When you’re buying a car, you’re always shopping for the best price.
But what you pay will look a little different in 2026. That’s when Missourians have to pay sales tax upfront, before driving their vehicle off the lot.
DMVs across Missouri will be closed from November 8th through the 11th while the state launches new system changes.
That first set of changes is to activate a tablet-based digital system for license applicants at DMV offices starting this month.
The second set of changes will connect the Department of Revenue to auto dealerships. Starting July 2026, Missourians will pay the sales taxes on their cars at the dealership, instead of the DMV.
Mark True said driving is a privilege as he looked to buy a car Thursday at Jack Miller Auto Plaza.
“It’s not our given right to be able to drive, so we gotta keep the laws in force and we gotta drive like we’re supposed to,” he said. “And we gotta pay our taxes like we’re supposed to.”
Bevicka Davidson doesn’t feel those privileges are the same for all drivers.