How Much Does Missouri Car Registration Cost?
Missouri car registration fees depend on your vehicle's engine size. Most passenger vehicles cost $9 for one year or $18 for two years. A new five-year registration option, approved by the Missouri House in February 2026, will let drivers of cars less than six years old pay $45 upfront and skip renewals for five years.
Registration Fees by Engine Size
Here's what you'll pay for annual registration based on your vehicle's horsepower:
| Horsepower | 1-Year Fee | 2-Year Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Under 12 HP or electric | $18.25 | $42.50 |
| 12-23 HP | $21.25 | $48.50 |
| 24-35 HP | $24.25 | $48.50 |
| 36-47 HP | $33.25 | $66.50 |
| 48-59 HP | $39.25 | $78.50 |
| 60-71 HP | $45.25 | $90.50 |
| 72 HP and up | $51.25 | $102.50 |
All registration fees include a $9 processing fee.
The New 5-Year Registration Option
Starting soon, Missouri drivers can register vehicles less than six years old for five years by paying $45 for their tags. This option saves money and trips to the license office compared to renewing every one or two years. You'll only need to update your registration once every five years instead of annually or biannually.
The new law also removes an old rule that only allowed two-year tags for drivers whose vehicle and calendar year matched (both odd or both even). Now any driver can choose the two-year option.
What You Need to Register
Missouri requires proof of car insurance and your personal property tax receipt before you can register your vehicle. When you choose multi-year registration, you're locking in those requirements for the full registration period.
About Property Taxes
Missouri property taxes on vehicles are handled separately from registration fees. You'll pay property tax annually to your county assessor based on your vehicle's value and local rates. Property tax varies by county, so contact your local assessor's office for specific amounts based on your vehicle's assessed value.
How Sidekick Helps
Sidekick calculates your total vehicle ownership costs, including registration and property tax based on your location. Know exactly what you'll pay before you buy.