If you live in Missouri, your vehicle must be registered here. Registration gets you license plates and a year tab, and it must be renewed on time, even if the renewal notice never arrives.
Know the rule
New residents must register their vehicle within 30 days of becoming a Missouri resident, surrendering the out-of-state title and applying for a Missouri title.
Handbook p. 78 ↗If a lender holds your out-of-state title, bring its statement that it won't surrender the title, plus one of:
- A copy of the front and back of the out-of-state title showing you as owner and the lender as lienholder
- A copy of the out-of-state title receipt, if from an electronic titling state
- A statement on the lender's letterhead that the title is held by an electronic titling state
Know the rule
Passenger vehicle registration fees are based on taxable horsepower; commercial vehicle fees are based on zone and gross weight. A processing fee applies.
Handbook p. 79 ↗Know the rule
You may register for two years in an even-numbered year if your vehicle has an even-numbered model year, or in an odd-numbered year if it has an odd model year. Otherwise, only one-year registration is available.
Handbook p. 79 ↗Know the rule
You should get a renewal notice about two months before your registration expires. If you don't, you're still required by law to renew before your plates expire. Update your address when you move.
Handbook p. 79 ↗To renew registration, you may need:
- The renewal notice, last year's registration receipt, or a copy of your title
- A paid personal property tax receipt or statement of non-assessment for the prior registration period
- Current insurance ID card or other proof of financial responsibility
- A safety and/or emissions inspection certificate from the last 60 days, if applicable
- The correct registration and processing fee
Know the rule
You may be able to renew online; if you're eligible, a PIN is printed on your renewal notice.
Handbook p. 79 ↗Time to report the sale of your vehicle with a Notice of Sale (Form 5049)
Handbook p. 80 ↗Know the rule
Stolen plates and tabs can be replaced up to two times per year at no cost (a $9.00 processing fee applies) if you sign a notarized affidavit that they were stolen.
Handbook p. 80 ↗Replacing lost or destroyed items
| Item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Title | $8.50 |
| License plates | $8.50 per plate |
| Set of tabs | $8.50 |
| Processing fee (added) | $9.00 |
Know the rule
Personalized and specialty plates are available and may carry an additional fee on top of the normal registration fee.
Handbook p. 80 ↗Put it into practice
It's 2026 and your car is a 2018 model. Both are even numbers, so you may register it for two years. A 2019 model registered in 2026 could get only a one-year registration.