Missouri License Plate Lookup

A license plate lookup can potentially reveal detailed information about a vehicle using its license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Utilizing a license plate lookup may allow individuals to verify car records, check for theft, identify past accidents*, and check the number of previous owners, helping inform your research about purchasing and maintaining a vehicle.

What is a Missouri license plate lookup?

A Missouri license plate lookup is a process of acquiring detailed information about a vehicle through its license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This vehicle history report may provide a wealth of information that can empower you as a consumer when purchasing a vehicle.

Performing a license plate lookup may reveal if the car has been used in industrial services, serving roles like police car or taxi, which may affect its long-term performance and reliability. It also checks for past reported environmental damages caused by water, fire, or frost, which might not be evident during a routine inspection.

Key benefits include:

1. Verifying car records: Could help check if the vehicle’s history aligns with what the seller claims.
2. Checking for theft reports: Identify if the car has ever been stolen.
3. Accessing past accident records: Understand if there may have been previous accidents.
4. Reviewing lien and repossession history: Help make sure there are no outstanding financial obligations tied to the vehicle.
5. Identifying usage in industrial services: Check if the car was previously used as a taxi, police vehicle, or in other taxing roles that could impact wear and tear.

By using a Missouri license plate lookup, you can research vehicle histories and help avoid potential pitfalls when buying a vehicle.

Types of Missouri license plates

Standard plates

Since 2018, the standard license plate in Missouri has featured red waves on top, blue waves on the bottom, and a white background. The main plate number is displayed in dark blue, with “MISSOURI” and “BICENTENNIAL” centered on top and “1821★2021” centered on the bottom. The current plate has an AB1 C2D serial format with the first letter corresponding to the month of expiration.

Specialty plates

Missouri offers a variety of specialty license plates, some of which can be personalized and ordered online. However, for certain plates, such as those for disabled drivers, organizations, military personnel, or historic vehicles, you must apply by mail or at your local license office. These applications require specific forms, such as Form 570, Form 1716, or Form 4601, depending on the type of plate you’re requesting.

Military plates

Missouri offers a variety of military license plates, most of which come with a $15 fee. Each plate represents different branches of service, awards, or veteran status, and they require specific verification documentation to confirm eligibility. Applicants must typically provide proof of military service, such as discharge papers (DD-214), certification of medals, or other official military records.

Collegiate plates

Missouri’s collegiate license plates allow drivers to show school pride, featuring designs for various universities. To obtain a collegiate plate, you must submit an Emblem Use Authorization Statement from the university, which serves as proof of the required minimum donation. In addition to this, there is a $15 specialty plate fee. This program supports schools while giving drivers a way to represent their alma mater or favorite institution.

Other Specialty plates

Missouri offers a wide range of other specialty plates, allowing residents to personalize their vehicles and support various causes. These plates cover broad categories such as environmental conservation, charities, professional organizations, and hobby groups. Whether you want to support wildlife preservation, display membership in a professional association, or promote a charitable cause, there is likely a specialty plate for you. Each plate comes with a $15 fee, in addition to specific documentation required for the chosen category.

Privacy and legal considerations

Privacy laws and restrictions

The deployment of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) raises significant privacy concerns. The U.S. Supreme Court has generally upheld the use of ALPRs without warrant requirements, based on the principle that vehicles on public highways are subject to “pervasive regulation” and therefore, there is no reasonable expectation of privacy regarding license plates. Yet, ongoing cases increasingly question the constitutionality of unrestricted surveillance using advanced technologies.

Access to personal information

Access to personal information derived from a license plate lookup is tightly controlled. Law enforcement agencies routinely access this data for criminal investigations, while private entities such as insurance companies or lenders may utilize it for assessing claims or loan applications. States may enact specific regulations to govern these lookups. For instance, many states have statutes limiting data retention periods and stipulating who can access ALPR records. Our vehicle history reports do not contain any personal information.

Missouri department of revenue

Responsibilities

The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) is integral in managing motor vehicle and driver licensing services across the state. The DOR oversees the collection of motor vehicle taxes, ensures compliance with vehicle registration laws, and administers driver licensing programs. This includes the issuance of standard, personalized, and specialty license plates, and the maintenance of vehicle-related records. For Missouri drivers, the DOR also handles graduated driving licenses for individuals between ages 15 and 18, enforcing rules designed to ensure new drivers gain supervised driving experience.

Services for Missouri residents

Unique to Missouri, the DOR also has the responsibility to monitor and sanction drivers who fail to maintain automobile liability insurance, a requirement under state law. Drivers can face significant penalties, ranging from points added to their driving record to suspension of driving privileges. After any suspension, drivers must file proof of insurance with the DOR for three years to avoid further penalties.

