Missouri Title/Registration

When you purchase a motor vehicle (new or used), you are required to pay the applicable taxes and apply for title in your name within 30 days of the purchase date. This is true regardless of the condition of the vehicle.  If you wish to drive the vehicle, you must also obtain valid registration (license plates).  When you become a Missouri resident, you have 30 days to title your vehicle.

Most Missouri license plates require an expiration year tab, which is color-coded and includes the expiration year of the registration. The tabs are issued when a new or renewal registration transaction is processed. Enhanced tabs are issued at certain license offices.  The enhanced tabs display a vehicle’s unique license plate number directly on the tab itself--allowing law enforcement to quickly and easily detect whether the tab on the vehicle matches the license plate.

You may renew your license plates online, by mail, or at any Missouri license office. To renew your license plates, you will need:

1. Your Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice. If you did not receive this notice in the mail, you may complete and print a copy of the Application for License (Form 184)  from your computer;
2. A Missouri safety inspection and/or emissions inspection certificate not more than 60 days old, if applicable;
3. A paid personal property tax receipt (original, copy, or electronic if legible) or a statement of non-assessment from your county of residence (or city of St. Louis) for the previous year for a one year registration, or receipts from the previous two years if the registration you are renewing was a two-year registration;
4. A current insurance identification card (original, copy, or electronic if legible) or other proof of financial responsibility; and
5. The correct registration (license plate) and processing fee.

NOTE: A $5 renewal penalty will be charged if you renew your plates after the expiration date.

For details visit the Missouri Motor Vehicles site.

Abandoned or Derelict Vehicles

Vehicles on City streets must be licensed, registered and in operable condition--except in emergencies.  If there is a licensed vehicle in the same place on the street for 5 continuous days, police may order it towed after 4 unpaid tickets have been issued.  Derelict vehicles generally means a vehicle that does not operate or is in such condition as to be a public safety hazard.

Open Storage in Vehicles