Missouri Car Sales Tax & Emissions by County (2026)
In Missouri, combined car sales tax runs ~7.7% to 9.7%+ depending on your home address, and emissions testing applies only in the St. Louis area (four jurisdictions). A safety inspection is statewide but exempts newer cars. Find your county below.
Rates verified July 2026 from the Missouri DOR (shown at the county seat/largest city). Missouri taxes by residence address — special districts can push your exact rate higher.
| County | Combined sales tax | Emissions? |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis County | ~9.24% | Yes |
| St. Charles | ~7.95% | Yes |
| Jackson | ~8.98% | No |
| Greene | ~7.73% | No |
| Clay | ~9.73% | No |
| Jefferson | ~9.23% | Yes |
| Boone | ~7.98% | No |
| Jasper | ~8.73% | No |
| Franklin | ~9.1% | No |
| St. Louis City | ~9.68% | Yes |
| Cass | ~9.23% | No |
| Platte | ~8.85% | No |
| Cape Girardeau | ~9.48% | No |
| Buchanan | ~9.7% | No |
| Cole | ~8.35% | No |
Frequently asked questions
How much is car sales tax in Missouri?
State sales tax is 4.225%, plus local (county + city + special district) tax set by your residence address. Combined rates typically run from about 7.7% (Springfield/Greene) to over 9.7% in parts of the St. Louis and Kansas City metros — and some special-district addresses exceed 11%.
Which Missouri counties require an emissions test?
Only the St. Louis area: St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County (the Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program). Franklin County is NOT included. Everywhere else in Missouri, no emissions test is required.
Does Missouri require a safety inspection?
Yes, statewide — but vehicles less than 10 model years old and under 150,000 miles are exempt. So most newer cars skip it.
Where is Missouri car sales tax calculated?
At your home address, not the dealer's — Missouri collects it at titling based on where you live, and rates vary block to block because of special taxing districts.