Titling and Registration FAQs

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).

For complete instructions, visit our Motor Vehicle Titling page.

What should I do with my old/expired Missouri license plates?

To prevent unlawful use of your unexpired plates, you may destroy and recycle them where you are, or you may return them to any Missouri license office to be destroyed and recycled.

If you wish to mail them to our central office to be destroyed and recycled, please use the following address:
Missouri Department of Revenue
ATTN: License Plate Surrender
301 West High Street – Rm 370
Jefferson City MO 65105-0100

If you happen to receive a renewal notice for those plates, you may simply disregard the notice.

Unfortunately, Missouri statute does not authorize a refund of registration fees for unexpired plates.

What is a Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary?

A Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary is a simple way to transfer ownership of a vehicle after the titled owner has died. By naming a TOD beneficiary on your title application, you will avoid the need for the vehicle to go through probate upon your death.

If you choose to assign a different TOD beneficiary at a later date, you may do so by completing a new title application. There is no ownership benefit for the TOD beneficiary until the titled owner(s) have died.

How do I apply for a duplicate title?

Complete and sign an Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108) (or Application for Duplicate Title (Form 93) for a boat title), pay an $8.50 duplicate title fee and a $6 processing fee. Mark the "Duplicate" checkbox on the form, and indicate the reason you are applying for a duplicate title. The form must be notarized.

The application may be processed at any Missouri license office, or you can mail the notarized application and fee to the following address:

Missouri Department of Revenue
Motor Vehicle Bureau
PO Box 100
Jefferson City MO 65105-0100

NOTES:

What address should I use when mailing my transaction paperwork and fees to the Department of Revenue for processing?

Do I have to display two license plates on my vehicle (front and rear)?

Under Missouri law (301.130.5, RSMo) most Missouri motor vehicle registrations require two license plates to be displayed on the vehicle (front and rear). The exceptions include motorcycles, vehicles with historic Year of Manufacture registrations, and commercial vehicles registered for 18,000 lbs or greater. However, an applicant registering a commercial vehicle for 18,000 lbs or greater is given the option of obtaining two license plates. If you are issued two plates for your vehicle registration, you must display both plates (front and rear) as required by Missouri law.

I just noticed a typo on my vehicle title (name misspelled, incorrect VIN, etc.). How can I get that fixed?

You must complete an Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108) and submit it, with the incorrect title, for a corrected title to be issued. This transaction may be processed at any Missouri license office or by mail through our central office.

Depending on the nature of the error, additional documents and/or fees may be required. If you have additional questions, visit our Ask Motor Vehicle! page.

How do I obtain a duplicate registration receipt?

To obtain a duplicate registration receipt, you must submit a completed, signed, and notarized form Application for Duplicate Title/Registration Receipt (Form 2519) with a check for $14.50, payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue. You may complete the application at any Missouri license office, or mail the application to our central office using the address on the back of form.

I just bought a vehicle, and the seller did not provide me with a properly assigned title. What can I do?

Missouri law requires that a motor vehicle must be titled (within 30 days of the purchase date) before it is either registered for highway use or transferred to another individual. If you do not have a properly assigned title (or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin), you have no clear legal right to the vehicle.

If you did not receive a properly assigned ownership document (e.g., certificate of title) at the time of purchase, and the seller is not available to make proper assignment, you may wish to seek the advice of a legal professional.

What is the Military Award Placard and how do I apply?

A Military Award Placard is a removable placard which allows a qualified veteran to park their motor vehicle, weighing not more than 6,000 pounds, without charge in a:

A Military Award Placard may be issued to a veteran if the applicant has been awarded any of the following medals through military service:

* Specialty plate is available for this designation.

To obtain the placard, the applicant must submit: