What you need to do to get a Missouri title and license
To get a Missouri title and license, you submit documents to the Missouri Department of Revenue's Motor Vehicle Bureau, either in person at a local office or by mail. The title proves you own the vehicle; the license plate and registration allow you to drive it legally on Missouri roads. You cannot do one without the other — Missouri issues them together as a single transaction.
The process differs depending on whether you are registering a new vehicle, transferring ownership from another state, or renewing an existing registration. Each path requires different paperwork and has different timelines. Understanding which category you fall into before you gather documents saves you a trip back home.
Key Takeaways
- You must provide proof of ownership (bill of sale, previous title, or manufacturer's certificate), proof of Missouri residency, and a completed process form to the Motor Vehicle Bureau.
- New vehicles require the manufacturer's certificate of origin; used vehicles from out of state require the title from that state plus a bill of sale.
- Missouri charges title fees based on the vehicle's purchase price and registration fees based on weight and vehicle type, with amounts varying by county.
- You can explore by mail, in person at any Motor Vehicle Bureau office, or through an authorized agent such as a notary or title service, though mail processing typically takes two to four weeks.
- Your registration is valid for one or two years depending on your vehicle type, and renewal notices are mailed about six weeks before expiration.
Documents required for a new Missouri title and license
Start with proof of ownership. If the vehicle is new from a dealer, you need the manufacturer's certificate of origin (also called a factory certificate or MCO). If you are buying used from a private seller, you need a bill of sale signed by both you and the seller, plus the seller's title if the vehicle was previously registered in Missouri. If the vehicle came from another state, you need the title from that state.
Next, prove you live in Missouri. The Motor Vehicle Bureau accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days, or a government-issued ID with a Missouri address. A driver's license counts if it is current.
Complete the process for Missouri Title and License (Form DOR 108). You can read it from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or pick up a copy at any Motor Vehicle Bureau office. Fill in your name, address, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the vehicle's description. If you are financing the vehicle, include the lienholder's name and address — the lender's name will appear on the title.
Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You do not submit the number on paper; you provide it verbally or on the form depending on whether you explore in person or by mail.
how the process works in person at a Motor Vehicle Bureau office
Find your local office on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Offices are located in every county, and you can visit any office regardless of where you live. Bring all original documents: your proof of ownership, proof of residency, completed Form DOR 108, and a valid photo ID. Bring your Social Security number or ITIN.
Walk in during business hours — most offices operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have reduced hours on certain days. Wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead can tell you whether the office is busy. The staff will review your documents, collect the title and registration fees, and issue your plates and registration on the spot. You drive home with temporary tags or permanent plates the same day.
Fees depend on the vehicle's purchase price (for the title) and its weight and type (for registration). Missouri does not publish a single statewide fee schedule; amounts vary by county. The Motor Vehicle Bureau office can quote your exact fee when you call or visit.
explore by mail or through an authorized agent
To explore by mail, send your original documents and completed Form DOR 108 to the Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau, P.O. Box 100, Jefferson City, MO 65105. Include a check or money order for the title and registration fees. Mail processing takes two to four weeks. You will receive your plates and registration by mail; temporary tags are not issued for mail applications, so plan ahead if you need to drive the vehicle before your permanent plates arrive.
An authorized agent — such as a notary public, title service, or some insurance agents — can submit your process on your behalf. You still gather the same documents and pay the same fees, but the agent handles the paperwork and submission. This is useful if you cannot visit an office or prefer not to mail original documents. Agents typically charge a service fee on top of the state fees.
Whether you explore by mail or through an agent, you must provide the same documents and information. The Motor Vehicle Bureau does not accept applications by email or online; you must submit originals or use an authorized agent.
Title and registration fees in Missouri
Missouri charges two separate fees: one for the title and one for registration. The title fee is based on the vehicle's purchase price and ranges from about $3 to $15 depending on the value. The registration fee depends on the vehicle's weight and type (passenger car, truck, motorcycle, etc.) and ranges from roughly $20 to $100 or more for heavy vehicles. Both fees vary by county.
If you are transferring a title from another state, Missouri charges a title fee but may credit or waive the registration fee for the first year if you can show proof of current registration in the previous state. Bring that proof with your other documents.
If you are financing the vehicle, the lender's name appears on the title at no additional cost. If you pay cash, you are the sole owner and the title reflects that. Changing ownership later (such as adding a spouse) requires a new title process and another title fee.
How long registration is valid and when to renew
Your registration is valid for one or two years depending on your vehicle type. Passenger cars are typically registered for two years; trucks and motorcycles may be one year. The expiration date is printed on your registration card and your license plate sticker.
About six weeks before expiration, the Motor Vehicle Bureau mails a renewal notice to your address on file. The notice includes a form you can mail back with payment, or you can renew in person at any Motor Vehicle Bureau office. You can also renew by mail without waiting for the notice — just send a check or money order with your current registration card to the address above.
If your registration expires, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. Renewing after expiration costs the same as renewing on time, but you risk a traffic stop and citation. Renew before the expiration date on your registration card.
What happens if you lose your title or registration card
If you lose your title, you can request a duplicate title from the Motor Vehicle Bureau. Complete Form DOR 108 and submit it in person or by mail with proof of ownership (your registration card, insurance card, or loan documents showing your name) and a small duplicate fee. Processing takes about two weeks by mail.
If you lose your registration card, you can request a duplicate at any Motor Vehicle Bureau office or by mail. Bring or send your vehicle identification number and proof of identity. A duplicate registration card is issued quickly, usually the same day in person or within a week by mail.
If you lose your license plate, you must purchase a replacement plate from the Motor Vehicle Bureau. Bring your registration card and proof of identity. The replacement plate costs more than the original registration fee and must be installed before you drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register a vehicle in Missouri if I just moved here from another state?
Yes. Bring your out-of-state title, a bill of sale if you bought it recently, proof of Missouri residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and completed Form DOR 108. Missouri will issue a new title and registration. You have 30 days from establishing residency to register the vehicle; after that, driving an out-of-state-registered vehicle is illegal.
What if the vehicle has a lien on it?
Provide the lender's name and address on Form DOR 108. The lender's name will appear on the title as the lienholder. You still own and drive the vehicle, but the lender has a legal claim until the loan is paid off. When you pay off the loan, the lender sends a release document to the Motor Vehicle Bureau, and you can request a new title with the lien removed.
Do I need an inspection before I register?
No. Missouri does not require a safety or emissions inspection to register a vehicle. You only need the title documents and proof of residency. However, some lenders require an inspection as a condition of the loan, so check with your financing company.
What if my name on the title does not match my current ID?
Bring both documents — your old ID or a certified name change document (marriage certificate, court order) — along with your current ID. The Motor Vehicle Bureau will update your name on the new title. This is common and does not delay processing.
Can I register a vehicle I am buying from a private seller before I have the title in hand?
No. You must have the seller's title or, for a new vehicle, the manufacturer's certificate. You cannot legally own or register the vehicle without proof of ownership. If the seller has lost the title, they can request a duplicate from their state's motor vehicle agency before the sale closes.