Frequently Asked Questions - Motor Vehicle Titling and Registration

I am a new Missouri resident. How do I title and license my motor vehicle in Missouri?

You have 30 days from the date of becoming a Missouri resident to title your vehicle. Please click here for complete instructions, including the necessary links. You may also contact our staff at mvbmail@dor.mo.gov or call (573) 751-4509 if you have additional questions.

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I just moved from one Missouri address to another Missouri address. How do I change the address shown on my records with the Department of Revenue?

Provide the Motor Vehicle Bureau with your:

  1. Name;
  2. Missouri driver license number;
  3. License plate number(s) for each motor vehicle and/or trailer you currently have registered in Missouri;
  4. Identification number(s) for each boat and/or motor you currently have registered in Missouri.
  5. Old address; and
  6. New Missouri address (including county name);

You may call (573) 751-4509, e-mail mvbmail@dor.mo.gov, or write to the Motor Vehicle Bureau, P. O. Box 100, Jefferson City, MO 65105. You may also complete a Change of Address Notice (DOR-4160)Adobe Acrobat PDF and mail it in.

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Can I renew my vehicle registration (license plates) online?

You can renew your vehicle registration (license plates) with the online system, if a Personal Identification Number (PIN) is recorded on your renewal notice. Renew your vehicle registration (license plates) online, visit www.plates.mo.gov.

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How do I renew my Missouri vehicle registration (license plates) if I am temporarily out of state?

For complete instructions (including the necessary forms), please click here.

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How do I apply for a duplicate title?

Complete and sign an Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108)Adobe Acrobat PDF (or Application for Duplicate Title (Form 93) Adobe Acrobat PDF for a boat title), pay an $8.50 duplicate title fee and a $2.50 processing fee. Mark the "Duplicate" checkbox on the form, and indicate the reason you are applying for a duplicate title. The form must be notarized.

The application may be processed at any Missouri license office, or you can mail the notarized application and fee to the following address:

Missouri Department of Revenue
Motor Vehicle Bureau
301 West High Street - Room 370
Jefferson City MO 65105-0100

NOTES:

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I just changed my name (due to marriage / divorce / etc.). How do I update my title?

In order to change your name on your title, you must bring the current title, a completed Application for Missouri Title and License (DOR-108)Adobe Acrobat PDF, and proof of your legal name change to any Missouri license office.  The fee for the duplicate (adding a name) title is $11.

If you have not already named a Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary on the vehicle title, you should do so at the same time.

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What is a Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary?

A Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary is a simple way to transfer ownership of a vehicle after the titled owner has died. By naming a TOD beneficiary on your title application, you will avoid the need for the vehicle to go through probate upon your death.

If you choose to assign a different TOD beneficiary at a later date, you may do so by completing a new title application. There is no ownership benefit for the TOD beneficiary until the titled owner(s) have died.

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I am the surviving spouse (or the unmarried minor child) of a deceased vehicle owner. Can I title the vehicle in my name and/or sell it?

Even if no Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary was named on the title, a surviving spouse or unmarried minor child may transfer ownership of a vehicle (limited to one vehicle) titled in the deceased owner's name without obtaining a probate order. The surviving spouse or minor child must obtain title in their name before assigning ownership to a purchaser.

To apply for title, the surviving spouse or minor child must submit the following items:

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How do I obtain a duplicate registration receipt?

To obtain a duplicate registration receipt, you must submit a completed, signed, and notarized form Application for Duplicate Title/Registration Receipt (DOR-2519)Adobe Acrobat PDF with a check for $12.00, payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue.  You may complete the application at any Missouri license office, or mail the application to our central office using the address on the back of form.

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How can I receive a sales tax allowance when I sell one vehicle and buy a different vehicle to replace the one I sold?

When you apply for a title, you must submit a bill of sale or Notice of Sale (DOR-5049)Adobe Acrobat PDF for the vehicle that you sold and the purchase (or contract to purchase) and sale dates must be within 180 days of one another. You do not have to purchase a "like" vehicle to qualify for a sales tax allowance.

