Vehicle Licensure Steps
This page is part of the LOVE Columbia information library website. To contact the organization listed below, please follow links or phone numbers given within the article.
—————————————————————————————————
Content updated July 24, 2024
Having a title in your name: Once you buy a car, you have 30 days to get the title transferred to you or to get a title in your name. This will involve gathering various pieces of paperwork and visiting your local DMV; to find out exactly what documents you will need, visit website.
Getting an inspection: Generally, all new car dealerships will perform inspections. The emissions testing fee (for those living in counties where emissions testing is required) should not exceed $24, and the safety inspection fee should not exceed $12. A list of safety inspection locations can be found at https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP81Web/stationLocations.jsp.
Making sure personal property tax is paid: To find out if you owe back personal property tax, go to the Boone County Collector website at https://report.boonecountymo.org/mrcjava/servlet/CO00_MP.I00260s. Here you can access tax records from the last five years. It should show past bills and cars owned as of January 1 of the current year; it will show whether the bill is paid or unpaid and if there are any late fees on the account. If taxes are paid, you can print a paid receipt.
Getting insurance: If you want to legally drive in the State of Missouri, or any other state, you will need to have basic liability coverage. Liability insurance provides for the other party if you are at fault for an accident that causes bodily injury and/or property damage. You can get free auto insurance quotes online. Missouri requires that drivers have bodily injury liability coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, and property damage liability coverage of at least $10,000 per accident. Missouri requires uninsured motorist coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
DMV locations in Columbia:
1101 Grindstone Pkwy
573-615-1054
403 Vandiver, Ste B
573-474-4700