Carthage DMV Location and Hours
The Carthage DMV office is located at 409 S. Garrison Avenue, Carthage, Missouri 64836. This is the Missouri Department of Revenue's office serving Jasper County and the surrounding area. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays and weekends.
Carthage is in southwest Missouri, about 40 minutes south of Joplin. If you live in Jasper County or nearby areas, this is your local office for driver's license, vehicle registration, and identification card services. The office does not take walk-ins for all services, so calling ahead or checking the Missouri Department of Revenue website before you visit can save you a trip.
Key Takeaways
- The Carthage DMV is located at 409 S. Garrison Avenue and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- You can renew a driver's license, obtain a new license, register a vehicle, or get a state ID card at this office.
- Some services require an appointment, which you can schedule through the Missouri Department of Revenue website or by calling the office directly.
- Bring proof of residency, proof of identity, and any documents related to your specific transaction, such as a vehicle title or bill of sale.
- The office is closed on state holidays and weekends, so plan your visit for a weekday.
Services Available at the Carthage Office
The Carthage DMV handles the full range of Missouri driver and vehicle services. You can renew or replace a driver's license, obtain a new license if you are moving to Missouri, get a state ID card if you do not drive, and register or renew vehicle registration. The office also issues duplicate titles, processes vehicle transfers, and handles address changes on your license or registration.
Not all services move at the same speed. License renewals by mail are often faster than in-person visits, but if you need a new photo or have a medical condition affecting your license, you must come in. Vehicle registration can sometimes be handled by mail or online through the Missouri Department of Revenue portal, depending on your situation. Call the Carthage office at (417) 358-0643 to confirm whether your specific transaction requires an in-person visit.
Documents You Need to Bring
What you bring depends on your transaction, but nearly all require proof of identity and proof of residency. For proof of identity, bring a current passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current address.
If you are renewing a driver's license, bring your current license and your Social Security number. If you are registering a vehicle, bring the title, bill of sale or purchase agreement, proof of insurance, and your Social Security number. If you are transferring a title from another state, bring the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, and proof of a Missouri safety inspection if the vehicle is over a certain age. The Carthage office staff can tell you exactly what you need when you call ahead.
Appointment Scheduling and Wait Times
The Missouri Department of Revenue allows you to schedule appointments online through its website or by calling the Carthage office directly. Scheduling an appointment is not required for all services, but it can reduce your wait time significantly. During busy periods—typically mid-month and before holidays—walk-in wait times can reach one to two hours.
If you do not have an appointment, arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the shortest wait. The office is usually quieter on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you are handling a complex transaction, such as a vehicle title transfer from out of state or a medical restriction on your license, an appointment is strongly recommended.
Address Changes and License Renewal by Mail
If you have moved and need to update your address on your driver's license or vehicle registration, you can do this in person at the Carthage office or by mail. To change your address by mail, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue directly with your current license number, new address, and a copy of your proof of residency. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks.
Driver's license renewals can also be handled by mail if you are renewing a standard license and do not need a new photo. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the notice to renew by mail, or bring the notice and your current license to the Carthage office to renew in person. Renewals by mail cost less than in-person renewals in some cases, so compare your options when you receive the notice.
Vehicle Registration and Title Services
The Carthage DMV handles all vehicle registration and title work for Jasper County. If you have purchased a vehicle in Missouri, you must register it within 30 days of purchase. Bring the title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and your Social Security number. If you are registering a vehicle purchased out of state, bring the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, and proof that the vehicle passed a Missouri safety inspection.
If you are transferring a title to another person, both the current owner and the new owner must sign the title. Bring the signed title, a bill of sale, and proof of identity and residency for both parties. The Carthage office will process the transfer and issue a new title in the new owner's name. Title transfers typically take one to two weeks to process by mail after you submit them in person.
Contact Information and Additional Resources
The Carthage DMV phone number is (417) 358-0643. You can also visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website at dor.mo.gov to schedule an appointment, read forms, or check the status of a title or registration you submitted. The website has a list of required documents for each type of transaction, which you can review before your visit.
If you have questions about a specific service or need to know whether you can handle your transaction by mail or online, call the office during business hours. The staff can walk you through the process and tell you exactly what documents to bring. If the Carthage office cannot handle your request, they can direct you to the nearest office that can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my driver's license online in Missouri?
Missouri does not offer online driver's license renewal. You can renew by mail if you are renewing a standard license and do not need a new photo, or you can renew in person at the Carthage office. The Missouri Department of Revenue website has instructions for mail renewal when your renewal notice arrives.
How long does it take to get a new title after I buy a vehicle?
After you submit your title process in person at the Carthage office, processing typically takes one to two weeks. You will receive the new title by mail. If you need the title sooner, ask the office staff whether expedited processing is available and what it costs.
Do I need an appointment to renew my vehicle registration?
Vehicle registration renewal can often be handled by mail or online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, depending on your situation. If you need to renew in person, an appointment is recommended but not always required. Call the Carthage office to confirm whether your renewal can be done by mail or online.
What if I lost my driver's license?
You can replace a lost driver's license at the Carthage office by bringing proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You will need to pay a replacement fee. A replacement license is issued the same day or within a few business days, depending on whether you need a new photo.
Can I transfer my out-of-state driver's license to a Missouri license at this office?
Yes. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency in Missouri, your Social Security number, and proof of identity. You will take a vision test and a written test on Missouri traffic laws. The office will issue your new Missouri license the same day or within a few business days.