Example: You can buy a car and sell a boat and receive a sales tax allowance for the car, but the two events must occur within 180 days of one another.

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How can I receive a sales tax allowance when my vehicle was declared a total loss by the insurance company and I buy a replacement vehicle?

You must submit a total loss statement from your insurance company and all supporting documentation when you apply for title on your replacement vehicle that was purchased (or contracted to purchase) within 180 days of the date of the loss of your prior vehicle.

NOTE: If you have already paid sales tax on your replacement vehicle you may apply for a refund by sending a completed Motor Vehicle Refund Request Application (DOR-426)Adobe Acrobat PDF with all supporting documentation to the Motor Vehicle and Driver Licensing Division , P. O. Box 3350, Jefferson City, MO 65105-3350.

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How much does vehicle registration (license plates) cost in Missouri?

Passenger registration fees are based on the taxable horsepower (which is different from actual engine horsepower) of your vehicle.

Truck license plates are based on the gross weight of the vehicle plus the maximum load to be carried or pulled at any one time and distance. Local license plates are issued to trucks that will not be driven beyond a 50-mile radius of the owner's registered address. Beyond local license plates are issued in all other cases. Annual passenger and truck registration fees and processing fees are listed below.

Passenger Vehicles

Taxable Horsepower 1-Year Fee 1-Year
Processing Fee		 2-Year Fee 2-Year
Processing Fee
UNDER 12 HP $18.25 $3.50 $36.50 $7.00
12 - 23 HP $21.25 $3.50 $42.50 $7.00
24 - 35 HP $24.25 $3.50 $48.50 $7.00
36-47 HP $33.25 $3.50 $66.50 $7.00
48 - 59 HP $39.25 $3.50 $78.50 $7.00
60 - 71 HP $45.25 $3.50 $90.50 $7.00
72 HP + $51.25 $3.50 $102.50 $7.00

Trucks

Gross Weight Plus Load 1-Year Fee 1-Year
Processing Fee		 2-Year Fee 2-Year
Processing Fee
Local 6,000 lbs. $15.75 $3.50 $31.50 $7.00
Local 12,000 lbs. $18.25 $3.50 $36.50 $7.00
Beyond Local 6,000 lbs. $25.75 $3.50 $51.50 $7.00
Beyond Local 12,000 lbs. $38.25 $3.50 $76.50 $7.00

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How much does trailer registration (license plates) cost in Missouri?

Type of Trailer License 1-Year Fee 1-Year
Processing Fee		 3-Year Fee 3-Year
Processing Fee
Regular $7.50 $3.50 22.50 $3.50
Permanent* $52.50 $3.50 - -

*Note: A permanent trailer license can only be issued to trailers that are attached to a towing vehicle by a fifth wheel and kingpin assembly. Trailers coupled to towing vehicles with a ball or bumper type hitch cannot be issued permanent trailer license plates.

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How much sales tax do I pay when I buy a vehicle?

You must pay the state sales tax AND any local taxes of the city or county where you live (not where you purchased the vehicle).The state sales tax rate is 4.225 percent and is based on the net purchase price of your vehicle (price after rebates and trade-ins). Use the sales tax calculator to estimate the amount of sales tax you will pay when you title and register your new vehicle.

If you bought your vehicle out-of-state and paid sales taxes on the vehicle to that state, that tax will be credited toward the amount of tax due in Missouri. You must provide proof of the amount of tax you paid in the other state. If the amount of tax paid in the other state is less than the amount owed in Missouri, you will be charged the difference. If the vehicle was titled in your name in another state for more than 90 days, no Missouri sales tax will be charged.

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Can I pay my sales tax and fees with a check or credit card?

Payment may be made by cash or money order at Department of Revenue license offices. Personal checks, credit cards (Discover, American Express, and Master Card only), and debit cards are accepted at some license offices. Please contact your local office for payment options.

