Starting in late 2026, Missouri drivers will no longer leave car dealerships with a temporary tag, and buyers will have to pay sales tax at the time of purchase.

Buying a car in Missouri will look different starting around late 2026. Under a new state law, drivers will no longer leave the dealership with a temporary tag. Instead, they will be issued a temporary plate with their permanent information until the metal plate arrives.

"This is going to streamline the process," said Trish Vincent, director of the Missouri Department of Revenue. "It's going to be a one-stop shop for our citizens when they go to buy a car."

This change also comes with a financial shift. Buyers will have to pay the sales tax at the time of purchase. It can be rolled into loans, but it cannot be postponed and pai

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