Buying a Vehicle

You have 30 days from the date of purchase to title and pay sales tax on your newly purchased vehicle. If you do not title the vehicle 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.

When you purchase your vehicle, you may obtain a temporary permit, transfer license plates from a vehicle you already own, or you may purchase new license plates. Our online sales tax calculator may help you estimate the taxes and fees you will pay.

• Buying a Vehicle Guide
• Notice to Apply for Title
• Titling Vehicles
• Obtaining a Temporary Permit
• Transferring License Plates
• Buying New License Plates
• Sales Tax Calculator
• How Do I Pay?
• Don't Become A Victim of Curbstoning!

Obtaining a Temporary Permit

Upon purchase of a newly acquired motor vehicle, trailer, or cycle, you may purchase a temporary permit from the dealer to operate the vehicle when no plates are available for transfer. (Missouri dealers can sell temporary permits to out-of-state residents only if they are purchasing motor vehicles, trailers, or cycles from their dealership).

• Temporary permits may be issued for a period of 30 days from the purchase date.
• Certain qualified dealers may issue a 60- or 90-day permit when specific conditions are met.
• Only ONE temporary permit may be purchased per vehicle.
• Temporary permits may not be purchased and are no longer valid once application for title has been made.
• Temporary permits may NOT be purchased for junk vehicles.
• The temporary permit shall be returned to the Department or the Department's agent upon issuance of such proper registration plates.

To obtain a temporary permit, please bring the following items with you to any Missouri license office:

1. One of the following ownership documents:
   1. The Certificate of Title, properly signed over to you (see instructions), or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO);
   2. Bill of Sale (Form 1957);
   3. Notice of Sale (Form 5049); or
   4. A Missouri Application for Title and License (Form 108) signed by the dealer.
2. 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), unless exempt for the following reason:
   1. the vehicle is less than eleven years old and the mileage is less than 150,000 miles;
   2. you are a resident of a state other than Missouri; or
   3. you are obtaining a temporary permit for a trailer.
3. A current insurance identification card (original, copy, or electronic if legible) or other proof of financial responsibility. This requirement does not apply to trailers.

You will pay:

• A $5.00 permit fee; and
• A $6.00 processing fee if processed at a license office.

The temporary permit must be securely placed on the rear of the vehicle, trailer, or cycle consistent with the placement of regular license plates so it is visible and not obscured in any way.