The department's Central Office accepts cash, personal check, cashier's check, money order, credit cards (Discover, American Express, and Master Card only), and debit cards. Personal checks must be made payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Personal checks must be preprinted with the check writer's name, address, bank code, and account number. The personal check must also include the following information regarding the check writer:

The Missouri Department of Revenue may electronically resubmit checks returned for insufficient or uncollected funds.

Credit / Debit Card Transactions - The "convenience fee" charged by the credit/debit card vendor for transactions up to $33.00 is $1.00. For transactions over $33.00, please see the table below.

Transaction Fee Credit / Debit Card
Convenience Fee
$0.00 - $33.00 $1.00
$33.01 - $100.00 3.00 %
$100.01 - $250.00 2.95 %
$250.01 - $500.00 2.85 %
$500.01 - $750.00 2.85 %
$750.01 - $1,000.00 2.80 %
$1,000.01 - $1,500.00 2.75 %
$1,500.01 - $2,000.00 2.70 %
$2,000.01 or more 2.60 %

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How do I apply for a Disabled Person Placard?

Submit an Application for Disabled Person Placard (DOR-2769), and Physician's Statement for Disabled License Plates/Placard (DOR-1776)Adobe Acrobat PDF from your licensed physician, chiropractor, podiatrist, advanced practice registered nurse, or optometrist stating that you qualify for a Disabled Person Placard either by mail to the Motor Vehicle Bureau, PO Box 100, Jefferson City, MO 65105, or in person at any Missouri Department of Revenue office. There is no fee required to obtain a Permanent Disabled Placard.

If you are temporarily disabled, your licensed physician, chiropractor, podiatrist, advanced practice registered nurse, or optometrist can indicate on the Physician's Statement for Disabled License Plates/Placard (DOR-1776) that you will need the Disabled Person Placard for a specific length of time not more than 180 days.

For more information about Placards, click here.

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Is equipment purchased to modify a vehicle, so that it can be used by an individual with disabilities, exempt from sales tax?

Yes. The applicant must present an invoice or other documentation showing the vehicle and equipment price separately in order for the equipment to be exempt. Specifically, Section 144.030.2(18), RSMo. provides an exemption for “items used solely to modify motor vehicles to permit the use of such motor vehicles by individuals with disabilities".

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How do I apply for disabled license plates?

Submit the following items either by mail to the Motor Vehicle Bureau, PO Box 100, Jefferson City, MO 65105, or in person at any Missouri license office:

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Am I required to submit a new physician's statement when renewing a disabled person placard or plate?

You must submit a new Physician's Statement for Disabled License Plates/Placard (DOR-1776)Adobe Acrobat PDF every four years when renewing a disabled person placard or plate. The statement must be dated within 90 days of your renewal application. Disabled veterans and persons 75 years of age are not required to submit a new physician's statement when renewing a disabled person placard or plate.

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What should I do to renew my vehicle registration (license plates) if I did not receive a renewal notice in the mail?

Please visit any local license office to complete your renewal.

NOTE: Even if you do not receive a computer-generated renewal notice from the Motor Vehicle Bureau, you are still responsible for renewing your license plates before they expire.  There is a $5 late penalty if you fail to renew by the last day of the month of expiration.

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What are the titling and registration requirements for motor scooters or mopeds (under 50cc)?

Titling and registration for a scooter or moped depends on whether the vehicle meets the definition of a motorized bicycle. The Missouri statute definition of a motorized bicycle is as follows:

"Any two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having an automatic transmission and a motor with a cylinder capacity of not more than fifty (50) cubic centimeters, which produces less than three (3) gross brake horsepower, and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour on level ground."

A motorized bicycle does not have to be registered with the Missouri Department of Revenue. However, you must have a valid driver license to operate a motorized bicycle (though no motorcycle endorsement is required).

