How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Missouri From Out of State
Registering a vehicle from another state in Missouri requires adherence to procedures established by the Missouri Department of Revenue. Individuals relocating to Missouri must complete vehicle registration within 30 days of establishing residency in the state or within 30 days of obtaining employment in Missouri, whichever occurs first. The registration transaction involves payment of various fees, including titling charges, registration assessments, processing fees, and applicable sales taxes administered through the Department of Revenue and authorized license offices throughout Missouri.
Base Registration and Title Fees
The financial obligations for registering an out-of-state vehicle in Missouri encompass title processing fees, registration charges based on vehicle horsepower or weight, and various administrative assessments. The Missouri Department of Revenue establishes the regulatory framework for all titling and registration transactions conducted statewide.
Standard State Fees
Missouri determines registration fees through vehicle horsepower ratings for passenger vehicles and gross weight classifications for commercial vehicles and trucks. Registration periods extend for two calendar years for most vehicle categories, with fees calculated on a biennial basis. Comprehensive fee information is accessible through the Missouri vehicle registration fee schedule.
Passenger Vehicles (Based on Taxable Horsepower)
| Taxable Horsepower | 1-Year Fee | 1-Year Processing Fee | 2-Year Fee | 2-Year Processing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 12 HP or Electric Vehicle or Low Speed Vehicle | $18.25 | $9.00 | $36.50 | $18.00 |
| 12 - 23 HP | $21.25 | $9.00 | $42.50 | $18.00 |
| 24 - 35 HP | $24.25 | $9.00 | $48.50 | $18.00 |
| 36 - 47 HP | $33.25 | $9.00 | $66.50 | $18.00 |
| 48 - 59 HP | $39.25 | $9.00 | $78.50 | $18.00 |
| 60 - 71 HP | $45.25 | $9.00 | $90.50 | $18.00 |
| 72 HP and above | $51.25 | $9.00 | $102.50 | $18.00 |
Note: Taxable horsepower is recorded on the vehicle title or Application for Missouri Title and Registration.
Trucks (Commercial Motor Vehicles)
| Gross Weight Plus Load | Usage | 1-Year Fee | 1-Year Processing Fee | 2-Year Fee | 2-Year Processing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6,000 lbs | Local (within 50 miles) | $15.75 | $9.00 | $31.50 | $18.00 |
| 6,000 lbs | Beyond Local | $25.75 | $9.00 | $51.50 | $18.00 |
| 12,000 lbs | Local | $18.25 | $9.00 | $36.50 | $18.00 |
| 12,000 lbs | Beyond Local | $38.25 | $9.00 | $76.50 | $18.00 |
| 18,000 lbs | Local | $20.75 | $9.00 | $41.50 | $18.00 |
| 18,000 lbs | Beyond Local | $63.25 | $9.00 | $126.50 | $18.00 |
| 24,000 lbs | Local | $27.75 | $9.00 | $55.50 | $18.00 |
| 24,000 lbs | Beyond Local | $100.75 | $9.00 | $201.50 | $18.00 |
Note: For truck registrations of 18,000 lbs or greater, fees are prorated quarterly, and only one license plate is issued (front mount). A second plate for rear mounting requires an additional $8.50 plate fee plus a $9.00 processing fee.
Motorcycles and Autocycles
| Body Style | 1-Year Fee | 1-Year Processing Fee | 2-Year Fee | 2-Year Processing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Wheel Motorcycle | $8.75 | $9.00 | $17.50 | $18.00 |
| 3-Wheel Motortricycle/Autocycle | $10.25 | $9.00 | $20.50 | $18.00 |
Recreational Vehicles
| 1-Year Fee | 1-Year Processing Fee | 2-Year Fee | 2-Year Processing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| $32.25 | $9.00 | $64.50 | $18.00 |
Trailers
| Registration Type | Registration Fee | Processing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Year | $7.50 (full year) | $9.00 |
| 3-Year | $22.50 (three full years) | $27.00 |
| Permanent | $52.50 | $45.00 |
Note: 1-year and 3-year registrations are prorated during the year. Permanent trailer plates are non-transferable.
Other Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Temporary Permit (30-day tag) | $5.00 permit + $9.00 processing fee (at license office) |
Title Fees
Missouri mandates certificates of title for all motor vehicles regardless of age or value. Title documentation establishes ownership and must accompany registration applications for vehicles transferred from other jurisdictions. The Missouri title fee information applies consistently across all license offices statewide.
