Special Fuel Decals

sample decals

In lieu of related taxes, the owner of a motor vehicle that operates with alternative fuel must annually purchase a special fuel decal prior to January 31 and pay the annual decal fee. The annual decal fee is based on how the vehicle is licensed. Effective January 1, 2022, Special Fuel Decal fees will increase annually for a period of five years, as stipulated in Section 142.869, RSMo.

All passenger vehicles, commercial motor vehicles, and buses (includes public school buses but does not include shuttle buses) must display a special fuel decal if they are powered by:

  • LP / Propane;
  • Electricity;
  • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) – Model years 2018 and newer; or
  • Natural Gas (if applicable)*.

*Natural Gas sold at retail locations includes a motor fuel tax at the pump. Only the owner or operator of a Natural Gas vehicle who had installed a Natural Gas fueling station as of December 31, 2015, used solely to fuel the vehicles they own or operate, may continue to apply for and use the special fuel decal. If you are the owner or operator and you meet the criteria to continue using a special fuel decal, the decal will only be valid at your own fueling station and you are required to pay the motor fuel tax at all other locations.

The following vehicles are exempt from special fuel decals:

  • Hybrid vehicles powered by gasoline and electricity that are not identified as a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle;
  • Motor vehicles with historic registration; and
  • LP / Propane vehicles, when the owner or operator fuels such vehicle exclusively at unattending fueling stations that collect the motor fuel tax.

Special Fuel Decals:

  • Are valid from January 1 through December 31;
  • Are prorated monthly for vehicles not in operation by January 31;
  • Remain with the vehicle when there is a change of ownership. The new owner must complete the transfer section of the Application for Special Fuel Decal (Form 2300); and
  • Are attached to the lower, right-hand corner of the windshield on the vehicle for which it was issued.

The Department of Revenue mails notices the first week of December to owners of motor vehicles that operate with alternative fuel.

What do I need to purchase a Special Fuel Decal?

How can I purchase a Special Fuel Decal?

There are two convenient options:

For a Special Fuel Decal you will pay:

  • The special fuel decal fee based on the type of motor vehicle and registration as noted below; and
  • The $6 processing fee.

Fees Chart - Prior to December 31, 2023

Type
Annual Fee for
Electric, LP, and Natural Gas
Annual Fee for
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Processing Fee
18,000 lbs or less
$105
$52.50
$6
18,001 lbs - 36,000 lbs
with "F" tab on plate
$140
$70
$6
18,001 lbs - 36,000 lbs
without "F" tab on plate
$210
$105
$6
36,001 lbs or more
with "F" tab on plate
$300
$150
$6
36,001 lbs
without "F" tab on plate
$1,200
$600
$6
School Bus
$105
$52.50
$6
Local Bus
$210
$105
$6
Commercial Bus
$210
$105
$6
Transit Bus
$210
$105
$6
Replacement Decals
$8.50
$8.50
$6
Temporary Fuel Decals (15 day)
$8
$8
Obtained by alternate fuel decals.

Fees Chart - Effective January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024

Type
Annual Fee for
Electric, LP, and Natural Gas
Annual Fee for
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Processing Fee
Passenger
$120
$60
$6
18,000 lbs or less
$120
$60
$6
18,001 lbs - 36,000 lbs
with "F" tab on plate
$160
$80
$6
18,001 lbs - 36,000 lbs
without "F" tab on plate
$240
$120
$6
36,001 lbs or more
with "F" tab on plate
$325
$162.50
$6
36,001 lbs
without "F" tab on plate
$1,300
$650
$6
School Bus
$120
$60
$6
Local Bus
$240
$120
$6
Commercial Bus
$240
$120
$6
Transit Bus
$240
$120
$6
Replacement Decals
$8.50
$8.50
$6
Temporary Fuel Decals (15 day)
$8
$8
Obtained by alternate fuel decals.

Vehicles Not in Operation by January 31

The decal fee is reduced by one-twelfth for each month that has elapsed since the beginning of the year. The owner of any vehicle that was titled, registered, and equipped to use LP / Propane, Natural Gas (if applicable), Electricity, or is a 2018-and-newer Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle as of January 15 must pay the full year’s fee.

Changing Vehicle Weight

When the licensed gross weight of a commercial motor vehicle is increased, you may be required to complete the change of weight and pay additional decal fees (if the weight increase requires an increase in the decal fee).

Removing the Decal

When the LP / Propane, Natural Gas (if applicable), Electric, or Plug-in Hybrid Electric equipment is removed by the owner, upon sale of the vehicle, and installed on another vehicle owned or purchased by the same individual, the special fuel decal can also be transferred to the newly equipped vehicle.

It is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle required to have an alternative fuel decal upon the highways of this state without a valid decal.

Vehicles Not Registered in Missouri

The owner or operator of a motor vehicle not registered in Missouri is required to purchase a temporary alternative fuel decal before they can purchase LP / Propane or Natural Gas. The fee for a temporary alternative fuel decal is $8 and the decal is valid for a period of 15 days from the date of issuance. The decal must be attached to the lower, right-hand corner of the front windshield on the motor vehicle for which it was issued. The decal is not transferable and the fee cannot be credited to another vehicle. Temporary alternative decals may be purchased from the retail dealer.

Temporary Alternative Decals

The Department of Revenue, Excise Tax Section, provides temporary alternative decals to dealers on a consignment basis. A dealer who wishes to have decals on hand is usually provided five to ten decals at a time. At the end of December of each year, the dealer should return all unsold decals along with payment for all sold decals. The Department will then provide additional decals to the dealer for the next year. In some instances the Department has faxed a temporary decal to a dealer.