Missouri Vehicle Titling and Registration: A Comprehensive Guide

Missouri requires all residents and newcomers to title and register their vehicles. This guide provides a detailed overview of the vehicle titling and registration process in Missouri, covering various scenarios like new purchases, residency changes, imported vehicles, and military personnel stationed out of state. Understanding these procedures ensures compliance with Missouri law and avoids potential penalties.

Titling and Registering a Vehicle as a Missouri Resident

Missouri residents must title and pay sales tax on a newly purchased vehicle within 30 days. Failure to comply results in a title penalty of $25, increasing by $25 every 30 days, up to a maximum of $200.

To title a motor vehicle in Missouri, owners must submit the following:

1. The Certificate of Title, properly signed over, or the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO).
2. A signed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108).
3. An identification number and odometer (ID/OD) inspection if the vehicle was previously titled in another state or country. A Missouri safety inspection within the last 60 days fulfills this requirement.
4. An Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 3019), if applicable.
5. A notarized Lien Release (Form 4809), if applicable.
6. Any additional documentation requested by the Department of Revenue.

Associated fees include an $8.50 title fee, a $6 processing fee, and a 4.225% state sales tax, plus your local sales tax, calculated on the purchase price minus any trade-in allowance. An online sales tax calculator is available to estimate the total tax due. For detailed information on titling and registering a newly purchased vehicle, refer to the “Buying a Vehicle” section on the Missouri Department of Revenue website.

Titling and Registration Requirements for New Missouri Residents

New residents have 30 days from establishing residency to title their vehicles. If your out-of-state title is held by a lienholder, complete the owner and vehicle information sections of the Owner Out-of-State Title Request (Form 5834) and forward it to your lienholder. The lienholder can either return the original title or complete and notarize the bottom section of the form, returning it with acceptable proof of ownership.

To title and register a vehicle previously titled in another state, submit the following:

1. The original title or proof of ownership from the previous state. If the lienholder possesses the title, obtain it for submission. If the title cannot be obtained, provide a written statement from the lienholder, along with a copy of the title (front and back), a title receipt from an electronic titling state, or a statement from the lienholder confirming the electronic title status. If none of these are available, contact the previous state’s titling agency. Without the original title, only a one-year registration will be issued, and the Missouri title will be withheld until the out-of-state title is received.
2. A signed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108).
3. An identification number and odometer (ID/OD) inspection, satisfied by a Missouri safety inspection.
4. Any additional documentation requested by the Department of Revenue.
5. A current insurance identification card or other proof of financial responsibility.
6. A statement of non-assessment from your Missouri county assessor, or a Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) for military personnel not claiming Missouri residency.
7. A Missouri safety inspection (not older than 60 days), exempt for vehicles within ten years of manufacture and under 150,000 miles.
8. An emissions inspection (not older than 60 days) for residents of St. Louis City and Jefferson, St. Charles, and St. Louis Counties, if applicable.

Fees include an $8.50 title fee, a $6 processing fee, a potential $2 electronic transmission fee, registration fees based on horsepower or vehicle weight, and state and local taxes if applicable. Vehicles owned and operated in another state for at least 90 days prior are exempt from additional sales tax. If ownership is less than 90 days, the difference between the sales tax paid to the previous state and the Missouri tax is due.

Titling and Registering Imported Vehicles in Missouri

Importing a vehicle to Missouri requires specific documentation:

1. The Certificate of Title, MSO, or proof of ownership from the originating country. Contact a license office if these documents are unavailable. If a lien exists, obtain the title from the lienholder. If unavailable, contact the Department of Revenue.
2. A signed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108).
3. U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP Form 7501.
4. Declaration – Importation of Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Subject to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety, Bumper, and Theft Prevention Standards (Form HS-7). Additional inspections may be required.
5. A current insurance identification card or proof of financial responsibility.
6. A statement of non-assessment or a Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) if your home of record is not Missouri.
7. An identification number and odometer (ID/OD) inspection, which can be a statement from a commissioned U.S. Armed Forces officer or Form 5874.
8. A General Affidavit (Form 768) if the vehicle has been out of state for more than 60 days. Upon return, safety and emissions inspections are required within 10 days, if applicable.

Fees and taxes are similar to those for new residents, with the same 90-day rule applying for sales tax. Imported vehicle titling and registration can be processed at the central branch in Jefferson City or by mail.

Titling and Registration for Military Personnel Stationed Out of State

Military personnel stationed out of state follow a similar process to other residents:

1. The Certificate of Title, MSO, or proof of ownership. Contact a license office if these are unavailable. Handle liens as described in previous sections.
2. A signed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108).
3. A current insurance identification card or other proof of financial responsibility.
4. A statement of non-assessment or an LES.
5. An ID/OD inspection, which can be a statement from a commissioned U.S. Armed Forces officer.
6. A General Affidavit (Form 768) if the vehicle has been out of state for more than 60 days. Upon return to Missouri, obtain safety and emissions inspections within 10 days, if applicable.

Fees and taxes follow the same guidelines as other residents, with the 90-day rule applying for sales tax.

Conclusion

Navigating Missouri’s vehicle titling and registration requirements can be complex. This comprehensive guide covers the essentials for various situations. Always consult the Missouri Department of Revenue website for the latest information and specific details related to your circumstances.

FAQ

Q: What if I lose my Missouri title?

A: You can apply for a duplicate title through the Department of Revenue.

Q: Can I register my vehicle online?

A: Yes, renewals and some other transactions can be completed online.

Q: What are the emissions testing requirements?

A: Emissions testing is required in certain counties for most vehicles. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website for details.

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