Are you moving to Missouri? We have to say that you made a great choice for yourself. After all, this place has something to offer to each and every person. The peaceful rural areas, the upbeat cities, delicious award-winning restaurants, opportunities for outdoor adventures, the vibrant culture, and the wonderful weather (the state experiences all 4 seasons!), all of these things attract several people to Missouri.

If this wasn’t enough, the cost of living in Missouri is super low. What more do you want? However, when you move to a new state, there are several formalities you must complete before you can truly settle into your new home. Updating your driver’s license is one of the first things that you have to do when you move. Confused about how to go about it? Let us help you out with our guide on Missouri DMV change of address.

Obtaining A Driver’s License When Moving From Another State

Whenever you move to a different state of the country, one of the first tasks on your to-do list must be changing the address on your vehicle registration and your driver’s license. It is imperative that you have all the documents ready before you apply for the address change if you want to go through this process quickly and efficiently. Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry we got you covered! Here is a step-by-step description of what you need to do.

1. Register Your Vehicle In Missouri

Remember that you need to visit the Department of Revenue in person and register and title your vehicles within 30 days of becoming a resident of Missouri. A month might seem like a lot of time, but we recommend that you get this done right away to avoid paying any late fees!

You might not know this but you also need a statement of non-assessment as proof of you not owing any taxes. You can easily find this statement at the county collector’s office or even the city collector’s office (present in St. Louis). To complete the registration process, you need to keep the following documents handy.

  • Your out-of-state title or the registration document of your vehicle
  • A signed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form DOR-108)
  • Statement of Non-Assessment
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) along with odometer inspection.
  • Current insurance identification card
  • Missouri safety and emissions inspection documents

Coming to the fees, DOR will charge $14.50 as a titling and processing fee. For getting your vehicle registered, the 1-year fee will vary according to the taxable horsepower of your car. You can expect to pay $18.25 if the HP of your car is below 12. If your car has an HP in the range of 36-47, your registration fees will be $33.25. Lastly, if the HP of your car is above 72, you can expect to pay $51.25 for registering your vehicle.

If you have any doubts regarding the registration of your vehicle, visit the state website or contact the Motor Vehicle Division at 573-526-2407.

2. Apply for a Change of Address

If you moved to Missouri after being a resident of some other state, you will have to get your residency address changed on your driver’s license. Unfortunately, you cannot complete this procedure online or over a phone call. You will have to visit the Missouri Department of Revenue to get this done within 30 days of becoming an official resident of Missouri.

You should know that Missouri issues driver’s licenses for only those residents who haven’t been on the wrong side of the law. What this means is that you can expect to get a Missouri driver’s license only if you don’t have suspensions, cancellations, and revocations on your previous state’s driving license. If you are believed to be unsafe or even unfit to drive by the MO DMV or any other court, you probably won’t get a Missouri driver’s license.
What all documents do you need before you visit the DOR office to get your address changed? Here is a list of those documents.

  • The driving license issued by your previous state of residency
  • Birth certificate
  • Proof of identity
  • Social security card
  • Proof of your residency in Missouri

The most common issue that arises in this process is that the applicant’s name on the proof of identity does not match the name given on the applicant’s current driver’s license. However, this issue can be easily resolved by keeping proof of your name change handy with you. This proof could be in the form of a court order for a legal name change, marriage license, or a divorce decree.

You can obtain a driver’s license issued by the state of Missouri at a measly cost of $10. Moreover, you are not required to give a driving test while obtaining a Missouri driver’s license as long as your out-of-state license is valid. This means that even if it is expired, it shouldn’t expire for more than 184 days. However, don’t forget that you will be asked to pass a road sign test as well as a vision test.

What makes you a resident of Missouri?

A resident of Missouri is anyone who is domiciled in Missouri. There are a few other criteria that you need to fit in if you want to be considered a resident of Missouri. You are a resident of Missouri if:

  • You are registered to vote in Missouri
  • Work in Missouri
  • Run a business in Missouri
  • Live in Missouri for a minimum of 7 months of the year.

Useful: How Much to Move Out of State?

