What Is a Temporary License Plate in Missouri?
A temporary permit in Missouri is a weather-resistant paper tag that allows the operation of a newly purchased vehicle, trailer, or motorcycle on public roads until permanent license plates are obtained. The Missouri Department of Revenue administers the program under RSMo §301.140.
Licensed dealers issue the permit at the point of sale. Buyers without a dealer can purchase it at any Missouri license office. Out-of-state buyers purchasing from a Missouri dealer are also eligible.
The permit is a paper document securely attached to the rear of the vehicle in place of a standard license plate.
What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Missouri?
| Class | Official Name | Trigger | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Temporary Permit (30 days) | Vehicle purchase, no plates to transfer | Dealer or license office |
| Conditional Delivery | Temporary Permit (60 days) | Dealer sale under RSMo §301.210(5) | Qualified dealer |
| Disposal Inspection | Temporary Permit (disposal) | Vehicle for disposal requires inspection | License office |
| Covered Plate | Temporary Third License Plate | Rear plate covered by trunk or device | Central DOR office (by mail) |
Temporary permits are non-transferable and non-renewable. Only one permit may be issued per vehicle. The Director of Revenue reserves the right to reissue a permit while the title and registration are pending under RSMo §301.140(5).
When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Missouri?
- A buyer obtaining a vehicle without plates to transfer receives a temporary permit from the seller or license office under RSMo §301.140(4).
- An out-of-state resident purchasing from a Missouri dealer may obtain a temporary permit for the trip home.
- A dealer delivering a vehicle under a conditional written agreement issues a 60-day temporary permit under RSMo §301.210(5).
- An owner of a vehicle for disposal requiring inspection §301.190 receives a temporary permit limited to trips between the vehicle’s location and the nearest inspection station.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Missouri?
- Gather proof of ownership (title, MSO, bill of sale, or dealer-signed Form 108), proof of insurance, and current safety inspection if required.
- For dealer purchases, the dealer issues the permit at the point of sale through the DOR dealer portal.
- For private sales, visit any Missouri license office with the above documents.
- Pay the fee outlined in the next section.
- Receive the paper permit at the counter and attach it to the rear of the vehicle.
The DOR Vehicle Buying Guide contains all document requirements by transaction type.
How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Missouri?
| Class | Fee | Add-on | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Permit (30 days) | $5 | $9 processing fee at license office | Buyer |
| Temporary Permit (60 days) | $5 | — | Buyer |
| Temporary Permit (disposal) | $5 | $9 processing fee at license office | Owner |
| Temporary Third License Plate | $5 | $9 processing fee | Owner |
Dealers cannot charge more than $5 for a permit under RSMo §301.140(4). The $9 processing fee applies only when the transaction occurs at a license office, as currently published by the Missouri Department of Revenue.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Missouri?
No. Individual buyers cannot purchase a temporary permit online through the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Licensed dealers issue permits electronically through the DOR Temporary Registration Permit Application portal. Buyers receive a printed permit at the dealership.
Buyers in a private transaction must visit a Missouri license office in person. Payment options at license offices include cash, check, credit, or debit card.
For most purchases, the permit issued by the dealer at the point of sale is the standard route.
How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Missouri?
| Class | Validity | Geographic Cap | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Permit (30 days) | 30 days from purchase | None | Director may reissue |
| Temporary Permit (60 days) | 60 days from purchase | None | None |
| Temporary Permit (disposal) | 30 days from purchase | Shortest route to inspection | None |
| Temporary Third License Plate | Matches expiration of permanent plate | Display only on rear window | Replaceable upon payment |
Failure to register a vehicle is a class B misdemeanor under RSMo §301.020(6). Buyers have 30 days from purchase to title and pay sales tax; on the 31st day, a $25 penalty applies, increasing by $25 every 30 days to a maximum of $200.