Driver Guide

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TITLING YOUR VEHICLE
Whether you are a Missouri resident buying a new vehicle or a new resident 
who recently moved to Missouri, you have 30 days to visit your local license 
office and take care of your legal responsibilities to title your vehicle.
A title is proof that you own your vehicle.  When you buy a vehicle, you 
must apply for a title within 30 days.  If you do not apply within 30 days, 
you will have to pay a penalty fee.
You may apply for a title at any license office.  The title will cost $8.50, and 
you will be required to pay a $2.50 processing fee.  You will have to pay all 
state and local sales taxes due.  For information on the amount of sales tax 
you will have to pay, contact any license office, call [phone], or visit 
our website at http://dor.mo.gov/ and enter “sales tax calculator” into the 
search box.
When you apply for a title, you will receive a receipt.  You will receive your 
title in the mail from the Department of Revenue.
A title is a very important personal document.  Do NOT keep your title in 
your vehicle. 
WHAT YOU NEED TO GET A TITLE
The requirements are different for new and used vehicles and for vehicles 
bought in Missouri and outside Missouri.  Following is a description of the 
requirements for these situations.
VEHICLES BOUGHT IN MISSOURI
•  
New Vehicle Bought in Missouri — The dealer will give you a title 
application and an assigned Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.  The 
Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin indicates the vehicle is new and has 
never been registered. You (the purchaser) and the dealer must complete 
the odometer disclosure portion on the back of the Manufacturer’s 
Statement of Origin.
•  
Used Vehicle Bought in Missouri — You must receive a properly 
assigned title (see below for an explanation) from the seller that proves 
you have bought the vehicle. If you bought the used vehicle from a 
dealer, you should also receive a completed title application. A proper 
odometer disclosure on the back of the title is required on vehicles 
that are less than 10 years old. If the title assigned to you is an out-of-
state title, you must get an identification number and odometer (ID/OD) 
verification form completed by a licensed inspection station.
VEHICLES BOUGHT OUT-OF-STATE (NOT IN MISSOURI)
•  
New Vehicle Bought Out-of-State — You must receive the dealer’s 
invoice or a bill of sale and assigned Manufacturer’s Statement of 
Origin from the out-of-state dealer.  You (the purchaser) and the dealer 
must complete the odometer disclosure portion on the back of the 
Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.
CHAPTER 12 — VEHICLE TITLING  
AND REGISTRATION

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•   Used Vehicle Bought Out-of-State — You must receive either a properly 
assigned title (see below for an explanation) from the seller or a 
reassigned title from the dealer.  If the state does not require a title, you 
must get a bill of sale and the vehicle’s last certificate of registration in 
that state.  A proper odometer disclosure is required on vehicles less 
than 10 years old.  If the title assigned to you is an out-of-state title, you 
must get an identification number and odometer (ID/OD) verification form 
completed by a licensed inspection station.
Properly Assigned Titles
A properly assigned title has the following information completed in the 
assignment area:
•  Buyer’s name and address;
•  Odometer reading, if applicable;
•  Sale price of vehicle;
•  Date of the sale;
•  Name of any lienholder, if applicable;
•  Signature and printed name of all sellers; and 
•  Buyer’s printed name and signature, if applicable.
Salvage Vehicles 
For information on titling a vehicle bought for salvage, dismantling, or 
rebuilding, call [phone], or write to:
 
Missouri Department of Revenue
 
Motor Vehicle Bureau
 
301 West High Street, Room 370
 
P.O. Box 100
 
Jefferson City, Missouri 65105-0100
Odometer Readings
When you buy or sell a vehicle that is less than 10 years old, the seller 
must write the mileage reading on the title assignment.  If the vehicle is 
new, the odometer reading must be on the Manufacturer’s Statement of 
Origin.  Both the buyer and the seller must print and sign their names 
verifying the mileage.  In some instances, a separate odometer statement
may be required.
REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE
If you are a Missouri resident, you are required to register your vehicle in 
Missouri.  If you are a new Missouri resident, you must register your vehicle 
within 30 days of becoming a Missouri resident. 
If you are a new Missouri resident, you must surrender your out-of-state 
title and apply for a Missouri title.  If a financial institution has your title, 
you must provide your out-of-state registration, lienholder’s name, and 
lienholder’s address.  The license office will generate a letter for you 
to send to your lienholder.  After you surrender your out-of-state title, a 
Missouri title will be issued and mailed to you.
When you register your vehicle in Missouri, you will receive Missouri 
license plates and a year tab located on the plate. 

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You may register your vehicle at any license office.  If you are registering 
a passenger vehicle, your registration fee will be based on your vehicle’s 
taxable horsepower.  If you are registering a commercial vehicle, your 
registration fee will be based on its zone and gross weight.  An additional 
processing fee will apply.
You may be eligible to obtain a two-year registration for your vehicle.  
During an even-numbered year (like 2008) you may register for two years if 
your vehicle has an even-numbered model year.  Likewise, during an odd-
numbered year (like 2009) you may register for two years if your vehicle 
has an odd-numbered model year.  Otherwise, only a one-year registration 
is available.
What You Need to Register Your Vehicle
About two months before your vehicle registration expires, you should 
receive a renewal notice in the mail.  If you do not receive the notice, you 
are still required by law to renew your license plates before they expire.
To ensure you receive a renewal notice, remember to update your address 
if you move.  You can e-mail [e-mail] and include your full 
name, old and new address, your driver license number or last four digits of 
your Social Security Number, and your vehicle’s license plate number(s).
The renewal notice will list your requirements to renew your vehicle 
registration.  Make sure to read the list and bring the required documents 
to the license office with you.  The requirements are listed below but all of 
them may not apply to you. 
•   Renewal notice from the department, a registration receipt from the 
previous year, or a copy of your title.
•   Paid personal property tax receipt or a statement of non-assessment 
from the county in which you reside (or city of St. Louis) for the period of 
your previous registration.  (If you had a one-year registration, show the 
previous year’s receipt.  If you had a two-year registration, show receipts 
from the previous two years.)
•  Current insurance identification card or other proof of financial 
   responsibility (refer to Chapter 13 for detailed information).
•   Current certificate of safety and/or emissions inspection done within the 
last 60 days, if applicable (refer to Chapter 14 for more information).
•  The correct registration/processing fee.
TIP!  You may also be able to renew your plates online at http://dor.mo.gov/
motorv/plates/.  If you are eligible for this convenient option, a Personal 
Identification Number (PIN) will be printed on your renewal notice.

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