How to Register a Car in Missouri

Registering your car in Missouri requires you to complete specific steps within a set period. If you’re a new resident, you must register your vehicle within 30 days of moving to Missouri. If you’re registering a newly purchased vehicle, you’ll have to do so within 30 days of the purchase date. Missing these deadlines will earn you a $25 penalty on the 31st day, and that’ll increase by $25 every 30 days afterward, up to a maximum of $200.

The good news is that if you understand what’s needed and get it done promptly, these penalties are easy to avoid. Missouri’s registration process involves gathering specific documents, completing the required inspections of your vehicle, and paying the necessary fees at your local Department of Revenue (DOR) office. Follow our step-by-step guide to register your vehicle, and you can get on with enjoying your new car or new home.

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents

Before you start the Missouri vehicle registration process, you’ll need to collect these documents:

• Proof of ownership (title or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin)
• Valid proof of insurance
• Safety inspection certificate (must be completed within 60 days before registration)
• Emissions test results (required for vehicles in St. Louis City and Jefferson, St. Charles, and St. Louis counties. Must be completed within 60 days before registration)
• Signed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108)
• Identification Number and Odometer (ID/OD) Inspection (for vehicles previously titled in another state. A Missouri safety inspection will satisfy this requirement)
• Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 3019), if applicable (check the DOR website to see whether this applies to your vehicle)
• Notarized Lien Release (Form 4809), if your vehicle title shows a lienholder (such as a bank)

Step 2: Fill In the Necessary Forms

The main form you need to register your vehicle in Missouri is the Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108). If you’re a new resident with an out-of-state title, submit the original title or proof of ownership. If the title is held by a lienholder, complete the Owner Out-of-State Title Request (Form 5834) and send it to the lienholder to request the title from them.

You can access the forms you need through the Missouri DOR website or at your local DOR office. Make sure you out all forms accurately and completely to avoid processing delays. Sign all the required sections and keep copies for your records.

Step 3: Get a Vehicle Inspection

Missouri car registration requirements include specific inspection rules. You’ll need to have a safety inspection completed within 60 days before registration. Vehicles less than 10 years old with fewer than 150,000 miles are exempt from safety inspections. The standard inspection fee is $12, and reinspections are free if completed within 20 days after a failed inspection.

Emissions testing is required for vehicles in St. Louis City and Jefferson, St. Charles, and St. Louis counties. You’ll need to have these tests carried out at an authorized inspection station. If your vehicle fails, you’ll have 60 days to make necessary repairs and complete a reinspection. Emissions testing is run by the Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program — check the program’s website for inspection information and authorized station locations.

Step 4: Pay Registration Fees and Taxes

Missouri vehicle registration costs include several fees:

• Title fee: $8.50
• Processing fee: $6.00
• State sales tax: 4.225% of purchase price (plus local sales tax if applicable)
• Electronic transmission fee: $2.00 (if applicable)

You’ll also owe a registration fee. For passenger vehicles, these fees are based on horsepower. Vehicles with 72 horsepower or more cost $51.25 for one year or $102.50 for two years, plus processing fees. Lower horsepower vehicles have fees ranging from $18.25 to $45.25 for one year. If you owned and operated your vehicle in another state for less than 90 days before moving to Missouri, you’ll need to pay Missouri’s sales tax. If you owned it for more than 90 days, you’ll need proof of taxes paid in your previous state and may need to pay any difference in tax rates.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Visit your local Missouri DOR office to submit your registration application. You can find the nearest location using the License Office Locator on the DOR website. Bring all required documents and payment for fees. For assistance with your registration, contact the Missouri DOR at 573-526-3669.

Step 6: Receive Your License Plates and Registration Stickers

Once you’ve completed the registration process, you’ll receive your:

• License plates
• Registration sticker
• Registration card

These will usually be delivered by standard mail. Keep your temporary registration documents safe until your permanent materials arrive. Bear in mind that processing and delivery times can vary depending on current workload and mail service.

Tips for Easy Registration

When you’re registering and operating your vehicle in Missouri, remember these key tips:

• Maintain valid car insurance at all times
• Keep track of your registration renewal dates — consider setting up reminders for upcoming deadlines
• Save all documentation related to your vehicle registration
• Contact the Missouri DOR if you lose your registration or plates
• Check the DOR website regularly for updates or changes to registration requirements

Smoothing Your Path to Missouri Car Registration

At AutoCenters Nissan near St. Louis, Missouri, we understand that registering your vehicle can seem complex. When you purchase a vehicle from us, our team will help you with crucial registration paperwork and guide you through the requirements. We also provide customers throughout the greater St. Louis area with comprehensive automotive services, including vehicle services and parts provision. What can we do for you? Get in touch today and let us know.

License Plate by Paul Sableman is licensed with CC BY 2.0