Missouri Car Sales Tax Calculator (2026)

• Missouri charges 4.225% state sales tax on the net price of a vehicle after trade-in and rebate, plus the local tax of the city or county where the buyer lives.
• Local sales tax on vehicles ranges from 1% to 7.263% in the DOR chart for October-December 2026, depending on the buyer's address.

State sales tax

4.225%

Local tax

1% to 7.263%In effect since Oct 1, 2026

Trade-in

Full credit: reduces the taxable price

Manufacturer rebate

Not taxed: the rebate lowers the taxable price

Figured with Missouri's rules for a buyer in Kansas City, at its 4.75% local rate.

• Used car, no trade-in$1,616

  $18,000 price. Taxed on $18,000.

• New car with a trade-in$2,244

  $35,000 price, $10,000 trade-in. Taxed on $25,000. The trade-in saves $898.

• New car with a trade-in and a rebate$2,513

  $45,000 price, $15,000 trade-in, $2,000 rebate. Taxed on $28,000. The trade-in saves $1,346. The rebate saves $180.

These examples treat the agreed price as the taxable price. Where a state uses a book value instead, the tax can differ.

On a $30,000 car, tax runs from $2,385 in O'Fallon to $2,904 in St. Louis, a difference of $519 among the 7 cities we list.

Before trade-in, for a buyer living in each city. In some states the rate follows the dealer's location instead; see the rules above and our methodology. Rates from dor.mo.gov, checked Nov 6, 2026.

The calculator covers a car bought from a dealer. These rules apply to other ways of buying or bringing a car to Missouri.

Buying from a private seller

Missouri sales tax on a used car, including one bought from a private seller, is figured on the purchase price: the total contract price agreed between seller and buyer. If the price is unknown or the evidence is not satisfactory, the Director of Revenue sets it by appraisal. (revisor.mo.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

A car received as a gift

The recipient of a gifted car pays no Missouri state or local sales tax. The title must show the word "GIFT" in the sale price area, with a General Affidavit (Form 768) or written gift statement, and a car cannot be gifted two times in a row. Under state law, the exemption applies only if the giver paid the sales tax on the car. (dor.mo.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Moving to Missouri with your car

A new resident owes no Missouri sales tax on a car that was titled in their name in another state for more than 90 days. For a car bought out of state more recently, sales tax paid to the other state is credited and only any difference is due. (dor.mo.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Buying outside Missouri

A Missouri resident who buys a car in another state gets credit for sales or use tax paid there, with proof of the amount paid. If that tax is less than the Missouri amount, the difference is due when the car is titled. (revisor.mo.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Active-duty military

A military applicant has 180 days after completing military service before a title penalty is charged on a vehicle purchase. Active-duty members who sell a vehicle and are deployed before buying another get 180 days after returning to buy one and still claim the tax allowance for the sold vehicle. (dor.mo.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Deadline to pay

You must pay the sales tax and apply for a Missouri title in your name within 30 days of the purchase date. (dor.mo.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Paying late

If the title application is not made within 30 days, a title penalty of $25 is charged for each 30 days of delinquency, up to $200 in total. The Director of Revenue may waive it for good cause. (revisor.mo.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Missouri ranks 19th lowest of all 50 states and the District of Columbia for tax on a $30,000 car, at its lowest local rate. See all states.

Tax on a $30,000 car before trade-in, in nearby states. You generally pay tax based on where you register the car.

• Oklahoma$1,350
• Iowa$1,500
• Missouri$1,568 – $3,446
• Nebraska$1,650 – $2,250
• Kentucky$1,800
• Illinois$1,875 – $2,625
• Arkansas$1,950 – $2,103
• Kansas$1,950 – $3,600
• Tennessee$2,176 – $2,188

• All car calculators
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• Car sales tax by state
• Trade-in tax credit by state
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• Missouri out-the-door price
• Auto loan calculator

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• Tennessee car sales tax