Missouri Temporary Tag Requirements & How To Get One


in Buying By State

Here's everything you need to know about Missouri temporary tag requirements: what are they, how do you get one, and when they are necessary.

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Temporary tags are a frequent word used in the car world, but not everyone is familiar with them. On top of that, the requirements and logistics associated with temporary tags in each state can differ. If you live in Missouri, what are the temporary tag requirements, and how can you purchase one?

Whether you’re curious about getting a Missouri temporary tag extension or want to learn the fundamentals for the legal document, there is much to glean. It can be tricky to deal with temporary tags, so it’s best to learn as much as possible before messing with them yourself. Read on to learn more about the tags, how to get them, and other valuable information. 

What Are Missouri Temporary Tags?

Maybe you know what a Missouri temporary tag is, but you’re more interested in purchasing one. In that case, there are several steps you can follow to place a temporary tag on your car with ease. 

A temporary tag is something you get to serve as proof of ownership and drivability of a vehicle before your legal and permanent registration tags arrive in the mail. They are there to determine who owns the car and whether it’s legal for it to be on the road.

Missouri temporary tags are helpful when moving from one state to the next or purchasing a vehicle. They are proof of ownership that isn’t meant to last forever. 


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How Do You Get a Missouri Temporary Tag?

Maybe you know what a Missouri temporary tag is, but you’re more interested in purchasing one. In that case, there are several steps you can follow to place a temporary tag on your car with ease. 

If you want a temporary tag for your vehicle in Missouri, you should:

  • Head to a local insurance office
  • Bring the necessary documents
  • Get a safety inspection if necessary

These items will free you up to access temporary tags in Missouri. 

Of course, it’s critical to note you’ll still need to register your vehicle, even with a temporary tag. This item exists to get you from one state of existence to the next until you can have permanent documentation on your machine.

Missouri Temporary Tag Requirements

Maybe you’re searching for a temporary tag and want to head to a local agent to access one for your vehicle. In that case, it’s helpful to know the requirements for temporary tags in Missouri to help you save time and energy in making a vehicle legally yours. 

If you want a temporary tag in Missouri, you’ll need the following documents:

  • Valid photo ID
  • Proof of vehicle ownership
  • Proof of Missouri residency
  • Payment for the temporary tag
  • Proof of insurance

These prove the vehicle is yours, and you can legally drive it. 

Missouri requires many more documents than other states, but that’s for good reason. They are very thorough, so if you must provide this information, ensure you have every document with you on the day you head in to avoid extending the temporary tag search for longer than it needs to be. 


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When Are Missouri Temporary Tags Necessary?

Whether you’re looking into a Missouri temporary tag extension or need a plain temporary tag for your vehicle, it’s necessary to have a temporary tag on your car in Missouri if there are no official and permanent plates ready at the transfer. Temporary tags are required if there are no tags available, and you must wait for them before the car is yours.

Temporary tags are necessary before you take your car to the dealership to register and tag it legally, as they will show any people of the law along the way that the car belongs to you. If you hit the road in a vehicle with no tags, you will get in trouble if you are pulled over for driving over the speed limit or without tags.

Although it might seem tempting to some, don’t avoid temporary tags in Missouri. Driving without them will cause more trouble than you need.

Are There Any Restrictions on Missouri Temporary Tags?

We’ve covered some of the requirements for Missouri temporary tags, but there are also some restrictions to consider. These should be followed to ensure the car you’re driving is legal and you properly obtain your temporary tags.

There are a few restrictions on Missouri temporary tags, which is valuable if you’re getting one for the first time or looking for a Missouri temporary tag extension:

  • They may not be purchased for junk vehicles
  • They may not be purchased and aren’t valid once the registration application is in
  • They are issued for 30 days from the investment date, 60 in special circumstances
  • Only a single tag per car
  • The temporary tag will go back to the department once the permanent tags arrive

These are serious restrictions on temporary tags in Missouri.

Pay attention to these regulations, especially if you have a temporary tag in the state or know you will access one soon. The more you know, the less hassle it will be to switch your vehicle over. 


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Missouri Temporary Tag Q&A

How many times can you use temp tags in Missouri?

You can get one temporary tag per vehicle in Missouri, and that temporary tag is good for around thirty days and sixty in some instances. You cannot have multiple per vehicle or for longer than the specified time. 

What is the fine for expired temp tags in Missouri?

If you are pulled over and cited for having an expired temporary tag, the fee is typically around $50.50. This fine will get higher and become more significant in severity if you are pulled over again sometime later. 

Can you get an extension on your temp tags in Missouri?

Sometimes, you can get an extension on your temporary tags in Missouri. However, the situation is changing, and the current specifications remain unclear. We will keep you updated on any shifting information about Missouri temporary tags.



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