Missouri statute does not require a helmet to be worn when operating a motorized bicycle. Please contact your local law enforcement agencies for any county/municipal codes that deal with helmets and motorized bicycles.

Keep in mind that no motorized bicycle may be operated on any public thoroughfare located within this state that has been designated as part of the federal interstate highway system.

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Can I apply for a refund of my unused registration?

Missouri law does not allow for a refund of registration fees. However, an owner may apply the unused portion of a registration to a new Missouri registration.

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I have a truck registered over 12,000 pounds, and I travel through many states. How can I get a second plate to display on my vehicle?

Effective August 28, 2008, the Department will no longer allow a second license plate to be issued for commercial motor vehicles registered in excess of 12,000 pounds; this change is in response to Senate Bill 930. Being consistent in the number of plates issued to commercial motor vehicles will make enforcement more uniform. Customers who currently have a second plate may continue to display it until the plate expires.

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Am I eligible to obtain a two-year registration for my motor vehicle?

There are two guidelines for obtaining a two-year registration:

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How do I add a co-owner to a vehicle that I currently have titled in my name in Missouri??

You must sign and print your name as "seller", and the other person (who is being added) must sign and print their name as "purchaser". Leave the "purchase price" blank because this is not a complete change of ownership.

Either one of you may then apply and pay ($11) for a new title in both names. You must complete an Application for Missouri Title and License (DOR-108)Adobe Acrobat PDF and submit the application by mail or at any Missouri license office. This is also a good time to add a Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary.

Lienholder authorization is required to add or remove a name from a title if an outstanding lien exists. The Notice Of Lien, Lien Release, Or Authorization To Add/Remove Name From Title (Form 4809)Adobe Acrobat PDF should be used.

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I just got divorced. How do I drop my ex's name from my vehicle title if it is currently in both our names?

Your ex must sign and print his/her name as "seller", and you must sign and print your name as "purchaser". Leave the "purchase price" blank because this is not a complete change of ownership.

If the title has been lost or stolen or you cannot reach your ex, but you were awarded the vehicle in the divorce, the divorce decree may be presented in lieu of the properly assigned title.

You may then apply and pay ($11) for a new title in your name alone (or you may add a different co-owner). You must complete an Application for Missouri Title and License (DOR-108)Adobe Acrobat PDF and submit the application by mail or at any Missouri license office. This is also a good time to add a Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary.

Lienholder authorization is required to add or remove a name from a title if an outstanding lien exists. The Notice Of Lien, Lien Release, Or Authorization To Add/Remove Name From Title (Form 4809)Adobe Acrobat PDF should be used.

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How do I drop the co-owner's name from my vehicle title (for any reason other than divorce)?

The person who's name is being removed must sign and print their name as "seller", and you must sign and print your name as "purchaser". Leave the "purchase price" blank because this is not a complete change of ownership.

Or, if the co-owner is now deceased, proof of death is required (i.e. copy of death certificate, newspaper clipping, funeral home card) with the unassigned title.

You may then apply and pay ($11) for a new title in your name alone (or you may add a different co-owner). You must complete an Application for Missouri Title and License (DOR-108)Adobe Acrobat PDF and submit the application by mail or at any Missouri license office. This is also a good time to add a Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary.

Lienholder authorization is required to add or remove a name from a title if an outstanding lien exists. The Notice Of Lien, Lien Release, Or Authorization To Add/Remove Name From Title (Form 4809)Adobe Acrobat PDF should be used.

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I just bought a vehicle, and the seller did not provide me with a properly assigned title. What can I do?

Missouri law requires that a motor vehicle must be titled before it is either registered for highway use or transferred to another individual. If you do not have a properly assigned title (or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin), you have no clear legal right to the vehicle.

If you did not receive a properly assigned ownership document (e.g., certificate of title) at the time of purchase, and the seller is not available to make proper assignment, you may contact your local circuit court to inquire about how to obtain a declaratory judgment (court order). The declaratory judgment would award ownership of the vehicle, so that you may apply for title in your name.

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