Transferring License Plates

Credit of registration is available for many types of vehicle-to-vehicle registration transfers. And, in limited situations, the actual license plates may also be transferred to the new vehicle without having to obtain new license plates.

NOTE: When there is a complete change of ownership, the seller's license plates cannot be transferred to (or used by) the purchaser.

If you are TRANSFERRING license plates from your old vehicle to your new vehicle, please bring the following items with you to any Missouri license office:

1. The Certificate of Title, properly signed over to you (see instructions), or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO);
2. A signed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108);
3. Additional documentation may be requested at the time of titling;
4. A safety inspection not more than 60 days old or not more than 90 days old if the seller is a Missouri dealer and the safety inspection provided by the Missouri dealer was completed within 60 days prior to the purchase date, if applicable;
5. A current insurance identification card (original, copy, or electronic if legible) or other proof of financial responsibility. This requirement does not apply to trailers; and
6. An emissions inspection not more than 60 days old, if you reside in St. Louis City or the following counties: Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles, or St. Louis (unless you have an MSO).

NOTE: You may be required to submit separate proof of an Identification Number/Odometer Reading Inspection (ID/OD) if ownership of the motor vehicle was transferred to you on a title issued by another state or country. A current safety inspection will satisfy this requirement.

You will pay:

• State sales tax of 4.225 percent, plus your local sales tax on the purchase price, less trade-in allowance, if any;
• $8.50 title fee;
• $2 transfer fee;
• Registration (license plate) fees, based on either taxable horsepower or vehicle weight (if you renew your registration when you transfer the plates);
• Additional licensure fees for an increase in horsepower, if applicable;
• $6.00 title processing fee; and
• $6.00 registration processing fee (for the transfer); and
• $6.00 registration processing fee for a one-year registration, or $12.00 registration processing fee for a two-year registration, if applicable.

Estimate your taxes & fees:

• Use our online sales tax calculator for an estimate of the taxes.

NOTE: If you purchased a vehicle from an out-of-state dealer and had a trade-in, you must present proof of the trade-in in order to receive a tax credit when you title the vehicle in Missouri. This proof may be in the form of:

• 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 for the trade-in vehicle (if the title is held by the lienholder or a duplicate title is needed).

The amount allowed for the trade-in should either be recorded on the title assignment if a space is provided or on the dealer invoice.

If you are unsure what transfer options you may have, please ask the clerk at any Missouri license office or you may Ask Motor Vehicle!.