Fees & Payments

Missouri Vehicle Registration Fees Explained

3 min read

Registering your vehicle in Missouri involves a range of fees determined by factors such as vehicle type, weight, and taxable horsepower. Understanding these fees can help residents budget properly and avoid surprises during registration or renewal.

Standard Vehicle Registration Fees

For passenger vehicles and trucks, Missouri bases registration fees primarily on the vehicle’s taxable horsepower. Below is the current fee breakdown:

Less than 12 HP: $18.25
12 – 23 HP: $21.25
24 – 35 HP: $24.25
36 – 47 HP: $33.25
48 – 59 HP: $39.25
60 – 71 HP: $45.25
72 HP and over: $51.25

Trucks over 6,000 lbs., trailers, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles have separate fee structures. Trailer fees, for example, depend on weight and use classification.

More registration details are outlined in the Missouri Car Title and Registration Steps.

Additional Costs and Taxes

Processing Fee

All registrations are subject to a processing fee, which varies based on transaction method:

In-person: $6.00
Online/mail: $2.00

Local Sales Tax

Missouri charges local sales tax on new vehicle purchases, calculated based on where the buyer resides. This includes both the state’s 4.225% tax and applicable local taxes.

Highway Use Tax

New residents registering an out-of-state vehicle in Missouri must also pay a 4.225% Highway Use Tax on the purchase price or fair market value of the vehicle.

Review the full process in the Transfer of Out‑of‑State Registration to Missouri.

Specialty Fees and Surcharges

Personalized and Specialty Plates

Personalized plate: $15 additional annually
Specialty plate (e.g., university, military): $15–$25 annually, depending on the plate

Electric Vehicle Surcharge

Owners of fully electric vehicles are subject to an annual EV registration surcharge of $75 in addition to regular fees. The Missouri Electric Vehicle (EV) Registration Process offers more insight into EV-specific requirements.

Antique and Historical Vehicles

Vehicles that are over 25 years old and maintained as collector’s items may qualify for historical registration, which costs $52.25 for a one-time permanent registration. Details can be found in the Missouri Antique Vehicle Registration Laws.

Late Renewal Penalties

Failure to renew your registration on time results in a late fee of $5 per month, up to a maximum of $25. If you're behind, visit Renewing Missouri Registration After Deadline for guidance on getting current.

Renewal Options

Registrations can be renewed:

Online through the Missouri DOR website
By mail using the renewal notice
In person at a local DMV office

See Renewing Missouri Vehicle Tags Online for step-by-step instructions.

Understanding the full range of fees involved with vehicle registration in Missouri helps ensure compliance and avoids unexpected costs during renewal or transfer. Always check with the Missouri Department of Revenue for the most current information.