Contact information

The DOR serves residents through its central office in Jefferson City and multiple locations across Missouri. Residents can contact the central office for assistance with motor vehicle titling and registration, driver licensing, and other related services.

Central office:

Harry S Truman State Office Building

301 West High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101

General contact details:

1. Phone Numbers
   • Driver License: 573-526-2407
   • Motor Vehicle: 573-526-3669
   • Interactive Payment Line: 888-929-0513
2. Email
   • [email protected]
3. Mailing addresses and more detailed information are also provided on the DOR’s contact page: https://dor.mo.gov/contact/

These comprehensive services and extensive outreach ensure residents have the necessary support for all vehicle-related queries and requirements. The Missouri DOR’s robust framework aims to streamline the administrative processes for drivers, maintaining a proficient and compliant driving environment throughout the state.

Titling and registering a vehicle in Missouri

Requirements for different vehicles

To title and register a motor vehicle in Missouri, owners must complete several key steps. All motor vehicles, trailers, boats, and ATVs have specific requirements:

1. Motor vehicles: Submit an identification number and odometer inspection if the title comes from another state. Complete a safety inspection no older than 60 days. Pay an $8.50 title fee, a $6 processing fee, and state and local sales taxes based on the vehicle’s purchase price, less any trade-in allowance.
2. Trailers and boats: Provide the certificate of title or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO). Pay the same fees as for motor vehicles and follow the local sales tax guidelines. Lienholders must release ownership documents for Missouri titling.
3. ATVs: Similar to motor vehicles, owners must submit titles or MSO and meet odometer inspection requirements if applicable. Fees are identical to those for motor vehicles, and owners must satisfy state and local sales tax obligations.

Process for new residents

New Missouri residents have 30 days from their move date to title and register their vehicles. They must provide:

1. Original title: Secure the out-of-state title and submit it or relevant ownership documents. If the lienholder holds the title, complete the Owner Out-of-State Title Request (Form 5834) and send it to the lienholder. The lienholder may release the title or provide notarized proof of ownership documents.
2. Proof of insurance: Submit valid proof of insurance active in Missouri
3. Missouri state inspection certificate: If the vehicle requires an inspection, submit a certificate not older than 60 days. Completed by an authorized Missouri inspection station, it verifies the vehicle’s identification number and odometer reading.

Renewal, replacement, transfer, and surrender of license plates

Renewal

Missouri residents can renew their license plates up to six months before expiration, with renewals due by the last day of the expiration month. There are four convenient methods to renew:

1. Phone: Call 573-751-1957 to check eligibility
2. Online: Eligibility depends on the presence of a Personal Identification Number (PIN) on your Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice
3. Mail: Follow instructions on your Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice.
4. In-person: Visit a Missouri license office

Required documentation includes:

1. Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice
2. Missouri safety inspection/emissions inspection certificate (if applicable)
3. Paid personal property tax receipt or a statement of non-assessment
4. Current insurance identification card or proof of financial responsibility

A $5 renewal penalty applies if you renew after the expiration date

Replacement

If your license plates or tabs are stolen, you can receive up to two free replacements per year, but a $6 processing fee applies. To replace them, submit a completed and notarized Application for Replacement Plates/Tabs (Form 1576) along with the fee. It’s also advised to report the theft to local law enforcement or the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The application can be processed at any Missouri license office or mailed to the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Transfer

When transferring license plates from your old vehicle to a new one in Missouri, you may be eligible for a credit on your registration fees. In some cases, the actual plates can also be transferred without needing new ones. However, plates cannot be transferred in a complete change of ownership. Bring the Certificate of Title, signed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108), a recent safety and emissions inspection if required, and proof of insurance to the license office. Fees include state and local sales tax, title fees, registration fees based on horsepower or weight, and a $6 processing fee.

Surrender

To prevent the unlawful use of your unexpired Missouri license plates, you can either destroy and recycle them locally or return them to any Missouri license office for recycling. If you prefer, you can mail them to the Department of Revenue at the address provided for destruction. If you receive a renewal notice for those plates, you may disregard it. However, Missouri law does not allow for a refund of registration fees for unexpired plates.

* Bumper reports are based upon data available and may include historical accident records from 33 state-level agencies, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming, to the extent such specific data has been compiled, digitized locally and is available. We strongly recommend your own due diligence and checking additional sources for states not listed above. As a reminder, even for states where we may have data, we cannot guarantee the comprehensiveness/accuracy of the information provided and you should not rely solely on our data in order to determine whether or not a vehicle was ever involved in an accident.