
Yes, someone else can register your car for you in Missouri, but they must have the proper documentation and your explicit permission. The key is providing the agent with a notarized Letter of Authorization granting them permission to act on your behalf. Without this letter, the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) will not allow the transaction to proceed. The person handling the registration (your agent) will need to bring all the required documents to a Missouri license office. These documents are the same as if you were registering the car yourself. The agent must present: * The vehicle’s Title, properly assigned to you. * A Completed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form DOR-108). * A Proof of Identity (their own driver's license or state ID). * Proof of passing a Missouri safety inspection and, if applicable, an emissions inspection. * Proof of auto insurance from a Missouri-licensed provider. * Payment for all applicable title, registration, and sales tax fees. The most critical item is the notarized letter. It should include your full name and address, the agent's full name, a description of the vehicle (Year, Make, Model, VIN), and a clear statement authorizing them to title and register the vehicle. This process is standard for situations where the owner is out of state, has scheduling conflicts, or is unable to visit the office in person. | Required Document | Purpose | Important Note | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Notarized Letter of Authorization | Legally authorizes a third party to act for the owner. | Absolute requirement. Without it, the transaction will be rejected. | | Vehicle Title | Proves ownership and facilitates transfer. | Must be properly assigned (signed) by the seller and buyer. | | Application for Title/License (DOR-108) | Official form for processing the registration. | Can be filled out in advance to save time at the office. | | Safety/Emissions Inspection | Verifies the vehicle meets state safety standards. | Inspection must be current (completed within the last 60 days). | | Proof of Insurance | Confirms the vehicle is insured to Missouri's minimum requirements. | Policy must be from a provider licensed to operate in Missouri. |

I just went through this for my son who's stationed overseas. It's totally doable. The big thing is the notarized letter—don't skip it. I had to sign a paper in front of a notary saying he gave me permission to handle his car stuff. I took that letter, the title he mailed me, the inspection slip, and my own driver's license to the local DMV. It was pretty straightforward. The lady behind the counter checked the letter carefully, but after that, it was just like a normal registration. Took about 20 minutes.

The procedure is designed to protect against fraud while allowing for third-party assistance. The state's primary concern is verifying the owner's intent. The notarized authorization letter serves as a legal proxy for your presence. Your agent becomes your representative for this single transaction. They must present a complete application package, which will be processed identically to an owner-submitted application. Ensure all documents are original or certified copies, as photocopies are generally not accepted for title transactions.

Yeah, you can have a buddy do it, but you gotta dot your i's and cross your t's. Get a permission letter notarized—that's the non-negotiable part. Then make sure your friend has every single piece of paper: the title, the insurance card, the inspection paperwork, and the application form. If they walk in missing one thing, it's a wasted trip. It’s a good solution if you’re crazy busy or out of town, just plan ahead so your friend isn’t stuck at the DMV all day.

Be aware that while convenient, this process transfers significant responsibility. Your agent will be handling sensitive documents like your vehicle title. Choose someone trustworthy and organized. Double-check that the notarized letter is worded precisely to include both titling and registration. Confirm your agent knows which license office to visit, as not all handle vehicle transactions. Finally, ensure they have a method to pay the required fees, which can be substantial if sales tax is due. A simple mistake can lead to significant delays.


