About the Missouri Department of Revenue

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Revenue is to facilitate the proper functioning of state and local government by accurately and efficiently collecting and distributing state and local revenues, and to support public safety by effectively administering the laws related to motor vehicle sale and registration, and driver licensing. The Department accomplishes this mission by following the law; fostering innovation in its operations; developing cooperative relationships with other public and private entities; clearly communicating with the public; and treating everyone fairly and with respect.

Organization

The Missouri Department of Revenue was created in 1945 by the Missouri Constitution to serve as the central collection agency for all state revenue. The primary duties of the Department are to collect taxes, title and register motor vehicles, and license drivers.

In 2009, the Department began the process of offering for bid all license offices, eliminating the era of license office patronage in Missouri. The Department also improved the functionality of the online vehicle registration system.

The Department of Revenue consists of four divisions and the director’s office.

Meet the Director

Joel Walters currently serves the Governor and people of Missouri as Director of the Department of Revenue, a role he has held since April of 2017. Learn more about Director Walters.

Motor Vehicle and Driver Licensing Division

The Motor Vehicle and Driver Licensing Division administers Missouri’s laws that relate to titling and registration of motor vehicles, trailers, all-terrain vehicles, manufactured homes, and marine craft, and licensing drivers. This division consists of three bureaus.

  • The Motor Vehicle Bureau issues titles and registers motor vehicles, trailers, all-terrain vehicles, manufactured homes, and marine craft. The bureau also issues registration certificates to motor vehicle and salvage dealers and leasing companies.
  • The Driver License Bureau issues, renews, suspends, revokes, and reinstates driver and nondriver licenses and driving permits. The bureau processes and maintains records relating to license issuance, traffic violation point assessments, and failure to appear in court for traffic violations, and also administers administrative alcohol and abuse and lose laws for alcohol/drug offenders.
  • The License Offices Bureau manages the operations of 178 license offices throughout the state. These local offices provide driver licensing and motor vehicle services to Missourians and are operated by individuals or businesses approved through the state of Missouri bid process.

Taxation Division

The Taxation Division administers Missouri’s tax laws. It processes and administers forms and reports for the collection of revenue due the state and local taxing jurisdictions. This division has four bureaus.

  • Business Tax administers sales and use, financial institutions, insurance premiums, franchise, excise, cigarette and other tobacco products, motor fuel, corporate income, withholding, and county taxes and fees.
  • Personal Tax administers individual income, partnership, fiduciary, and estate taxes.
  • Collections and Tax Assistance provides tax assistance to individuals and businesses and performs appropriate procedures for unpaid tax liabilities.
  • The Field Compliance Bureau audits businesses both in-state and out-of-state to ensure compliance with Missouri’s tax laws.

Administration Division

The Administration Division provides administrative support to all other areas of the Department. This division includes two bureaus:

  • Personnel Services Bureau is responsible for the Department's personnel matters, forms, legislative contacts, process improvements, policies and procedures, training, and written communications.
  • The Financial and General Services Bureau is responsible for all accounting, procurement, banking, and general service matters. This bureau also coordinates space and location needs, telecommunications, safety issues, maintenance, and improvement of the work environment within the Department.

General Counsel's Office

The General Counsel's Office ensures the Department’s compliance with law and internal policies.

  • The General Counsel’s Office advises the director and divisions on legal matters relative to the Department, and represents the Department in courts and administrative tribunals.
  • The Criminal Tax Investigation Bureau investigates and develops information leading to local prosecution of individuals and businesses suspected of violating state statutes related to sales, withholding, and income tax.
  • The Compliance and Investigation Bureau (CIB) conducts investigations involving allegations of fraud relating to motor vehicle sales tax, titling and registration, odometer, and motor fuel sales tax as well as cigarette tax fraud, driver’s license fraud and license plate fraud. CIB also ensures the compliance of motor vehicle dealers, salvage businesses, and marine dealers with statutes and licensure regulations. In addition to external investigations, CIB conducts internal audits and investigations of the Department of Revenue and motor vehicle fee offices.

Director’s Office

The Director’s Office includes the director, chief operating officer, and key administrative staff responsible for the overall guidance and direction of the Department.

  • The Public Information Office develops and maintains positive media and public relations for the Department.
  • The Legislative Office serves as the Department’s liaison to the General Assembly. The office provides technical assistance and develops fiscal and revenue estimates on proposed legislation and monitors progress of bills through the legislature.