Certificate of Title Fee Schedule:
| Transaction Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Title fee | $8.50 |
| Processing fee | $9.00 |
Personal Property Tax
Missouri assesses personal property tax on motor vehicles as established under Missouri Revised Statutes Section 137.075, which defines motor vehicles as tangible personal property subject to local taxation. Personal property tax rates vary substantially across Missouri jurisdictions based on the combined levy rates of all applicable taxing districts.
New Resident Fee and Use Tax
Missouri imposes sales and use taxes on motor vehicle purchases administered by the Missouri Department of Revenue. The tax obligation applies at the time of title transfer for vehicles brought into Missouri by new residents or purchased within the state.
State Sales Tax
Missouri levies a state sales tax on motor vehicle purchases at a rate established by statute for all vehicle transactions. The Missouri motor vehicle sales tax information applies to the purchase price paid for the vehicle or the value declared on the title application, whichever amount the Department of Revenue determines appropriate for taxation purposes.
State Sales Tax Rates for Motor Vehicles:
| Tax Classification | Rate |
|---|---|
| Motor vehicle sales tax | 4.225% |
Missouri provides credit provisions for sales taxes paid to other states on vehicles registered by new residents. When the previous state's rate falls below Missouri's 4.225% rate, Missouri collects the difference between the amount paid and Missouri's full rate.
Local Sales Taxes
Numerous Missouri counties and municipalities impose additional local sales taxes on motor vehicle purchases beyond the state rate as authorized by Missouri Revised Statutes Section 144.070.
This ranges from 0% to over 5.875%, based on the buyer's address and the jurisdiction where the vehicle will be registered.
Vehicle Inspection Requirements and Fees
Missouri requires safety inspections for most motor vehicles registered in the state. The Missouri State Highway Patrol Vehicle Inspection Program administers the inspection requirement through authorized inspection stations located throughout Missouri.
Safety Inspection Fee Structure:
| Inspection Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles and trucks | Up to $12.00 |
| Motorcycles | Up to $10.00 |
Salvage and Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection
Vehicles bearing salvage title designations or reconstructed from salvage status require specialized examination conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol before qualifying for standard registration authorization. The salvage inspection verifies proper vehicle identification, confirms component legitimacy, and ensures compliance with safety standards before rebuilt title issuance.
Salvage Vehicle Inspection Fee Structure:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Salvage and rebuilt vehicle inspection | $40.00 |
Government Agencies and Contact Information
Missouri Department of Revenue
301 West High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 526-3669
Official Website: Missouri Department of Revenue
The Missouri Department of Revenue serves as the central regulatory authority for all motor vehicle titling and registration functions throughout Missouri. The Department processes title applications, maintains ownership records, establishes fee schedules, administers sales tax collection for vehicle transactions, and coordinates with licensed fee offices for service delivery across all Missouri counties and municipalities.
Missouri Vehicle Licensing Offices
Missouri delivers vehicle registration services through a network of licensed fee offices authorized to conduct motor vehicle transactions in each Missouri county. The Missouri license office locator provides comprehensive location and service information for all authorized offices. The following offices serve Missouri's largest population centers:
Kansas City License Office
1161 Emanual Cleaver BLVD, Kansas City, MO 64110
Phone: (816) 548-1135
Official Website: Kansas City License Office
St. Louis County License Office
41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: (314) 615-7100
Official Website: St. Louis County License Office
Springfield License Office
149 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO 65806
Phone: (417) 869-5100
Official Website: Springfield License Office
St. Charles License Office
1982 Zumbehl Rd., St. Charles, MO 63303
Phone: (636) 946-4456
Official Website: St. Charles County License Office
Columbia License Office
403 Vandiver Dr., Suite B, Columbia, MO 65202
Phone: (573) 474-4700
Official Website: Columbia License Office
Lee's Summit License Office
316 SW Blue Parkway, Lee's Summit, MO 64063
Phone: (816) 944-4000
Official Website: Lee's Summit License Office
St. Joseph License Office
1301 Village Dr., St. Joseph, MO 64506
Phone: (816) 325-3051
Official Website: St. Joseph License Office
Joplin License Office
2702 Richard Joseph Blvd, Suite 116, Joplin, MO 64801
Phone: (417) 580-9991
Official Website: Joplin License Office
Jefferson City License Office
2015 Schotthill Woods Dr., Jefferson City, MO 651015509
Phone: (573) 634-7031
Official Website: Jefferson City License Office
Cape Girardeau License Office
51 S Plaza Way, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
Phone: (573) 335-3659
Official Website: Cape Girardeau County License Office
