missouri License Plate Search

How is a Missouri License Plate Search Done? 

Many would want to conduct a Missouri license plate check just to confirm whether an automobile exists, check the ownership, or find one that has run an accident. However, disclosure of such is restricted by the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act and Missouri state statute and limits the release of personal information to the public.

In Missouri, this information can be requested by law enforcement and government agencies, insurance companies, and companies performing background investigations. Private individuals looking to obtain an automobile’s history will find their best option to be obtaining access to vehicle title search with Missouri’s Department of Revenue or paying third-party services to access the public vehicle record using the Vehicle Identification Number.

Is It Legal to Look Up Someone’s License Plate in Missouri?

It is against the law in Missouri to search a license plate not authorized under the DPPA. This includes the name, address, and contact of the registered owner, which is personal information. You have legal access, however, to nonsensitive information that includes but is not limited to:

• Car make and model
• Registration status
• Lienholder information, if applicable
• Accident record, in case it’s made available to the public

This information is, however, directly available to law enforcement and government agencies. If you wish to legally get access to license plate information, you may be bound to request the same formally from the Missouri Department of Revenue on a substantially valid reason as detailed under Missouri statutes. 

What can a license plate search in Missouri reveal?

A license plate search will have limited yet useful information, especially if it is done through the proper channels. You may have knowledge of the title status of any car by accessing the online title check program offered by the Missouri Department of Revenue. You can also get vehicle history by VIN number including accident reports whether it was ever in a salvage, rebuilt, or lemon status, and the odometer readings.

Missouri does not give public access to personal driver records but does allow businesses, under DPPA exceptions which includes but is not limited to tow operators, attorneys, insurance companies among others access to plate information through proper channels.

Licensing Requirements for Plates in Missouri

In Missouri, most vehicles are required to display two license plates–one in front and one in back. Some vehicles, including motorcycles, trailers and some passenger vehicles must display only a rear plate. A motorist may qualify for a single-plate exception permitting operation of a vehicle displaying a single license plate. The single license plate is displayed instead of a front license plate on a valid windshield decal.

All motor vehicles registered in Missouri are to have registration tags that are currently valid. Standard license plates may be issued for one or two-year registration periods as selected by the owner. Owners are required to renew the registration with the Missouri Department of Revenue either in person, by mail, or online.

How To Get a Custom or Special License Plate in MO

Specialty and personalized plates are available to Missouri drivers looking to give their vehicle a little something extra. Personalized plates allow drivers to choose their own letter/number combination, with restrictions: no profanity, obscenities, or duplicates.

Specialty plates recognize military veterans, colleges, charities, and other groups. Some of the most common specialty plates in Missouri include:

• Missouri Conservation Plates
• Military Veteran & Armed Forces Plates
• College Alumni Plates (Mizzou, UMKC, etc.)
• Support Our Troops & Awareness Plates

Missouri residents have the option to obtain personalized or specialty plates with special fees upon completion of a Form 1716 (Personalized Plate Application) and subject to approval by the DOR. Some plates require verification of eligibility for issuance, such as proof of military service or graduation/alumni status.

What Are the Requirements for Transferring Missouri License Plates?

In Missouri, when selling or buying a vehicle, license plates remain with the seller. A vehicle’s license plates must be taken off the sold vehicle and placed on another already-owned vehicle by the seller or returned to the Missouri Department of Revenue if they are no longer needed.

Plates may be transferred to a newly acquired vehicle that is titled and registered to the same owner upon application and payment of the proper plate transfer fee. When a Missouri resident relocates to another state, the resident will be required to normally surrender their Missouri plates to the DOR and register in their new state.

Besides this, Missouri also offers temporary tags regarding the new purchase of a vehicle. The temporary permits are used for 30 days; their purpose is to provide time for the owner regarding the title and registration. It should be obtained from a Missouri-licensed merchant or the DOR.

Missouri license plate rules are somewhat strict with regard to plate search and plate requirements, especially in terms of personal information protection and imposed registration standards on vehicles. Private individuals have limited access to plate search information, while requesting agencies can use specific records. 

Missouri vehicle owners have a number of options when it comes to customizing plates, keeping registration current, and transferring ownership when selling a vehicle.

Knowing these regulations will keep Missouri residents in compliance and allow them to make informed decisions about their automobiles. To find the most current information, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website or contact your local license office.

Recent Missouri License Plate Search