the car registration duplicate faxed to you, it is an extra $0.50. The Missouri DOR accepts check, money order, and credit or debit cards. There is a convenience fee on credit/debit card transactions.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Missouri

What are the required fees to renew my registration?
To renew car registration, you will be responsible for a car registration renewal fees. In Missouri, car registration fees are comprised of the following:
  • Taxable horsepower
  • One- or two-year registration fee
  • One- or two-year processing fee

The more horsepower, the higher the tax rate. The taxable horsepower of your vehicle is recorded on your car title. Also, a one-year registration is more than a two-year registration. Fees can vary from approximately $25 to $110.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Missouri

What documents do I need to present to get a replacement car registration?
To get Missouri car registration replacement, you need only present the Request for Receipt of the Title or Registration. The application asks you to provide the following information:
  • Owner s name
  • Vehicle make, model and year
  • VIN number

Along with the application, there is a $12fee for getting replacement car registration.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Missouri

What documents do I need to present to get new registration?
To get car registration in Missouri, you will need to present the following documents:
  • The Certificate of Title, in your name or the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO)
  • A signed Application for Missouri Title and License
  • Receipt of paid personal property tax or a statement of non-assessment
  • A valid safety inspection
  • Proof of insurance
  • Proof of emissions inspection, if applicable

You may also need to present proof of an odometer reading inspection, if your title was transferred from out of the state.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Missouri

What documents do I need to present to renew my car registration?
To renew car registration by mail or in person, bring the following documents with you to the Missouri DOR licensing office:
  • Receipt of paid personal property tax or a statement of non-assessment, or receipts from previous registrations
  • Proof of insurance
  • Proof of safety and/or emissions inspection, if applicable

You may also apply to renew car registration online. To apply online, you will need to have a PIN number, which is provided on your vehicle renewal notice.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Missouri

What should I do if I have not received my registration tags or stickers?
When you apply for car registration renewal, you should receive your registration tabs or plates in the mail. If after 10 days, you have not yet received your tabs, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle division at 573-526-3669. If you applied online and did not receive them by the time your vehicle registration expires, then you may print a temporary vehicle registration receipt to use until your tabs or plates arrive in the mail.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Missouri

When does my car registration expire?
When you can renew expired car registration is dependent on whether you have a one-year or a two-year registration length. Your vehicle registration expires on the last day of the month of its expiration. The Missouri Department of Revenue office determines if you qualify for a two-year renewal based upon the model year of your vehicle, as well as the current calendar year. Therefore, a car with an even model year in an even calendar year and a car with an odd model year in an odd calendar year will qualify for a two-year renewal. All other vehicles will receive a one-year car registration renewal.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Missouri

Where can I find a local tax county collector office?
In Missouri, the Department of Revenue Licensing office handles all transactions related to drivers and motor vehicles. There are several locations throughout the state to serve your needs. You may also apply for certain services, such as a car registration replacement, by mail as well as in person. The DOR Motor Vehicle Bureau may be reached by phone at 573-526-3669. Their mailing address is:

Motor Vehicle Bureau

P.O. Box 2048

Jefferson City, MO 65105-2048

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Missouri

Will I need to fill out an application to replace my car registration?
Yes, you will need to fill out a Request for Receipt of the Title or Registration to replace car registration, which must be notarized. The fee is $12, and included is a processing fee of $3.50. You may apply in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue Licensing Office or by mail. You can mail your application and fee to:

Motor Vehicle Bureau

P.O. Box 2048

Jefferson City, MO 65105-2048

The Missouri DOR accepts checks and money orders. Credit and debit cards are also accepted but a convenience fee will be added to your fee.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Missouri

Will I receive a renewal registration notice in the mail?
Yes, you should receive a car registration renewal notice from the Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle division. You may renew your vehicle registration from six months before the final day of the month of its expiration date. With your renewal notice, you may apply for car registration renewal on the Missouri DOR website. The notice will contain a PIN number that is for use on the online system. You may also renew by mail or in person.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Missouri

Will my registration expire on my birthday or birth month?
No, your vehicle registration does not expire on your birthday or birth month. In Missouri, car registration renewal lengths are dependent upon the model year of your car and the current calendar year. A car with an even model year in an even calendar year and a car with an odd model year in an odd calendar year will qualify for a two-year renewal. All other vehicles will receive a one-year car registration renewal. Your car registration is good until the last day of the last month of expiration.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Missouri