Missouri
Vehicle Resource Center
Missouri is home to more than 4 million licensed drivers and most of them own vehicles. Each vehicle owner must understand how to maintain the proper paperwork, vehicle insurance, and more to meet the state's legal requirements. If a vehicle owner fails to meet state requirements, vehicle owners can be ticketed, sued, and may have their licenses suspended.
Ownership and Maintenance
Maintaining a legal vehicle in Missouri means having the proper liability insurance, renewing its registration, and meeting other common maintenance requirements throughout the year.
The majority of Missouri vehicles must have a safety inspection every two years to verify they are safe to drive on the state's roads. These inspections can be completed at state inspection station locations.
Safety inspections are required every two years, and vehicles manufactured in odd years must have a new inspection on odd years, while even-year vehicles are to be inspected during even years.
Emissions Inspections are Required in Select Locations
Emissions inspections must be completed in the following counties:
Vehicles located in these counties should be inspected within the counties as well so they can have both safety and emissions inspections.
Inspection reminders are sent out before the inspections expire, and proof of inspection may be required to renew the vehicle's registration, so owners are advised to keep a receipt.
Get all the specifics about Missouri vehicle inspection requirements from the Department of Revenue webpage.
Every vehicle owner in Missouri must maintain liability insurance coverage on their vehicle at all times. The Department of Revenue tracks insurance coverage for each vehicle, and owners who do not maintain the minimum required coverage amount cannot renew their registration and may be subject to fines or license suspension. This coverage is essential because it covers the cost of any damages caused by the vehicle to others during an accident. The driver of the vehicle is liable for the costs if they are found at fault for the accident, and vehicle liability insurance helps cover the costs so the driver does not have to.
Minimum Insurance Coverage
All Missouri vehicle owners must have the following liability insurance coverage or more:
The coverage amounts above are the minimums that must be met, and owners are encouraged to invest in more coverage to protect themselves more effectively. If the driver of the vehicle gets into a serious accident, it's possible they will cause enough damage to exceed one of the minimum liability limits, in which case the driver would be responsible for paying the difference themselves. This is when lawsuits occur most often.
Get more details about Missouri liability insurance coverage requirements at the state insurance information page.
Each year, Missouri vehicle owners must pay property taxes on the vehicle. These taxes are collected by county or city collectors. Residents must take the time to learn which agency is responsible for collecting their annual taxes.
Vehicle property taxes must be paid before renewing a vehicle's plates for the year. Residents must collect a receipt from the collector when paying taxes to show proof. Some collectors are now tracking payment electronically, enabling residents to renew their plates online.
All vehicle owners in Missouri have the option to renew their vehicle registration every year or every other year. Either way, residents must maintain current registrations to drive legally. The registration expiration date is showcased on the license plate of the vehicle, and driving with an expired registration is illegal and can result in fines or even a license suspension.
Gathering the Documents
Before going to renew a vehicle registration, owners should pay their vehicle property taxes and have the following information available:
There is also a PIN displayed on the renewal notice and having this streamlines the renewal process. Without a renewal notice, residents will have to go through the alternate log-in process to renew online and submit more information from the vehicle's registration itself.
Renewing Plates Online
The simplest way to renew a vehicle's registration is online through this simple renewal tool. Owners must provide their license plate or renewal PIN as well as the expiration year to proceed through the renewal process. Once they've paid electronically, a renewal notice will be mailed to their address on file.
Renewing By Post
Each renewal notice features a mailing address that can be used for renewal purposes. Submit a check or money order to the address enclosed, along with the signed notice and any required documentation, and the renewal will be completed.
Renewing By Phone
Missouri residents can renew by phone by dialing 573-751-1957 between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM Monday-Friday on business days.
Renewing in Person
When the other renewal options aren't working, it's possible to renew at any Missouri License office location. Bring proper identification, the renewal notice, and the information listed above, as well as a valid payment method to complete the renewal in person.
Get more specifics about the plate renewal process from the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Emissions Inspection
Emissions inspections are $24 or less to have completed in counties where they are required.
Safety Inspection
Safety inspections are $12 for most vehicles and $10 for motorcycles throughout Missouri.
Registration Renewal
Registration renewals are charged on a sliding scale based on the vehicle's horsepower, but most standard vehicles have a $51.25 renewal fee annually along with a $6 processing fee or a $102.50 fee every two years with a $12 processing fee. For more information about the registration renewal fees, see this link.
Driver's License Renewal
A standard Class E 6-year driver's license renewal costs $52. Residents age 70 with an S endorsement must renew annually for $6. For more information on the license fee, see the state fee page.
At least every six years, Missouri residents must renew their driver's licenses. Renewal may be sooner for residents over 70 and under 18.
Providing the Documents
All Driver's License renewals require documents that prove the following:
Once a resident has documents proving the above information, as well as their old driver's license, they can go through the renewal process.
Renewing a Driver's License
To renew the license, drivers must visit a Missouri License office location with all the right documents and a payment method to cover the renewal fees. These fees are $52 for a standard 6-year renewal.
During a license renewal, drivers may be asked to submit to a vision test or to have a replacement photo taken.
Once the license is renewed, a replacement will be sent in the mail. Residents will receive a temporary license receipt to fill in while they wait for the replacement license.
Check all the details of the license renewal process using this Department of Revenue guide page.
REAL ID Upgrade
Residents who wish to upgrade to a REAL ID must submit two documents serving as proof of a Missouri residency as well as the acceptable REAL ID documents.
Buying & Selling
When buying or selling vehicles in Missouri, specific requirements must be met by the buyer and seller to make the transaction legally binding.
