Last checked Nov 10, 2026
Buying a car in Missouri
The tax you will pay, whether your trade-in lowers it, what the dealer may charge for paperwork, and where to title and register. Taken from official Missouri sources.
- State tax on vehicles
- 4.225%
- Trade-in lowers tax
- Yes
- Doc fee limit
- $620.79
- Deadline to title or register
- 30 days
details below
Sales tax on a car in Missouri
Missouri charges a state sales tax of 4.225% on vehicle purchases.
Local sales tax is charged in addition to the 4.225% state rate.
The buyer pays the sales tax when titling the vehicle, within 30 days of purchase.
Does a trade-in lower the tax?
State and local tax is charged on the purchase price less any trade-in allowance. For an out-of-state dealer purchase, proof of the trade-in must be presented when titling.
Example, state tax only. On a $30,000 car with a $10,000 trade-in, the taxable amount is $20,000, so the state tax is about $845. Without the trade-in it would be $1,267. Local taxes and fees are extra.
Dealer doc fees in Missouri
The maximum dealer administrative fee is $620.79 for 2026. The cap rises each year with the Consumer Price Index, and the new amount takes effect February 1.
Whatever the rule, the fee is part of your out-the-door price. Ask for it in the written quote and negotiate the total, not the line. See dealer fees explained.
Title and registration
Titles and registrations are handled by the Missouri Department of Revenue. A buyer has 30 days from the purchase date to title the vehicle and pay sales tax. A $25 penalty applies on the 31st day and increases by $25 for every 30 days late, up to $200.
Also worth knowing
- Temporary permits are valid for 30 days from the purchase date, and only one temporary permit may be purchased per vehicle.
- A safety inspection is generally required to title or plate a vehicle, but vehicles under eleven years old with fewer than 150,000 miles are among those exempt.
- An emissions inspection is required for residents of St. Louis City and Jefferson, St. Charles, and St. Louis counties.
- The administrative fee must be shown as a separate itemized charge on the buyer's order, with a notice that it is not an official fee and is not required by law.
Sources
- Missouri Department of Revenue: Buying a Vehicle (dor.mo.gov)
- Missouri Department of Revenue: 12 CSR 10-26.231, Maximum Dealer Administrative Fees (dor.mo.gov)
- Missouri Revised Statutes 301.558: Dealer administrative fees (revisor.mo.gov)
Last checked Nov 10, 2026; next review by Feb 10, 2027. This page explains how the rules generally work and is not tax or legal advice. Rules change, so confirm with the state. Report an error.
Concierge
Rather not do this part yourself?
Tell us the car you want. A person finds it, checks it, negotiates the out-the-door price in writing, and lines up the paperwork. You approve every step.