Missouri license plate transfers allow you to move your existing plates from one vehicle to another when you sell your current vehicle and acquire a new one. Missouri plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. Transfers are processed at local Missouri Department of Revenue license offices statewide. Missouri is a two-plate state. Annual personal property tax must be paid to your county before registration renewal – the receipt is required at the license office.
Does Missouri allow you to transfer a license plate to a new vehicle?
Yes. Missouri allows plate transfers between vehicles of the same class owned by the same person. When you sell your vehicle, remove your plates and transfer them to your new vehicle at a Missouri license office. Missouri’s annual personal property tax must be paid to your county before registration can be completed.
How do you transfer a license plate in Missouri?
Missouri plate transfers are processed at local license offices (Missouri Department of Revenue motor vehicle offices) statewide.
- Remove your plates from the vehicle you are selling. Missouri plates stay with the owner.
- Obtain the title for your newly acquired vehicle. For private-party purchases, the seller must sign the title and all liens must be released.
- Pay your county personal property tax and obtain the paid personal property tax receipt – required before the license office will process your registration.
- Visit your local Missouri license office with all required documents including the personal property tax receipt.
- Pay the applicable fees including the 4.225% state sales tax, any local sales tax, and registration fees.
- Receive updated registration for the new vehicle using your transferred plates.
What documents do you need to transfer a plate in Missouri?
Documents required for a Missouri plate transfer.
- Valid Missouri driver’s license or state ID
- Title for the new vehicle, properly signed by the seller with all liens released
- Bill of sale with purchase price, date, and odometer reading
- Paid personal property tax receipt from your county (required before registration can be processed)
- Current registration card for the plates you are transferring
- Both physical license plates (front and rear)
- Proof of current Missouri liability insurance
- Payment for transfer fee, 4.225% state sales tax, any local tax, and registration fees
How much does it cost to transfer a license plate in Missouri?
Missouri’s 4.225% state sales tax and county personal property tax are the dominant costs. The transfer fee itself is relatively modest.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Plate transfer fee | Contact your local Missouri license office for the current fee |
| Annual registration fee (passenger vehicle) | Based on horsepower – typically $18.25 to $51.25 per year – contact your license office |
| State sales tax on vehicle purchase | 4.225% plus local taxes – combined typically 5.725% to 10.35% |
| Annual personal property tax | Assessed by county assessor based on vehicle value – must be paid before registration renewal |
Can you transfer a personalized or specialty plate in Missouri?
Missouri specialty and personalized plates can be transferred to a new vehicle. Contact your local license office for procedures and fees.
What happens to the old registration when you transfer a plate in Missouri?
When you sell your vehicle and remove your plates in Missouri, the old registration is cancelled. The buyer registers at their local license office, paying sales tax and any applicable personal property tax. Remove your plates before the buyer takes possession.
Can you transfer a license plate to someone else in Missouri?
No. Missouri plates are not transferable between different owners. Only the same owner can transfer plates between their own vehicles.
Do Missouri plates stay with the vehicle or the owner when you sell a car?
Missouri plates stay with the owner. Remove both plates when selling your vehicle. The buyer registers at their local license office and pays sales tax. Transfer your plates to your new vehicle at your local license office, but remember to pay your personal property tax first.
Is there a deadline to complete a plate transfer in Missouri?
Missouri requires new vehicle registration within 30 days of purchase or within 30 days of establishing Missouri residency.
What should you do if you do not want to transfer the plate?
If you sell your vehicle and do not purchase a replacement, you may keep your plates or surrender them to a Missouri license office. Contact your local office for current guidance.