How to Register a Salvage Title Vehicle in Missouri
A salvage title on a vehicle is no different than a regular title. It just identifies that, at some point in the vehicle's history, it was declared a total loss by an insurance company. Total loss means it sustained damage worth 75 percent or more of its value and is not considered fit to drive. Registering a salvage titled vehicle in Missouri requires the same preparation and steps as registering any other vehicle.
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Things You'll Need
- Bill of sale
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of safety inspection
- Proof of emissions inspection
- Odometer disclosure statement
Instructions
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Buy insurance for the vehicle you are preparing to register. Obtain proof of the insurance from the insurance company. Place the paperwork in a folder where you will store required documentation.
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Check the salvage title to ensure it has been signed over to you. Make a copy of the bill of sale to prove you paid for the vehicle. Add both documents to your folder.
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Obtain an odometer disclosure statement from the "Missouri Car Registration Guide" if the mileage is not recorded on the title. Fill out the form and add it to your folder.
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Take the car to an authorized safety inspection site and obtain proof of inspection if the car is more than five years old. To locate the safety inspection site nearest you, visit the Missouri State Highway Patrol website (see Resources). Add proof of inspection to your folder.
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Get an emissions test if you live in the counties of Jefferson, Franklin, St. Charles or St. Louis. Call 1-800-361-4872 to find the testing center nearest you. There is a $24 cost for this inspection. Add this inspection report to your folder.
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Calculate the registration fees, which are determined by car weight and horsepower. The car's horsepower is recorded on the vehicle title. To calculate the fees, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website (see Resources).
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Calculate the sales tax of 4.225 percent plus local sales taxes based on the purchase price of your vehicle. Add this amount to the registration fees to determine the amount owed for registration.
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Obtain cash or a money order in the amount you have calculated if you do not plan on using a credit card. Gather your folder and go to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to register your vehicle. To find the DMV nearest you, visit the DMV website (see Resources).
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Tips & Warnings
If you have additional questions you may contact the Motor Vehicle and Titling and Registration Department at 573-751-4509 or email mvbmail@dor.mo.gov.
If you need to purchase license plates you may want to do this at the same time to save yourself a trip back to the DMV.
