Register your car in Missouri through the Department of Revenue

To register a car in Missouri, you submit an process to your county assessor's office along with proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and a completed Form 108 (process for Missouri License Plates). The assessor's office processes the registration, collects the fee based on your vehicle's age and weight, and issues your plates and registration card. Most registrations take one to two weeks if you explore in person; mail applications typically take longer.

You do not have to register through the state capital or a central office. Each of Missouri's 114 counties has its own assessor's office that handles registrations for vehicles owned by people in that county. You register where you live, not where you buy the car or where the dealer is located.

Key Takeaways

  • You must register your car at your county assessor's office, which is located in your county seat, and bring proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and a completed Form 108.
  • Registration fees in Missouri depend on your vehicle's age and weight, and you pay them at the time of registration.
  • If you buy from a dealer, the dealer may handle the paperwork and send it to the assessor on your behalf, but you are responsible for confirming the registration is complete.
  • Missouri requires proof of insurance before registration, so contact your insurance company first if you do not yet have a policy in place.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your title or proof of ownership (the document showing you own the vehicle), a completed Form 108, and proof of insurance. If you are registering a vehicle you just bought, bring the bill of sale or purchase agreement as well. If the title is in someone else's name, bring a power of attorney or a signed statement from the owner authorizing you to register it.

Proof of insurance means a current insurance card or a letter from your insurance company showing your policy is active and covers the vehicle you are registering. The policy must be in effect on the day you register. If you do not yet have insurance, contact an agent or insurer before you go to the assessor's office — you cannot complete registration without it.

Form 108 is available on the Missouri Department of Revenue website and at your county assessor's office. You can fill it out at home and bring it completed, or you can fill it out at the office. Filling it out ahead of time usually speeds up the process.

How much registration costs

Missouri registration fees are based on your vehicle's age and weight. A new or newer vehicle typically costs less than an older one. A vehicle that weighs more costs more than a lighter one. The fee ranges from roughly $50 to $200 for most passenger cars, but the exact amount depends on the specific year and weight of your vehicle.

You can estimate your fee using the Missouri Department of Revenue's fee calculator on their website before you go to the assessor's office. Bring a payment method the assessor accepts — most offices take cash, check, and credit or debit card, but call ahead to confirm.

If you bought the car from a dealer

Many Missouri dealers handle the registration paperwork for you as part of the sale. The dealer collects your documents, fills out Form 108, and sends everything to your county assessor's office. You typically pay the registration fee at the dealership at the time of purchase, and the dealer forwards that payment to the assessor.

Even if the dealer handles the paperwork, you are responsible for making sure the registration is completed. Ask the dealer for a timeline — most submit paperwork within a few days of the sale. If you do not receive your registration card and plates within three weeks, contact your county assessor's office to check the status. Do not assume the dealer submitted everything.

If you bought the car from a private seller

When you buy from a private seller, you handle the registration yourself. Get the title signed over to you by the seller, get a bill of sale (a straightforward document showing the sale date, price, and vehicle details — you can write one yourself), and take both documents to your county assessor's office along with Form 108 and proof of insurance.

Make sure the title is signed and dated by the seller before you leave. If it is not, you cannot register the vehicle. Some sellers may ask you to register it in your name right away; others may give you a few days. Either way, do not delay — driving an unregistered vehicle is illegal in Missouri.

Renewing your registration

Missouri registrations expire on your birthday each year. You can renew by mail, in person at your county assessor's office, or online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website if your vehicle is may be able to access (most are). Renewing online is the fastest option if you have not changed your address, vehicle, or insurance.

You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before your registration expires. The notice includes the renewal fee and instructions for renewing by mail or online. If you renew in person, bring your current registration card and proof of insurance showing the vehicle is still covered.

What to do if you move to a different Missouri county

If you move to a different county in Missouri, you do not have to re-register your vehicle when ready. Your current registration remains valid until it expires on your birthday. When it is time to renew, you renew through your new county assessor's office instead of your old one.

If you move out of Missouri entirely, you will need to register your vehicle in your new state according to that state's rules. Missouri will not renew your registration once you are no longer a Missouri resident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register my car online in Missouri?

You cannot complete an initial registration online, but you can renew an existing registration online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Initial registrations must be done in person or by mail at your county assessor's office.

What if the title is still in the lender's name because I have a car loan?

The lender's name on the title does not prevent you from registering the vehicle. Bring the title as it is, along with your other documents, to the assessor's office. The registration will be issued in your name even though the lender holds a lien on the vehicle.

How long does registration take if I mail the paperwork?

Mail registrations typically take three to four weeks from the time the assessor's office receives your documents. In-person registrations are usually processed within one to two weeks. Call your county assessor's office to ask about current processing times, as they vary by county.

Do I need an emissions test before I register in Missouri?

Missouri does not require an emissions test statewide. Some counties in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas have emissions testing requirements, so check with your county assessor's office. If your county requires it, you must pass the test before you can register.

What if I lose my registration card or license plates?

Contact your county assessor's office to request a replacement. You will pay a small fee, usually under $20, and the office will issue new plates and a registration card. Bring proof of identity and your current registration if you have it.