Return License Plates
The seller must remove the license plates from the vehicle and submit them to the Driver's License office. The buyer must obtain a new set of plates for the vehicle.
Complete Inspections
A safety inspection must be completed within 60 days of selling the vehicle. An emissions inspection must also be completed within 60 days of selling the vehicle if necessary. Receipts for the required inspections must be presented by the seller to the buyer during the time of sale.
Provide the Certificate of Title
The seller must provide the vehicle's original Certificate of Title. The title must be completed fully, including all the required information. Details about completing the title can be found here. Once the title is complete, it must be provided to the buyer during the purchase exchange. The title is necessary for the buyer to register and title the vehicle.
Cancel Vehicle Insurance
It's advisable to cancel the insurance covering the vehicle once the buyer takes possession of it. Cancel the policy to avoid paying for unnecessary insurance.
Report the Sale to the Department of Revenue within 30 Days
All vehicle sales must be reported to the Missouri Department of Revenue within 30 days. Sellers are advised to submit the official Bill of Sale form as proof of the sale. A Bill of Sale should also be provided to the buyer as proof of the purchase price and date of sale.
Research the Potential Vehicle
Before purchasing any vehicle, it's essential for the buyer to research any vehicle they're considering purchasing. The fastest way to research a potential vehicle is by obtaining a Plate Lookup or a VIN Check from GoodCar. These reports uncover the vehicle's owner history, title brands, odometer readings, and accident history, as well as any open recalls and detailed specifications and features for the vehicle.
Obtain the Certificate of Title and Inspection Documents
When dealing with the seller, it's essential to obtain a fully filled Certificate of Title with no liens and the necessary safety inspection document, as well as an emissions inspection document if required. It's also advisable to obtain a Bill of Sale from the seller as proof of the purchase price and date.
Obtain Liability Insurance
Before visiting a Missouri License Office location to register and title the vehicle, it's essential for the buyer to obtain liability insurance on the vehicle. This insurance covers the vehicle against any damages caused during an accident. Proof of insurance is required to register the vehicle.
Register and Title the Vehicle
Visit a Missouri License office with the Certificate of Title, proper identification, proof of insurance, and vehicle inspection, and pay any required fees to title and register the vehicle.
The buyer must pay an $8.50 title fee as well as a $6 processing fee to have a vehicle titled. They must also pay a one-year or two-year registration fee of between $51.25 and $102.50, along with $6 or $12 for a registration processing fee. Finally, the buyer must pay taxes on the vehicle purchase price amounting to 4.225% of the purchase price. Once these fees have been paid, the buyer can obtain a legal registration and title for the purchased vehicle.
See more fees on this DOR webpage.
Laws and Regulations
Missouri imposes strict laws on all drivers within the state. Drivers must understand the state's laws to avoid fees, tickets, and license suspension.
In Missouri, everyone riding in front of the vehicle must be buckled properly. The law states that all children ages four and younger must be properly restrained by a child safety seat, and all children ages 15 and younger must be restrained by a seat belt, no matter their position in the vehicle. Drivers are held responsible for minors under 16 who are not properly buckled and can be fined for each unbuckled child.
In Missouri, any residents caught driving while intoxicated (DWI) will be charged with a DWI and left paying a fee and dealing with a license suspension and potential jail time. To be charged with a DWI, residents must have alcohol in their system exceeding the legal limits.
DWI Legal Limits
Learn more about DWI laws and punishments at this state information page.
Under the Missouri Lemon Law, select consumers are protected from major manufacturer defects when purchasing a new vehicle. If the vehicle is meant for personal use, suffering from significant defects, and it is still under the manufacturer's warranty period, it is likely covered under the state's Lemon Law.
How the Lemon Law Works
Under the Lemon Law, when a Missouri vehicle is suffering from major nonconformities, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to make all necessary repairs on the vehicle and to pay for said repairs. The manufacturer is only required to make the repairs if notice is given by the owner. It's recommended that the owner send a certified letter directly to the manufacturer explaining the issue.
Once the information is available to the manufacturer, the company must arrange to repair the vehicle. If the repair attempts fail four times, or the vehicle is unavailable for use because it has been in the garage for 30 or more business days, it is a lemon, and the consumer can file a lawsuit demanding repayment or replacement of the vehicle.
Get more Missouri Lemon Law specifics from this legal page.
Useful Things to Know
Drivers can rely on these additional resources to help give them the knowledge they need to remain safe and to meet the state's requirements to legally own and operate vehicles:
Find a Missouri License Office: Vehicle owners can renew registrations, title vehicles, and more in person at License Offices. Residents can use this locator tool to quickly find local license offices: Missouri Licensing Office Locator
Locate EV Charging Stations: Missouri residents with electric vehicles (EVs) will benefit by knowing how to find public charging stations: EV Charging Station Locator
Find Safety Inspection Stations: Nearly every vehicle in Missouri requires a safety inspection every two years. These inspections are completed at safety inspection stations. Use this search tool to locate stations throughout the state: Missouri Safety Inspection Station Locator
Missouri Car Crash Trends: According to 2021 statistics provided by the IIHS, Missouri is a slightly above-average state to drive in, in terms of safety. There were 1,016 fatalities caused by 931 accidents in the state and an average of 1.27 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled throughout 2021. The US average is 1.37, making Missouri moderately safer than the average. Get a full picture using Missouri car crash statistics from GoodCar.
Get the Latest Missouri Vehicle Information with GoodCar
Missouri vehicle owners owe it to themselves to have the most up-to-date information about state laws, maintenance requirements, recalls, and more. Refer to this useful resource for residents looking for help and GoodCar's VIN and license plate lookup tools for help getting additional information about specific vehicles.