Obtaining A Driver’s License When Moving Within Missouri

Updating your driver’s license when moving within Missouri is certainly easier than obtaining a license when you move in from a different state. Why do we say this? It is because the process of updating the license is much more flexible and easier. If you follow the guidelines given by us, you will surely be done with the process in a wink of an eye!

When you move within the state, remember that the MO DOR requires you to complete the process of updating your license immediately. Some of you might believe that changing your address at the post office might suffice, but you couldn’t be more wrong. Get done with this instantly to not end up on the wrong side of the law.
Here are three easy ways in which you can change your address on your currency driver’s license.

1. Online

If you hate running in and out of offices, this option will suit you the best. After all, you can get everything done from the comforts of your home. You simply have to visit the Missouri DOR website and fill the change of address form. We would also advise you to keep the following information handy whenever you are filling the change of address form.

  • Your first and last name
  • Date of birth
  • The last 4 digits of your social security number
  • Phone number
  • Previous address
  • Current address
  • Email id
  • MO driver’s license number (very important)
  • Information about your vehicle

2. Via Mail/E-mail

Many of us prefer getting things done through the mail so that you have a physical record of everything. Updating your address through the mail is also super easy. The first step to change your address would be to download the Address Change Request (Form 5805) from the MO DOR website and fill it up. Now, you can either mail the form to the address given on the form or email it to dlbmail@dor.mo.gov. After the MO DOR receives your request, they will get in touch with you and give you further guidance pertaining to what you have to do next.

3. In-Person

Many of us still prefer going old-school and getting things done in person. It is possible that you might not feel comfortable about going through with this process online and that’s okay. All you have to do is find out which Missouri driver’s license office is located near you. You can then go there and fill out the Missouri DMV Change of Address form in-person.

Also Read: Affordable Local Moving Companies in the US | Moving To Missouri – Relocation Guide

Note: You will be glad to know that you don’t have to pay any fees if you just wish to update the address on your driver’s license. However, you might have to pay some amount of fee if you want a replacement driver’s license. You can figure out your fees by visiting the MO DOR website.

When You’re Moving Out Of Missouri

When you decide to move out of Missouri, you will have to follow the guidelines offered by your new state of residency in order to get your vehicle registration and driver’s license updated. Don’t worry about your Missouri driver’s license because once you get a license from your new state, your Missouri license will get canceled automatically.

This is exactly what happens with your vehicle registration as well. You don’t have to notify Missouri whenever you are moving to another state with your registered vehicle. Their law regarding the returning of license plates is also very flexible. You don’t have to necessarily return your Missouri license plate, but you can return it if you wish to do so.

See Also: List of Best Out of State Moving Companies in the US

Is It Illegal To Not Change Your Address When You Move?

Missouri requires you to change and update the address on your driver’s license within 30 days of becoming a resident of Missouri. Although it might not be illegal, the severity of the consequences (for instance, paying fines) varies from state to state. However, this is something that won’t make you worry because you have enough days to complete the work. Contrary to your beliefs, the process of changing your address is not time-consuming at all.

How is this possible, you might ask? Well, if you move within Missouri, you can get this work done online or even through the mail. On the other hand, you don’t have to give any additional drivers test (you have to give only road signs and vision tests) if you move in from another state. You can rest assured that the process will get over swiftly.
Why do you think it is important to change your address though? A driver’s license is sometimes required to be used for administrative purposes as proof of your identity. It is also used by the police to identify you in case of the occurrence of unfortunate incidents like car accidents, traffic rule violations, etc.

Similarly, the government and several other private bodies like insurance companies send across important documents to your address. If your address records are not updated, you might not get hold of your documents which might cause you a lot of inconveniences.

Conclusion

Moving into a new house is an exciting thing to do. But don’t forget that a move is accompanied by several tasks that you must complete before you can truly enjoy the joys of moving to a new place. Updating your driver’s license is one of those tasks, however, it is not a tedious one. You get enough time to get the work done. There is no unnecessary back and forth and the process is quite straightforward. Make sure you complete this work in time so that you can enjoy your move without any stress!