Kei Trucks in Missouri
Street legal: the Highway Patrol check, the title brand, and the steps at the license office
Missouri titles vehicles built for other countries after a Highway Patrol check. The title is marked "Non-USA-Std Motor Vehicle", and we found no law limiting which roads a kei truck may use.
Truck age25+ years
VIN checkHighway Patrol
Form551
Road limitsNone found
Photo: TTTNIS, CC0, Wikimedia Commons ↗
What Missouri rules say about kei trucks
No Missouri law names kei trucks. A Department of Revenue rule covers all vehicles not built for the US market.
- A vehicle not made for US import must be inspected by the Missouri State Highway Patrol before titling.
- The trooper completes a Vehicle Examination Certificate, Form 551, confirming the VIN.
- The title is marked "Non-USA-Std Motor Vehicle".
- Short Japanese chassis numbers are accepted as the VIN.
Sources: Missouri Code of State Regulations 12 CSR 10-23.260 ↗, RSMo 301.190, Missouri Department of Revenue. Checked Nov. 9, 2026.
How to title and register a kei truck in Missouri
Six steps for kei trucks in Missouri, starting with the Highway Patrol.
Your ticks are saved on this device only.
Papers to bring to the license office
- Vehicle Examination Certificate, Form 551, from the Highway Patrol
- Customs entry form CBP 7501
- DOT form HS-7
- EPA form 3520-1
- Japanese export certificate, with an English translation
- Your bill of sale
- Proof of Missouri insurance
If the license office isn't sure
Calmly show them the state rule for vehicles built for other countries:
- 12 CSR 10-23.260 ↗: the Highway Patrol inspects the vehicle and completes Form 551, and the title is marked "Non-USA-Std Motor Vehicle".
- On paper:
Still stuck? Ask politely to speak with a supervisor.
Sources: Missouri Department of Revenue and Highway Patrol. Not legal advice.
What it costs to title one
| What | Cost |
|---|---|
| Sales tax | 4.225% state rate plus local tax |
| Title | About $11, plus a processing fee |
| Registration | Set by truck weight |
| Safety inspection | Every two years at a licensed station |
| Insurance | Owners report about $200–$400 a year |
A 2026 bill to end most safety inspections passed the House; check whether it became law. Confirm amounts with the Department of Revenue.
Where you can drive one
No special road limits that we could find.
Most kei trucks top out around 50–65 mph, so owners stick to town streets and county roads. Ask your license office if anything changes.
- Town streetsEasy at kei truck speeds.Good fit
- County roadsWhere most Missouri owners drive.Good fit
- Interstates (up to 70 mph)No rule we found bans them, but most kei trucks top out at 50–65 mph.Too fast for most
Kei trucks for sale in Missouri
We found few dealers here. Others we found are in Arkansas and Illinois.
Arkansas dealers ask $10,900–$13,900 for late-1990s Hijets. Make sure the seller gives you the import papers the Highway Patrol will want.
Prices in and near Missouri
1996 Daihatsu HijetAsking · Arkansas dealer$10,900- 1999 Daihatsu HijetAsking · Arkansas dealer$12,900
1997 Honda Acty Attack 4WDAsking · 42,203 miles · Illinois dealer$5,500
Seen Nov. 8, 2026. Not offers or guarantees. We're not paid by any dealer.
Missouri dealers we found
We haven't visited or checked these yet. Call before you drive out.
- JacksonG & R Importsgrimports.com
Kei truck rules next door to Missouri
Moving or buying across the line? The rules change at the border.
- ArkansasFarm-use plate with an affidavit. No interstates or roads posted over 55 mph.
Some roads only - OklahomaTitled and registered like a light truck. Never on interstates.
Yes, street legal - KansasMicro utility truck. No interstate, federal or state highways; cities must allow it.
Some roads only - IllinoisThe Secretary of State won't register kei trucks without a new law.
Not street legal - IowaNo title or plates without a US safety label, which kei trucks lack.
Not street legal - TennesseeClerks are told to register mini trucks, but import papers can block you. Ask first.
Not sure yet
Live somewhere else? Check your state
TapClick the yellow button. Your answer shows up right here.
Missouri questions
Are kei trucks legal in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri titles vehicles not built for the US after a Highway Patrol VIN check, and we found no rule limiting which roads they use.
What is Form 551?
The Vehicle Examination Certificate a Highway Patrol trooper fills out after checking the truck's chassis number. You need it to get the title.
What does "Non-USA-Std" on a Missouri title mean?
It marks a vehicle not built to US standards. The truck can still be registered and driven.
Do kei trucks need a safety inspection in Missouri?
Vehicles over 10 years old need one every two years. A 2026 bill to end most inspections passed the House; check its final status.
How much does it cost to title a kei truck in Missouri?
Plan on the 4.225% state sales tax plus local tax, a title fee of about $11, a processing fee and registration by weight.
Where can I buy a kei truck near Missouri?
G & R Imports in Jackson, and dealers in Arkansas and Illinois.
Pick your truck: compare the 5 brands
Carry, Acty, Hijet, Sambar or Minicab: see which fits your land, your height and your budget.
Compare kei trucks →
