MO HB1734

Motor vehicle dealers, boat dealers, and powersport dealers may charge an administrative fee for document storage and clerical services in connection with vehicle sales or leases.

Dealers must offer purchasers the option to complete administrative or clerical functions themselves; if the purchaser chooses to do so, the dealer cannot charge any administrative fees.

Administrative fees under $200 are not considered unauthorized practice of law, provided the fee complies with statutory requirements and does not waive buyer rights or remedies.

Dealers charging administrative fees must disclose the fee as a separate itemized charge on preliminary worksheets, buyer's orders, or retail installment contracts with a conspicuous statutory notice explaining the fee is optional and not required by law.

If a court determines a compliant administrative fee constitutes unauthorized practice of law, buyers cannot recover the fee or treble damages, and dealers are not guilty of a misdemeanor under section 484.020.