Missouri car registration fees

Missouri sets passenger car registration fees by the vehicle's taxable horsepower, shown on the title: $18.25 to $51.25 a year, plus a $9 processing fee. Owners can register for two years at double the fee ($18 processing) when the model year and calendar year are both even or both odd. A renewal needs proof that last year's county personal property tax was paid. A first registration also pays an $8.50 title fee and a $9 title processing fee, plus 4.225% state sales tax and local sales tax.

Confirm the final amount with Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR), Motor Vehicle Bureau. Its official website is linked below the calculator and in this guide’s sources.

Enter taxable horsepower as printed on your Missouri title, not advertised engine horsepower. Electric vehicles use the lowest band ($18.25); enter 0. DOR's published amounts are $0.25 higher than the base amounts in RSMo 301.055; DOR's figures are used. Totals are for a 1-year registration. A 2-year registration doubles the horsepower fee and the processing fee. Two-year registration is allowed only for an even model year in an even calendar year, or an odd model year in an odd calendar year. Pickup trucks register as commercial vehicles by gross weight (DOR lists $15.75 to $100.75 a year) and are not modeled here. Electric cars and plug-in hybrids: RSMo 142.869 requires an annual alternative fuel decal in lieu of fuel tax, set at $75 for passenger vehicles (plug-in hybrids pay half) and raised by 20% of that base each January 2022-2026. By the statute's formula that is $150 (plug-in hybrid $75) in 2026, but DOR does not publish the current amount, so it is not included. Not included: state sales tax of 4.225% plus local sales tax on a purchase, county personal property tax (proof of payment is required to renew), safety and emissions inspection fees, the $2 plate transfer fee, the $5 temporary permit, personalized and specialty plates, and the online convenience fee (2.0% + $0.25).