Motor Vehicle Titling

NOTE: This information is based on current statute requirements and is subject to change.

• Missouri Resident Titling Requirements
• New Resident Titling & Registration Requirements
• Military Personnel Stationed Out of State Titling & Registration Requirements

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Missouri Resident Titling Requirements

You have 30 days from the date of purchase to title and pay sales tax on your newly purchased vehicle. If you do not title the vehicle within 30 days, there is a title penalty of $25 on the 31st day after purchase. The penalty increases another $25 for every 30 days you are late with a maximum penalty of $200.

To title a motor vehicle in the state of Missouri, the owner must submit the following:

1. The Certificate of Title, properly signed over to you (see instructions), or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO);
2. A signed Application for Missouri Title and License (DOR-108);
3. An Odometer Disclosure Statement (DOR-3019), if applicable; and
4. Lien Release (DOR-4809), notarized, if applicable.

You will pay:

• State sales tax of 4.225 percent, plus your local sales tax on the purchase price, less trade-in allowance, if any. Local sales tax is the rate where you live, not where you bought the vehicle;
• $8.50 title fee; and
• $2.50 title processing fee.

To title and register (obtain license plates for) a newly purchased motor vehicle, please refer to our “buying a vehicle” information.

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New Resident Titling & Registration Requirements

You have 30 days from the date of becoming a Missouri resident to title your vehicle.

To obtain a Missouri title and registration (license plates) on a motor vehicle currently titled in another state, you must submit the following:

1. An ownership document such as:
   • Title from the previous state or country where the vehicle was titled; or
   • Registration Certificate or proof of ownership in accordance with the laws of the previous state or country, if there is an active lien on the vehicle and the lienholder currently holds the of the out-of-state title;
     NOTE: If one of the ownership documents listed above is not available, please contact a license office for additional information and assistance.
     NOTE: If there is a lien on the vehicle, you should obtain the title from the lienholder to submit with your application. The lien will remain in force. When the Missouri title is issued, the lien will appear on the face of the title. Missouri titles are mailed to the vehicle owner. If you are unable to obtain the title, please contact us at (573) 751-4509.
2. A signed Application for Missouri Title and License (DOR-108);
3. A current insurance identification card (original or copy) or other proof of financial responsibility;
4. Statement of non-assessment from your county (or City of St. Louis) collector's office showing you do not owe personal property taxes in the county (or City of St. Louis). Visit the State Tax Commission for a list of collectors;
5. *A Missouri safety inspection not more than 60 days old;
6. Identification number and odometer (ID/OD) inspection. All motor vehicles previously titled in another state or country must be inspected to verify the vehicle identification number and odometer reading of the vehicle. This inspection can be completed by a Missouri authorized inspection station. A safety inspection will satisfy this requirement; and
7. *An emissions inspection not more than 60 days old, if you reside in St. Louis City or the following counties: Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles, or St. Louis, if applicable.

* If there is no change in vehicle ownership, even model year vehicles must be safety/emissions inspected (unless exempt) in even calendar years, and odd model year vehicles must be inspected (unless exempt) in odd calendar years.

Note: Effective January 1, 2010, motor vehicles are exempt from the safety inspection requirement for the first five years following the model year of manufacture. This is true regardless of whether or not a change of ownership occurs during this time frame. Example: a 2006 vehicle will be exempt from the safety inspection in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.

You will pay:

• State sales tax of 4.225 percent, plus your local sales tax on the purchase price, less trade-in allowance, if any. Local sales tax is the rate where you live, not where you bought the vehicle;
  NOTE: If the vehicle has been owned and operated in another state for at least 90 days prior to titling and registering in Missouri, no sales tax is due. Owners who have paid sales tax to another state, less than the amount of Missouri State and local taxes, will be required to show proof of payment of those taxes and also pay the difference of the two amounts.
• $8.50 title fee;
• Registration (license plate) fees, based on either taxable horsepower or vehicle weight;
• $2.50 title processing fee; and
• $3.50 registration processing fee for a one year registration or $7.00 registration processing fee for a two year registration.

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Military Personnel Stationed Out of State Titling and Registration Requirements

To obtain a Missouri title and registration (license plates) on a motor vehicle, you must submit the following:

1. The Certificate of Title, properly signed over to you, a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) or proof of ownership in accordance with the laws of the other state or country;
   NOTE: If one of the ownership documents listed above is not available, please contact a license office for additional information and assistance.
   NOTE: If there is a lien on the vehicle, you should obtain the title from the lienholder to submit with your application. The lien will remain in force. When the Missouri title is issued, the lien will appear on the face of the title. Missouri titles are mailed to the vehicle owner .If you are unable to obtain the title, please contact us at (573) 751-4509.
2. A signed Application for Missouri Title and License (DOR-108);
3. A current insurance identification card (original or copy) or other proof of financial responsibility;
4. Either a statement of non-assessment from your Missouri county (or City of St. Louis) collector's office showing you do not owe property taxes or a Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) to verify military status and state of residency. Two year registrations require statements from the prior two years ;
   NOTE: If the LES shows Missouri as the state of residency, you will need to show personal property tax receipt or statement of non-assessment.
5. Identification number and odometer (ID/OD) inspection. All motor vehicles previously titled in another state or country must be inspected to verify the vehicle identification number and odometer reading of the vehicle. A signed statement from a commissioned officer of the United States Armed Forces verifying the vehicle's identification number and odometer reading may be submitted; and
6. A General Affidavit (DOR-768) stating the vehicle has been out of state for more than 60 days.
   NOTE: Upon returning to Missouri the vehicle must be safety inspected within 10 days. The vehicle must also be emissions inspected within 10 days, if applicable.

You will pay:

• State sales tax of 4.225 percent, plus your local sales tax on the purchase price, less trade-in allowance, if any. Local sales tax is the rate where your Missouri residency is, not where you bought the vehicle or where you are currently stationed at;
  NOTE: If the vehicle has been owned and operated in another state for at least 90 days prior to titling and registering in Missouri, no sales tax is due. Owners who have paid sales tax to another state, less than the amount of Missouri State and local taxes, will be required to show proof of payment of those taxes and also pay the difference of the two amounts.
• $8.50 title fee;
• Registration (license plate) fees, based on either taxable horsepower or vehicle weight;
• $2.50 title processing fee; and
• $3.50 registration processing fee for a one year registration or $7.00 registration processing fee for a two year registration.

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