Overview
Unlike states that restrict the tax break to immediate family, Missouri's gift affidavit isn't limited by relationship - the requirement is that it's a bona fide gift, not who's giving it. That said, license offices scrutinize gifts between unrelated parties more closely, and a 'gift' that's really payment in disguise (forgiven debt, services rendered) can get reclassified and taxed. The 30-day title deadline and its $25-per-30-days penalty still apply to gifts exactly like any other transfer.
01 - Official fees
Missouri gift a car fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sales tax on a documented gift | $0.00 | |
| Title fee | $8.50 | |
| Title processing fee | $6.00 | |
| Undocumented transfer (no affidavit) | taxed as a sale | 4.225% + local, on the reported value |
| Late title penalty (if applicable) | $25 per 30 days, capped at $200 |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with your local license office (a contracted agent, not a DOR branch) for titling and registration; your county collector for personal property tax - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to gift a car in Missouri
- 1
Sign the title over to the recipient, writing 'GIFT' in the sale-price field - never a $1 placeholder.
- 2
Both giver and recipient complete a General Affidavit (Form 768) confirming no payment changed hands.
- 3
Provide a safety inspection certificate less than 60 days old unless the vehicle is age/mileage exempt.
- 4
Recipient brings the title, Form 108, the affidavit, and proof of insurance to a license office within 30 days.
- 5
Pay only the $14.50 title cost - no sales tax is due on a properly documented gift.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Missouri vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Missouri gift a car FAQ
Do I need to be related to the recipient for a Missouri car gift to be tax-free?
No - Missouri's General Affidavit doesn't restrict the exemption by relationship the way some states limit it to immediate family. What matters is that it's a genuine gift with no payment, trade, or forgiven debt involved.
What happens if I write '$1' as the sale price instead of using the affidavit?
The license office can still tax it as a $1 sale, or question it against the vehicle's actual value, and you lose the clean $0-tax outcome the General Affidavit provides. Always mark the title 'GIFT' and file Form 768 rather than using a token sale price.
Is Form 768 the only paperwork I need?
It's the core document, but you still need the standard title application (Form 108), proof of insurance, and - for most change-of-ownership transfers - a safety inspection certificate less than 60 days old unless the vehicle is exempt by age and mileage.
Can a license office reject my gift affidavit and tax it anyway?
Yes, if the transaction looks like disguised payment - say, 'gifting' a car in exchange for forgiven rent or unpaid work. Staff can request more documentation or refer it for review, so keep the transaction genuinely free of any exchange.
Does gifting a car reset the 30-day title deadline?
No - the clock still starts on the date of the gift transfer, same as a sale, and the same $25-per-30-days late penalty applies if you miss it.
What about a car I inherited rather than was gifted while the owner was alive?
Inherited vehicles use different paperwork (an affidavit of heirship or letters testamentary, depending on probate status) rather than the General Affidavit, though sales tax treatment is similarly favorable. Your license office can point you to the right inheritance-specific form.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.