How to Register a Car in Missouri

In order to drive legally on the Missouri roadways, you will have to get your vehicle registered with the Department of Revenue. If you are just moving to this great state, then you will have 30 days to get your car registered or you will be subject to a late fee. You will have to do the registration for your vehicle in person. There are a variety of forms that you can print out beforehand to speed this process. The following are some of the things that you will need to take when trying to get your vehicle registered:

  • The ownership documents for the vehicle like the title
  • A signed copy of the Application for Missouri Title and License
  • Your current insurance card for your vehicle
  • Present your Missouri vehicle inspection documents
  • Your VIN and odometer reading

The process of registering a vehicle for current Missouri residents is the same whether the car is purchased from a dealership or a private seller. Here are the things that current residents will need when trying to get their vehicle registered:

  • The title of the vehicle with your name on it
  • A completed Application for Missouri Title and License
  • An odometer disclosure statement
  • The lien paperwork if still paying on the vehicle
  • The vehicle inspection paperwork from the Department of Safety

Here are the fees that you can expect to pay when going to register a vehicle with the state of Missouri:

  • There are processing fees that range from $3.50 to $7.00
  • An $11 fee is charged to register the title with the local revenue office

Additional fees are based on taxable horsepower as follows:

  • If the car is less than 12 horsepower the fee is $18.25
  • 12-23 horsepower cars are $21.25 to register
  • 24-35 horsepower cars are $24.25 to register
  • 36-47 horsepower cars are $33.25 to register
  • 48-59 horsepower cars are $39.25 to register
  • 60-71 horsepower cars are $45.25 to register
  • Any car over 72 horsepower will be $51.25 to register

Before you are able to get your car registered it will have to be inspected. In some areas this inspection will include an emissions test. You can find out more information on this process by visiting the Missouri DMV website.


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