Overview
On top of the horsepower fee, every registration adds a $6 processing fee ($12 if you choose the 2-year option), and electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles add an annual alternative fuel decal - $150 for battery EVs, half that for qualifying plug-in hybrids. Pick your vehicle's band below for the exact total.
01 - Official fees
Missouri registration fees fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 12 hp | $18.25 / $36.50 | 1-year / 2-year |
| 12–23 hp | $21.25 / $42.50 | |
| 24–35 hp | $24.25 / $48.50 | |
| 36–47 hp | $33.25 / $66.50 | typical compact/midsize sedan |
| 48–59 hp | $39.25 / $78.50 | |
| 60–71 hp | $45.25 / $90.50 | typical V6 sedan or pickup |
| 72+ hp | $51.25 / $102.50 | |
| Processing fee | $6.00 / $12.00 | |
| Alternative fuel decal (battery EV) | $150/yr | plug-in hybrids MY2018+ pay $75/yr |
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 register a vehicle in Missouri
- 1
Confirm your vehicle's taxable horsepower - it's on your title paperwork, or your license office can pull it from the VIN.
- 2
Bring your title (or renewal notice), proof of insurance, and a valid safety inspection certificate if your vehicle isn't age/mileage exempt.
- 3
Choose a 1-year or 2-year term at any Missouri license office.
- 4
Pay the horsepower-based fee, the processing fee, and the alternative fuel decal if applicable.
- 5
Display your new plate or sticker; the license office issues it on the spot in most cases.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Missouri vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Missouri registration fees FAQ
How much does it cost to register a car in Missouri?
Between $24.25 and $57.25 a year depending on taxable horsepower and term: $18.25–$51.25 for the horsepower band plus $6 (1-year) or $12 (2-year) processing. EVs add $150/year; qualifying plug-in hybrids add $75/year.
What is 'taxable horsepower' and how is it different from my engine's rated hp?
It's a Missouri-specific calculation - cylinders × bore² × stroke ÷ 2.5 - that predates modern horsepower ratings and almost always comes out lower than the number on your spec sheet. It's fixed to your make/model/year in DOR's system, not something you calculate yourself at the counter.
Why do electric vehicles pay extra if they're cheap to register by horsepower?
EVs typically fall in the lowest horsepower band since they have no traditional engine - but Missouri charges a separate $150/year alternative fuel decal to replace the fuel tax an EV owner never pays at the pump. It's billed alongside registration, not instead of it.
Is Missouri registration cheaper for a 2-year term?
Per year, yes slightly - the 2-year fee is exactly double the 1-year fee, but you only pay the $12 two-year processing fee once instead of $6 twice a year apart, and you skip a trip to the license office.
Does my county affect my registration fee?
No - unlike sales tax, Missouri's registration fee schedule is set entirely by the state and is identical everywhere. Only your vehicle's horsepower band and chosen term change the price.
Do I need a safety inspection before I can register?
Only if your vehicle is more than 10 years past its model year and has 150,000+ miles, or if you're a new owner (change of title) on a non-exempt vehicle. Same-owner renewals otherwise follow a biennial odd/even-year schedule tied to your vehicle's model year.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.