Missouri used car dealer paperwork and sales tax guide
How Missouri sales tax works on a used-car deal, how trade-ins and dealer fees are treated, and the title forms and notices a Missouri dealer prints.
Last checked November 14, 2026
This is a plain-language summary of how a used-car deal works out in Missouri: the sales tax, what happens to a trade-in, how dealer fees are treated, and the paperwork a dealer prints. DMS Apex uses these same rules to work out each Missouri deal.
Missouri tax and fees at a glance
| Item | Missouri |
|---|---|
| State tax | 4.225% state rate plus local tax |
| Who pays it | Buyer, at titling or registration |
| Trade-in | Reduces the tax |
| Administrative fee | Part of the taxable amount |
| Service contract | Not taxed |
| Starting title fee in DMS Apex | $8.50 |
How Missouri sales tax is worked out
Missouri: the buyer pays the sales tax at the DOR license office when applying for the title, so the amounts shown are an estimate and are not added to what is due now. State tax is 4.225% on the price, the administrative/documentation fee and other charges, less the trade-in; a separately stated service contract is not taxed. Type the buyer's local rate from the DOR chart. Title fee starts at $8.50 (processing fees extra).
Required wording beside the dealer fee
Missouri requires this wording where the dealer fee appears. The Buyer's Order prints it.
AN ADMINISTRATIVE FEE IS NOT AN OFFICIAL FEE AND IS NOT REQUIRED BY LAW BUT MAY BE CHARGED BY A DEALER. THIS ADMINISTRATIVE FEE MAY RESULT IN A PROFIT TO DEALER. NO PORTION OF THIS ADMINISTRATIVE FEE IS FOR THE DRAFTING, PREPARATION, OR COMPLETION OF DOCUMENTS OR THE PROVIDING OF LEGAL ADVICE. THIS NOTICE IS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Missouri paperwork a dealer prints
DMS Apex prints these documents for a Missouri deal, all in black and white:
- Form 108 Application for Missouri Title and License
- Buyer's Order with the administrative fee notice
- Buyers Guide
Step-by-step form guides
- Form 108 Application for Missouri Title and License: how to fill it out
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Missouri rules change: confirm current requirements with the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Common questions
How much is sales tax on a used car in Missouri?
4.225% state rate plus local tax. A trade-in reduces the taxable amount. See the table above and confirm the current rate with the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Does a trade-in lower the tax in Missouri?
Yes. In Missouri the trade-in allowance reduces the amount the tax is figured on.
Is the dealer fee taxed in Missouri?
Yes. In DMS Apex the administrative fee is part of the taxable amount for Missouri.
Does DMS Apex print Missouri dealer forms?
Yes. It prints Form 108 Application for Missouri Title and License, Buyer's Order with the administrative fee notice, Buyers Guide.
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