Can You Drive a Car Without a License Plate If You Just Bought It in Missouri?

Under Missouri law, most motor vehicles must have two license plates displayed, one in the front and one in the rear.

If you just bought your car, you’ll need to display a temporary license plate. This plate expires in 30 days, giving you time to secure the permanent plates you need to drive your car in-state.

How Do You Get a Temporary License Plate in MO?

In Missouri, most reputable car dealers can help you secure a temporary license plate on the spot. All you'll need to do is:

• Pay $5 permit fee

• Pay $6 processing fee

• Provide proof of insurance

Transferring the plates from your previous vehicle and skipping the temporary plate altogether may also be possible. You'll need some documentation to do this. Luckily, a dealership can help you with a Certificate of Title, a signed Application for Missouri Title and License, and a completed safety inspection. You'll just need to provide proof of insurance.

How Long Do I Have to Register My Car in Missouri?

Once you purchase a car, you'll have 30 days to pay the sales tax and purchase a title. When specific conditions are met, 60—and 90-day temporary tags could be available, extending the time you have to register the vehicle.

If you are unable to register the motor vehicle within 30 days, you will be penalized up to $25, which could increase for every additional 30 days that pass without registration.

How Much Will It Cost to Register My Car in Missouri?

The cost of motor vehicle registration in Missouri depends on your vehicle's taxable horsepower. That number is recorded on your title or the Application for Missouri Title and Registration. The most common passenger vehicles fall between 15 and 48 taxable horsepower.

Processing fee: $6 for 1-year or $12 for 2-year

How Often Do I Have to Renew My Tags in Missouri?

This depends on the length of the registration you purchased:

• 1-year registration → renew yearly

• 2-year registration → renew every other year

If you renew your tags and title after the expiration date, a $5 penalty may be assessed.

What do I need to Renew My Tags in Missouri?

When it’s time to renew your tags, make sure you have the following:

• License plate number and PIN from your renewal notice

• Proof of insurance

• Paid personal property tax receipt

• Safety and/or emissions inspection

• Payment for renewal fee

You can renew your Missouri registration online, in person at a local license office, or by mail.

How Much Insurance Do I Need to Register My Car in Missouri?

Under Missouri state law, all drivers and owners must maintain some type of motor vehicle insurance to protect themselves and others in the event of a collision. The minimum level of coverage required by all motorists is:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury

• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury

• $25,000 per accident for property

You must show proof of insurance every time you renew your vehicle registration.

Do I Need a Safety Inspection to Get My Tags in Missouri?

When vehicle ownership changes, a safety inspection must be performed before transferring ownership. The inspection is then good for 60 days, starting from the date of inspection.

If there has been no change in ownership, a motor vehicle registration renewal requires an inspection once every two years.