Yes, someone else can register your car in Missouri, but only if you give them written permission and they meet specific requirements

Missouri allows a person other than the owner to handle vehicle registration, but the state requires written authorization from the registered owner. The person registering the vehicle must be at least 16 years old and present acceptable identification at the Missouri Department of Revenue office. The owner does not have to be present, but their signature on the authorization form is mandatory.

This applies whether you're registering a newly purchased vehicle, renewing an existing registration, or transferring a title. The rules are the same across all Missouri counties, though processing times may vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri requires written authorization from the vehicle owner before anyone else can register the car, signed on Form DOR 108 or a notarized letter.
  • The person registering must bring the owner's signed authorization, their own valid ID, the vehicle's title or proof of ownership, and proof of insurance to the Missouri Department of Revenue office.
  • You can authorize a family member, friend, attorney, or dealership to handle registration without being present yourself.
  • If the title is in multiple names, all owners must sign the authorization unless the title specifies "or" between names instead of "and".

What Authorization Document Missouri Requires

Missouri does not have a single official form for this purpose, but the state accepts two types of written authorization. The first is Form DOR 108 (Power of Attorney for Motor Vehicle Transactions), which you can read from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or pick up at any office. This form gives the other person authority to handle registration, title transfers, and other vehicle matters on your behalf.

The second option is a notarized letter from you stating that you authorize a specific person to register your vehicle. The letter must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the year and make of the vehicle, the name and date of birth of the person you're authorizing, and your signature notarized by a notary public. A notarized letter is often simpler if you only need someone to handle registration once and do not want to grant broader power of attorney.

Either document must be original (not a photocopy) and presented at the Department of Revenue office along with the other required paperwork.

Documents the Authorized Person Must Bring

The person registering your vehicle will need to bring several documents to the Missouri Department of Revenue office. These include your signed authorization (Form DOR 108 or notarized letter), the vehicle's title or proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and their own valid government-issued ID such as a driver's license or passport.

If you are registering a newly purchased vehicle, the authorized person will also need the bill of sale or purchase agreement. If you are renewing an existing registration, they will need your current registration card. The Department of Revenue office can tell you whether additional documents are needed based on your specific situation — call ahead or check the Missouri Department of Revenue website before going in.

When Multiple Owners Must All Sign

If the vehicle title lists more than one owner, the authorization rules depend on how the names are connected. If the title says "and" between the owners' names (such as "John Smith and Jane Smith"), both owners must sign the authorization document. If the title says "or" between the names, only one owner needs to sign.

Check your title carefully before having someone else register the vehicle. If you are unsure whether your title uses "and" or "or," contact the Missouri Department of Revenue directly — they can tell you based on your VIN and current registration.

Who Can Register Your Vehicle on Your Behalf

Missouri does not restrict the relationship between you and the person registering your vehicle. You can authorize a spouse, adult child, parent, friend, attorney, or even a dealership to handle registration. The only requirements are that the person be at least 16 years old and present valid identification at the Department of Revenue office.

Many people authorize a family member or trusted friend for convenience. Some authorize an attorney if they are handling a title dispute or complex transaction. Dealerships often ask for authorization to register a vehicle on the buyer's behalf as part of the purchase process — in that case, the dealership will provide the authorization form for you to sign.

How to Submit the Authorization at the Department of Revenue

The authorized person must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person to submit the registration. They cannot mail in the authorization and documents or use an online portal — registration requires an in-person visit. The office will verify the authorization document, check the vehicle's title and insurance proof, and process the registration.

Processing typically takes 15 to 30 minutes if all documents are in order. The authorized person will receive a temporary registration receipt on the spot, and the permanent registration card will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks. If any documents are missing or incomplete, the office will tell the authorized person what else is needed before registration can be completed.

What Happens If the Owner's Signature Is Missing or Invalid

If the authorization document lacks the owner's signature or the signature is not notarized (if a notarized letter is used), the Department of Revenue office will reject the process. The authorized person will be turned away and told to have the owner sign the document again or have it notarized.

If the owner is out of state, out of the country, or otherwise unable to visit an office in person, a notarized letter is the best option because a notary can verify the owner's identity and signature remotely in many cases. Some notaries offer video notarization, which allows the owner to sign the letter and have it notarized without being physically present.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I authorize someone to register my car if I live out of state?

Yes. You can sign Form DOR 108 or a notarized letter authorizing someone in Missouri to register your vehicle. Have the document notarized in your home state, then give it to the person in Missouri along with the title and insurance proof. They can complete registration at any Missouri Department of Revenue office.

What if I need to register my car but the person I authorized cannot go to the office?

You will need to authorize someone else or go yourself. Missouri does not allow registration by mail or online, and only the person named in your authorization can submit the documents. You can revoke the first authorization and create a new one for a different person.

Does the authorized person need a power of attorney or just a letter?

Either works. Form DOR 108 is a power of attorney that gives broader authority over vehicle matters. A notarized letter works fine if you only need someone to register the vehicle once. The Department of Revenue accepts both equally.

Can I authorize someone to register my car if I just bought it from a private seller?

Yes. Bring the bill of sale or purchase agreement, the signed title from the seller, proof of insurance, and your signed authorization to the Department of Revenue office. The authorized person will handle the title transfer and registration in one visit.

What if the title is in my spouse's name only but we both own the car?

Only your spouse can authorize someone to register the vehicle, because only your spouse's name is on the title. If you both want to be able to authorize registration in the future, you will need to add your name to the title through a title transfer, which requires both of you to visit the Department of Revenue office together.