There is no minimum age limit for buying, titling or registering a vehicle in Missouri, according to the Missouri Department of Revenue. However, you must be at least 16 years old to drive a car, and you can’t apply for an auto loan until you’re 18.

Keep reading to learn more about the legal age to own a car in Missouri and whether a 17-year-old can have a car title in their name in Missouri.

How old do you have to be to buy a car in Missouri?

While there is no legal age to own a vehicle in the state, the Missouri Department of Revenue states the legal age of competency to contract is 18 years. Even though a 16- or 17-year-old can have a car titled in their name in Missouri, a contract to purchase a vehicle signed by anyone younger than 18 isn’t legally binding.

As a minor, a teen can release themselves from the sales contract, return the vehicle and recover the purchase price paid, even though the vehicle has been used and deteriorated in value. For this reason, most dealerships or private parties selling a vehicle to someone younger than 18 will require a parent or guardian to sign the contract along with the minor.

Teens younger than 18 must get a co-signer for an auto insurance policy

If you are younger than 18 and trying to purchase a teen car insurance policy, the car insurance company will require an adult co-signer.

There is one exception: If you’re a 16- or 17-year-old minor under the legal custody of the Missouri Children’s Division under a court order, you can purchase a Missouri Automobile Insurance Plan policy without a co-signer.

Navigating teen car insurance can be complex. By learning more about what type of car insurance coverage you need, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision when the time comes.

You can also explore free auto insurance quotes — whether you’re a teen buying their first car or a parent shopping for better rates when adding your child to your policy as a licensed driver — to find options that fit your budget and situation.

Resources & Methodology

Sources

  1. Missouri Department of Social Services. “Frequently Asked Questions: Owner Policy for Youth.” Accessed January 2023.
  2. Missouri Legislature. “431.055. Persons competent to contract when eighteen years of age.” Accessed January 2023.
  3. Missouri Department of Revenue. “Buying a vehicle.” Accessed January 2023.

How much is car insurance for a 16-year-old?

Authors Still have a question? Ask our experts

Get advice from an experienced insurance professional. Our experts will help you navigate your insurance questions with clarity and confidence.

Browse all FAQs
Please enter a valid input Min 50 to max 250 characters are allowed. Only (& ? , .) charcters are allowed.
All information provided will remain confidential.
Please enter a valid input
Error: Security check failed
Thank You, Your message has been received. Our team of auto insurance experts typically answers questions within five working days. Note that due to the volume of questions we receive, not all may be answered. You are a bot!
Ask another question
Meet our editorial team
author-img Laura Longero Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert with more than 15 years of experience educating people about personal finance topics and helping consumers navigate the complexities of auto insurance. She writes and edits for QuinStreet’s CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Prior to joining QuinStreet, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Laura completed the pre-licensing course in Personal Lines Property & Casualty Insurance in Nevada.
author-img John McCormick Editorial Director
John McCormick is an insurance expert and editor with more than 20 years of personal finance experience. He writes and edits for QuinStreet’s CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, he was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance and technology.