PURPOSE: This rule clarifies when a license plate transfer fee shall be assessed.

1. (1) When ownership of a registered motor vehicle or trailer is transferred, the original owner may register another motor vehicle or trailer under the same license plate number provided the owner pays the transfer fee set by law and also that the motor vehicle or trailer being newly registered is of either a horsepower, gross weight or (in the case of a passengercarrying commercial motor vehicle) a seating capacity not in excess of the originally registered vehicle. When the newly registered vehicle is of greater horsepower, gross weight or seating capacity than the previously owned and registered vehicle, the owner shall pay the transfer fee set by law and a pro rata portion for the difference in registration fees. Occasions when the license plate transfer fee shall not be assessed are detailed as follows:

   1. (A) When ownership of a registered motor vehicle or trailer is transferred during or immediately prior to the month of expiration of the owner’s license plates, or license plates are transferred to a previously nonused vehicle, the original owner may register another motor vehicle or trailer under the same license plate number without paying a license plate transfer fee if the motor vehicle or trailer being registered is of either a horsepower, gross weight or (in the case of a passengercarrying commercial motor vehicle) a seating capacity not in excess of the originally owned and registered vehicle. For example, an individual purchases a new vehicle—

      1. 1. During the month of expiration of his/her license plates

and wants to transfer and renew his/her license plates at the time s/he titles the new vehicle. No license plate transfer fee shall be charged to the applicant but the applicant shall be charged the full year’s registration fee for the new vehicle;

1. 2. Immediately prior to the month of expiration of his/

her license plates. The applicant submits an application for title to his/her new vehicle during the month his/her license plates expire and submits an affidavit of nonuse indicating the vehicle has not been operated on the streets and highways since the date of purchase. No license plate transfer fee shall be charged to the applicant, but the applicant shall be charged the full year’s registration fee for the new vehicle; and

1. 3. After the sixteenth day of the month immediately

prior to the month of expiration of his/her license plates. The applicant desires to transfer and renew his/her license plates early on the new vehicle when s/he makes application for title. No transfer fee shall be charged to the applicant but the applicant shall be charged the full year’s registration fee for the new vehicle.

AUTHORITY: section 301.140, RSMo Supp. 1987.* Original rule filed July 25, 1986, effective Nov. 28, 1986.

*Original authority: 301.140, RSMo 1939, amended 1947, 1951, 1978, 1979, 1986, 1987.