Licensing your car in Missouri is a crucial step to ensure you’re driving legally and responsibly. Whether you’re a long-time resident, new to the state, or have just purchased a vehicle, understanding the requirements can save you time and hassle. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about licensing your car in Missouri, ensuring a smooth process at the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Licensing Your Car in MO: Key Requirements for Missouri Residents
If you’ve just purchased a new or used vehicle in Missouri, you’re required to title and pay sales tax on it within 30 days of the purchase date. Failing to do so will result in penalties, starting at $25 on the 31st day and increasing by $25 for every subsequent 30-day period, up to a maximum of $200.
Titling Your Newly Purchased Vehicle
To title your car in Missouri as a resident, you’ll need to gather specific documents and be prepared to pay certain fees. Here’s a checklist to help you get started:
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Required Documents:
- Properly assigned Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) or Certificate of Title.
- Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108), which can be obtained at any Missouri license office.
- Proof of identity, such as a valid Missouri Driver’s License or ID card.
- Proof of residency, like a utility bill or bank statement showing your Missouri address.
- Odometer Disclosure Statement, if applicable.
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Fees You’ll Need to Pay:
- $8.50 title fee.
- $6 processing fee.
- State sales tax of 4.225 percent, plus any applicable local sales tax based on your place of residence. This tax is calculated on the purchase price of the vehicle after any trade-in allowance. You can use Missouri’s online sales tax calculator to estimate these costs.
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Registration and License Plates
Titling is just the first step. To legally drive your car on Missouri roads, you also need to register it and obtain Missouri license plates. For detailed information on registering your newly purchased vehicle, the Missouri Department of Revenue provides a comprehensive guide on their “Buying a Vehicle” page. This resource will walk you through the registration process, including obtaining license plates and understanding any additional requirements.
Relocating to Missouri? Licensing Your Car as a New Resident
Welcome to Missouri! As a new resident, you have 30 days from the date you establish residency to title your vehicle in Missouri. It’s essential to get this done to comply with state law and avoid any potential issues.
Essential Steps for New Residents
To streamline the process of licensing your car as a new Missouri resident, the Department of Revenue offers a helpful checklist and additional details in their “Title and Registration for New Resident” document. This resource is invaluable for ensuring you have everything in order.
Dealing with Out-of-State Titles and Lienholders
One common challenge for new residents is dealing with out-of-state titles, especially if there’s a lien on the vehicle and the lienholder possesses the title. Here’s how to navigate this situation:
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Requesting Your Title from the Lienholder: If your lienholder has your out-of-state title, you’ll need to request it from them. Missouri provides a convenient “Owner Out-of-State Title Request” form (Form 5834) to assist you. Complete the owner and vehicle information sections of this form and send it to your lienholder via mail, email, or fax.
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Alternative Proof of Ownership: In some cases, the lienholder might be unable to release the original out-of-state title directly to you. Instead, they can complete and notarize the bottom section of Form 5834 and return it to you along with acceptable proof of ownership documents. These documents, as outlined by the Missouri Department of Revenue, can then be used to apply for your Missouri title and registration.
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Submitting Documentation for Title and Registration: Once you have your original out-of-state title or the acceptable proof of ownership documents from your lienholder, you can apply for a Missouri title and registration. You will need to submit the following:
- Original title or proof of ownership as per your previous state’s laws.
- If a lien exists and the lienholder holds the title, you’ll need to obtain the title from them. The lien will be transferred to your Missouri title.
- If you can’t get the original title from the lienholder, you must submit:
- A written statement from the lienholder on their letterhead stating they won’t release the title.
- AND one of the following:
- A copy (front and back) of the out-of-state title showing you as the owner and the lienholder as the lienholder.
- An out-of-state title receipt (if from an electronic titling state) showing the same information.
- A statement from the lienholder confirming the title is held in an electronic titling state.
Important Note: If you cannot surrender the original title or out-of-state ownership document at the time of application, you will initially receive a one-year registration. Missouri authorities will then contact your lienholder to request the title. Until the out-of-state title is received, you won’t get a Missouri Certificate of Title, and your one-year registration will not be renewable. If you are unable to obtain the necessary ownership documents, contact the titling agency in your previous state for assistance in getting a replacement.
Vehicle Inspection Requirements
Missouri requires vehicle safety and emissions inspections. Even model year vehicles (e.g., 2022, 2024) need inspection in even calendar years, and odd model year vehicles in odd years, unless exempt.
However, there’s a significant exemption: Vehicles within their first ten years after the model year of manufacture and with less than 150,000 miles are exempt from safety inspections. For example, a 2023 vehicle with under 150,000 miles would be exempt from safety inspections until 2033.
Fees and Taxes for New Residents
As a new resident titling and registering your vehicle, you will need to pay:
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$8.50 title fee and $6.00 processing fee.
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Potentially a $2 electronic transmission fee.
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Registration and license plate fees, which vary based on taxable horsepower or vehicle weight.
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State and local taxes, if applicable.
- Sales Tax Exemption: If you owned and operated the vehicle in another state for at least 90 days before moving to Missouri, you generally won’t owe additional sales tax.
- Sales Tax Due: If you owned the vehicle for less than 90 days, and the sales tax you paid in your previous state was less than Missouri’s state and local taxes, you will need to pay the difference. Missouri sales tax is 4.225 percent state tax, plus local sales tax, on the purchase price minus any trade-in allowance. Again, the online sales tax calculator can help you estimate these taxes.
Special Cases: Licensing Imported Vehicles in Missouri
If you are importing a vehicle into Missouri from outside the United States, the process has some specific requirements. To obtain a Missouri title and registration for an imported vehicle, you will need to submit specific import documentation in addition to the standard requirements.
Fees for Imported Vehicles:
- $8.50 title fee and $6 processing fee.
- Registration and license plate fees.
- State and local taxes (similar rules apply regarding the 90-day ownership period as for new residents).
For detailed guidance on importing vehicles, it’s recommended to contact the US Department of Transportation or Customs and Border Protection.
Processing Limitations: Currently, applications for imported vehicle titles and registrations can only be processed at the Central Office in Jefferson City or via mail.
Information for Military Personnel Stationed Out of State
Military personnel stationed outside of Missouri also have specific guidelines for titling and registering their vehicles in the state. The requirements are largely similar to those for new residents, with considerations for their unique circumstances.
Fees and Taxes for Military Personnel:
- $8.50 title fee and $6 processing fee.
- Registration and license plate fees.
- State and local taxes (with the same 90-day ownership rule for sales tax as mentioned previously).
Need Further Assistance?
Navigating vehicle licensing can sometimes be complex. If you still have questions or need personalized assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Missouri Department of Revenue. You can easily “Ask Motor Vehicle!” through their online portal for further help.
This comprehensive guide should provide you with a clear understanding of what you need to license your car in Missouri. By preparing the necessary documents and understanding the specific requirements based on your residency status and vehicle history, you can ensure a smooth and efficient process.
