Title Transfers

To buy or sell a vehicle in Missouri, you must have a properly assigned Certificate of Title. The sale of the vehicle will not be valid until the tile transfer has been completed.

When you buy a vehicle, the both you and seller should print your names on the title, and sign the back. The signatures do not have to be notarized. The seller should record the mileage and the date of sale.

According to Missouri law, a Certificate of Title is considered proof that you are the legal owner of a motor vehicle. Therefore, you must apply for a Certificate of Title in your name within 30 days of the purchase of your vehicle. If you don't apply within this time frame, you may be assessed a late fee of up to $200.

To obtain a new title for your vehicle, you'll need to complete the Application for Missouri Title and License. You can request a copy to be mailed to you, or pick up the form at any Missouri Department of Revenue office.

Missouri drivers who apply for titles can check the status of their applications by using the DOR's online inquiry system.

Requesting a Duplicate Title

If the owner has lost or damaged the vehicle's title, he or she must request a duplicate before you can complete the title transfer process. This is done by submitting the following:

• A completed Application for Missouri Title and License with the block marked "duplicate" checked to indicate an application for a duplicate title.

• A notarized Lien Release form, if applicable.

• Payment for the $8.50 duplicate title fee and $2.50 processing fee, plus an optional $5 fee for quicker processing.

You can return the completed application to your nearest motor vehicle office or mail it to:

• Motor Vehicle Bureau

• 301 West High St. Room 370

• P.O. Box 100

• Jefferson City, MO 65105-0100

Giving a Vehicle as a Gift

If you wish to give your vehicle to a friend or family member as a gift, you'll need the following documents to ensure a smooth title-transfer process:

• A Certificate of Title that says "GIFT" in the sale price area. Contrary to popular belief, you should not mark a $1 sale price if you are gifting your vehicle.

• A written statement or affidavit indicating the original owner intends to transfer the title of the vehicle as a gift.

• A current safety inspection certificate.

• A current emissions inspection certificate, if applicable.

Even though you are not accepting payment for your vehicle, you'll need to report the gift to your nearest Department of Revenue office within 30 days by submitting a completed Notice of Sale.

Changing the Name on a Title

If your name has changed as the result of marriage, divorce, or personal reasons, you'll need to submit proof of the legal name change and a completed Application for Missouri Title and License to receive a new Certificate of Title. On the application, mark the title type as "ORIGINAL" since you are updating information and not replacing a lost or damaged title.

Adding or Deleting Owners from a Title

If you wish to add or delete owners from a vehicle title, you'll need to submit a completed Application for Missouri Title and License to receive a new Certificate of Title. On the application, mark the title type as "ORIGINAL" since you are updating information and not replacing a lost or damaged title.

Title Transfers After the Death of a Vehicle Owner

If more than one person is listed as an owner on a motor vehicle, the Missouri Department of Revenue assumes that each party owns an equal portion of the asset. If one owner dies, the other receives full ownership after providing a copy of the death certificate.

An alternative to this arrangement is known as Tenants in Common (T/C). In this case, the death of one owner results in his or her share of the vehicle being transferred via probate court. If you wish to have this arrangement for your vehicle, you'll need to mark the T/C box on your title application.

According to Missouri law, a resident may assign one or more beneficiaries to receive ownership of his or her vehicle in the event of his or her death. This is done by completing the Transfer on Death (TOD) portion of the Certificate of Title. However, if more than one person is listed as the legal owner of the vehicle, the beneficiaries do not receive ownership rights until after the death of all listed owners.