Residents of Greater St. Louis enjoy the convenience of an efficient network of interstate highways, high-speed thoroughfares, mass transit options, bridges, and an international airport. Transportation efficiencies have played a major role in the area's growth and development. In fact, Chief Logistics Officer Magazine ranks St. Louis as the nation's 10th most logistics friendly city. A number of major interstate freeways form links to regional and local highways. In addition, Metrolink light rail and MetroBus service ensure commuter convenience while they reduce traffic congestion at peak hours.
Motor Vehicle Information
Drivers License
New residents must immediately obtain a Missouri driver license. Bring your out-of-state driver license and one other acceptable proof of identity (commonly a social security card) to the nearest testing station. Testing in Missouri is performed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. If your current license is valid and has not expired for more than 184 days, you will be required to take the vision and road sign tests only. No practical driving test will be necessary. First-time drivers must bring legal proof of age and social security card. Driver License offices are available throughout the area for your convenience. For the location of the office nearest you or more information, contact the Department of Revenue:
Driver Licensing
Department of Revenue
Automated Line 573-526-2407
License Info 573-751-4600
www.dor.mo.gov/mvdl/drivers
Field Office Locations Online
www.dor.mo.gov/mvdl/offloc
Motor Vehicle Registration
Newcomers to Missouri must register and title their vehicles immediately. Prior to registration, vehicles must be inspected at an official inspection station; and the vehicle owner must obtain a tax clearance at the county courthouse. Automobiles in Missouri are taxed as personal property, and these taxes must be paid prior to registration. Documents required at the time of registration include vehicle title and tax clearance, safety inspection with confirmation of mileage, emissions testing verification, and proof of Missouri insurance. The same offices that title and register vehicles handle watercraft registration. For complete details on regulations and fees, contact:
Titling & Registration
General Information
Vehicles 573-751-4509
Watercraft 573-751-4509
www.dor.mo.gov/mvdl/motorv
Field Office Locations Online
www.dor.mo.gov/mvdl/offloc
Safety Inspection & Emissions Testing
Missouri law requires certain motor vehicles to pass a vehicle safety and emissions inspection that is performed by an authorized inspection station prior to vehicle registration. The Missouri State Highway Patrol administers the vehicle safety inspection program. Check your local phone book business pages for names and locations of current safety inspection stations. Emissions inspections are the responsibility of the Gateway Clean Air Program.
Emissions Inspections
Toll Free 888-748-1AIR
www.gatewaycleanair.com
Vehicle Inspections
Information 573-526-6132
www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov
Mandatory Insurance
It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle in Missouri without automobile liability insurance. Drivers must provide proof of insurance to any law enforcement official upon request, or a traffic ticket will be issued.
Safety Regulations
Missouri's primary seat belt law requires all front seat occupants in passenger cars and persons under 18 years of age operating or riding in a truck to wear safety belts. Additionally, children ages four or older but less than 16 must be secured in a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt wherever seated in any motor vehicle. All children under age four who are riding in a motor vehicle must be secured in a child safety seat or vest. This includes all cars, pickup trucks, vans, and buses manufactured with safety belts. For comprehensive information about driving safety, contact:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
888-327-4236
www.nhtsa.dot.gov