What you need to register a new vehicle in Missouri
When you buy a new car in Missouri, you register it through your county assessor's office, not the state. The process takes about 15 minutes in person, though you can also mail documents if you live far from the office. You will need the manufacturer's certificate of origin (the dealer gives you this), proof of ownership, a completed Form 108 (process for Missouri License Plates), proof of a Missouri address, and a valid ID.
The dealer usually handles the paperwork transfer to the assessor's office on your behalf, but you are responsible for completing your half of the registration. If the dealer does not submit the paperwork within 30 days, you can walk into the assessor's office yourself with the certificate of origin and your ID. The assessor's office will issue your plates and registration card the same day you complete the process.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri registration happens at your county assessor's office, not a state DMV, and takes about 15 minutes in person.
- You need the manufacturer's certificate of origin from the dealer, proof of your Missouri address, and a completed Form 108 process.
- The dealer usually submits paperwork to the assessor's office, but you can register yourself if they do not within 30 days.
- Registration fees vary by county and vehicle weight; contact your assessor's office for the exact cost before you go.
- You can register by mail if you live far away, but the assessor's office must receive your documents within 30 days of purchase.
How to find your county assessor's office
Each of Missouri's 114 counties has its own assessor's office that handles vehicle registration. You can find yours by searching "[your county name] assessor's office" online or by calling your county courthouse and asking for the assessor's phone number. The office is usually in the county courthouse or a nearby government building.
Before you go, call ahead to confirm their hours and ask whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment. Some offices are busier than others, and a few counties ask you to schedule a time slot. You can also ask the assessor's office over the phone what the registration fee will be for your vehicle, since fees depend on the county and the vehicle's weight.
Documents you must bring in person
Bring the manufacturer's certificate of origin (also called the MCO or title process), which the dealer gives you at purchase. Bring a completed Form 108, which you can read from the Missouri Secretary of State website or pick up at the assessor's office. You will also need proof that you live in Missouri — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address works. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport.
If you are registering a vehicle that someone else purchased, bring a signed bill of sale or the certificate of origin with the seller's signature. If the vehicle is financed, the lender's name will appear on the certificate of origin, and you will still register it in your name — the lender does not need to sign anything at the assessor's office.
Registration by mail
You can mail your documents to the assessor's office if you cannot go in person. Mail the completed Form 108, the manufacturer's certificate of origin, a copy of your proof of address, and a copy of your ID. Include a check or money order for the registration fee (call the assessor's office first to ask the amount). Mail everything to your county assessor's office and keep a copy of everything you send.
The assessor's office must receive your documents within 30 days of the vehicle's purchase date. If you mail your registration, allow two to three weeks for processing. The office will mail your registration card and plates to the address you provided on Form 108. If you do not receive them within four weeks, call the assessor's office to confirm they received your documents.
What happens if the dealer does not submit paperwork
The dealer is required to submit the certificate of origin to the assessor's office within 30 days of sale. In most cases, this happens automatically. However, if 30 days pass and you have not heard from the assessor's office, go to the assessor's office yourself with the certificate of origin, your ID, and proof of address. You can register the vehicle on the spot without waiting for the dealer.
If the dealer lost the certificate of origin or refuses to give it to you, contact the manufacturer directly and ask for a duplicate. The manufacturer can issue a replacement certificate, though this may take one to two weeks. In the meantime, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads without temporary plates, which the dealer should have provided at purchase.
Registration fees and what they cover
Missouri registration fees are set by each county and depend on the vehicle's weight. Fees typically range from $50 to $200 for a new vehicle, but your county may charge more or less. Call your assessor's office and give them the vehicle's weight (you can find this in the owner's manual or on the driver's side door jamb) to get an exact quote before you register.
Your registration fee covers your license plates and registration card for one year. Missouri does not require vehicle inspection for new cars, so registration is the only state-level requirement before you can legally drive. Your registration card is proof of ownership and must be in the vehicle at all times. Your plates are valid for one year from the date of registration, and you will renew them annually at the same assessor's office.
Temporary plates and driving before registration is complete
When you buy a new car from a dealer, the dealer issues temporary plates (also called dealer plates or transit tags) that are valid for 30 days. These plates let you drive the vehicle legally while your permanent registration is being processed. Temporary plates are usually printed on paper and displayed in the rear window.
Do not drive without temporary plates or permanent plates. If you are stopped by police and cannot show either, you can be cited for driving an unregistered vehicle. If your permanent registration takes longer than expected, contact the assessor's office and ask whether your temporary plates can be extended. Some counties will extend them for another 30 days if registration is delayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register my new car online in Missouri?
No. Missouri requires you to register in person at your county assessor's office or by mail. You cannot complete registration through a website or by phone. However, you can call ahead to ask about fees and hours, and some assessor's offices let you read Form 108 from their website before you go.
What if I buy a new car from out of state and move it to Missouri?
You must register the vehicle at your Missouri county assessor's office within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring the manufacturer's certificate of origin, proof of your Missouri address, and your ID. If the vehicle was previously registered in another state, bring that registration card as well. You will pay Missouri registration fees and receive Missouri plates.
Do I need insurance before I register my new car?
Missouri law requires you to have liability insurance before you drive on public roads, but you do not need to show proof of insurance to register the vehicle. However, you should have insurance in place before you leave the dealership. The dealer may require proof of insurance before they release the vehicle to you.
What if the certificate of origin has the wrong information on it?
Contact the dealer when ready and ask them to correct it before submitting to the assessor's office. If the dealer has already submitted it with errors, contact your county assessor's office and ask how to file a correction. You may need to provide a bill of sale or other proof of the correct information. Do not register with incorrect information, as it can cause problems when you sell the vehicle later.
How long does it take to get my permanent plates after I register?
If you register in person, you receive your plates and registration card the same day. If you register by mail, allow two to three weeks for the assessor's office to process your documents and mail the plates to you. During this time, your temporary dealer plates remain valid.