Missouri collects vehicle sales tax at titling, not at the point of sale. The state portion is fixed, and the local portion depends on the local rate, so the total differs across Missouri.
This guide explains how the tax is worked out, how a trade-in reduces it, the 30-day deadline and the penalty schedule, and what to bring if you bought from an out-of-state dealer, using the Missouri Department of Revenue's Buying a Vehicle page and the statute that imposes the tax, read on 29 October 2026.
The Department of Revenue tells buyers they will pay state sales tax of 4.225 percent, plus local sales tax, on the purchase price less any trade-in allowance. The statute describes the tax as levied for the privilege of titling new and used motor vehicles, trailers, boats and outboard motors purchased or acquired for use on the highways or waters of the state (RSMo 144.020).
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| State sales tax | 4.225% of the price less trade-in |
| Local sales tax | Your local rate, on the same base |
| Title fee | $8.50 |
| Transfer fee (when you transfer plates from another vehicle) | $2 |
Registration (license plate) fees and processing fees are charged on top; the department's page lists them and offers an online sales tax calculator to estimate the total.
Suppose you buy a vehicle for $20,000 and trade in a car with a $5,000 allowance. The taxable amount is $15,000.
| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | $20,000.00 |
| Less trade-in allowance | -$5,000.00 |
| Taxable amount | $15,000.00 |
| State tax at 4.225% | $633.75 |
| Local sales tax | 15,000 times your local rate |
The local portion is added to the state portion on the same $15,000, so the state figure above is a floor, not the total. This table is our arithmetic on the department's rule, not an official calculation.
You have 30 days from the date of purchase to title the vehicle and pay the sales tax. If you do not title it within 30 days, there is a title penalty of $25 on the 31st day after purchase. The penalty increases another $25 for every 30 days you are late, with a maximum penalty of $200.
| Time since purchase | Title penalty |
|---|---|
| Up to 30 days | None |
| 31st day | $25 |
| Each further 30 days late | Another $25, up to a $200 maximum |
If you bought from an out-of-state dealer and had a trade-in, you must present proof of the trade-in to receive a tax credit when you title the vehicle in Missouri. The department accepts a copy of the front and back of the title assigned from the owner to the dealer for the trade-in vehicle, or a copy of the Secure Power of Attorney if a lienholder holds the title or a duplicate title is needed. The trade-in amount should be recorded on the title assignment or the dealer invoice.
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