Missouri vehicle registration fees are processed at local Department of Revenue license offices. Missouri is a two-plate state. Annual registration fees are based on vehicle horsepower. Annual personal property tax assessed by your county must be paid before registration renewal can be completed. Missouri requires emissions testing in the St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas.
How much does it cost to register a vehicle in Missouri?
Missouri charges annual registration fees based on the vehicle’s horsepower. The personal property tax is the major variable annual cost and is assessed separately by your county.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual registration fee (passenger vehicle, 12 cylinders or less) | Approximately $18.25 to $51.25 per year based on horsepower – contact your local license office |
| Annual personal property tax | Assessed by county assessor based on vehicle value – must be paid before registration renewal, significant variable |
| Motorcycle registration | Contact your local license office for the current fee |
| EV registration surcharge | Contact your local license office for the current EV fee |
| Title fee | Contact your local license office for the current fee |
The annual personal property tax is the dominant variable cost for Missouri vehicle owners and decreases as the vehicle depreciates. You must provide proof of paid personal property tax to your local license office before registration renewal can be processed.
What is the plate replacement fee in Missouri?
Missouri plate replacement fees are set through the Department of Revenue. Contact your local license office for the current fee.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard plate replacement | Contact your local Missouri license office for the current fee |
What vehicle taxes apply in Missouri?
Missouri charges 4.225% state sales tax on vehicle purchases. Combined with local taxes in major cities, the total can reach 10.35% in some areas. Annual personal property tax is also assessed.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| State sales tax on vehicle purchase | 4.225% |
| Combined rate with local taxes (typical) | Approximately 5.725% to 10.35% depending on city and county |
| Annual personal property tax | Assessed by county assessor and must be paid before registration renewal |
Missouri’s annual personal property tax on vehicles is assessed by the county assessor each January 1 based on the vehicle’s fair market value. The tax decreases as the vehicle’s value depreciates. St. Louis city and county rates, and Kansas City rates, can make Missouri registration among the more expensive in the Midwest when personal property tax is included.
Does Missouri require an emissions test for registration?
Missouri requires emissions testing in the St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan areas for most gasoline-powered vehicles. The specific counties and vehicle eligibility vary. If your renewal notice indicates an emissions test is required, it must be completed at an authorized testing station before registration renewal.
What are the insurance requirements for registration in Missouri?
Missouri requires all registered vehicles to carry minimum liability insurance.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury – per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury – per accident | $50,000 |
| Property damage – per accident | $25,000 |
Are there any registration penalties or late fees in Missouri?
Missouri charges penalties for late vehicle registration not completed within 30 days of purchase.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Late registration (after 30 days) | Contact your local Missouri license office for the current penalty schedule |
Is there a registration grace period in Missouri?
Missouri requires new vehicle registration within 30 days of purchase. Contact your local license office for any applicable grace period for renewals.
Can I get a registration fee refund in Missouri?
Contact your local Missouri license office for registration fee refund eligibility.