Motor Vehicles

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

Registration & Licensing Requirements

Missouri State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

State Laws

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. State law requires that all children under 7 years of age and 80 pounds be properly restrained in child seats. Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

Missouri Driver's License

You are not required to have a Missouri driver license if:

• You are a member of the Armed Forces and you have a valid license from your home state.
• You are a full-time student, and you have a valid license from your home state.
• You operate or temporarily operate or move any farm tractor or implement on a highway for agricultural related purposes.

You are required to have a Missouri driver license if:

• You live in Missouri, are 16 years of age or older, and plan to drive.
• You are a new resident of Missouri and want to drive, even if you have a driver license from another state.
• You are an out-of-state commercial driver who has moved to Missouri within the last 30 days.

Registering Vehicles in Missouri

To register a vehicle from out of state, you must take the following to a Missouri Fee Office:

• Vehicle Title and registration
• Bank name and mailing address of leinholder
• Missouri safety inspection if vehicle over 2 years old
• Proof of insurance
• EOM LES (current from past 3 months) if not a Missouri Resident.
• Notarized Lien release-if applicable

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.