Title Transfers in Missouri

What is a Title Transfer?

A title is a legal document that provides proof of ownership of a piece of property, such as a vehicle. When a vehicle is sold, a title transfer needs to take place so that the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) will know who currently owns the vehicle.

You can take care of this matter at DOR branch offices throughout the state. But, be sure to do so within 30 days of purchasing the vehicle, or else you'll be hit with late fees that start at $25 and can eventually reach $200.

Some common reasons to initiate a title transfer include:

• Selling a vehicle

• Buying a vehicle

• Paying off a loan

• Transferring a vehicle to a family member

• Giving a vehicle to an individual

• Donating a vehicle to a charity

• Inheriting a vehicle

• Making name corrections on a title

Selling a Vehicle

Whenever a transaction occurs that involves a lot of money―like buying and selling a vehicle―the participants are bound to feel a little anxious. If you're selling a vehicle, one good way to reduce the anxiety level of potential buyers is by producing a vehicle history report. These reports give a glimpse into the vehicle's past, and if your vehicle has a clean history, showing the report can facilitate the sale.

Once you've sold the vehicle, you need to transfer the title by:

1. Locating the title.
2. Filling in the applicable sections (including the odometer section if the vehicle is less than 10 years old).
3. Signing and dating the title.
4. Giving the buyer a safety inspection certificate that's been issued within the past 60 days.
5. Providing the buyer with an emissions inspection certificate that's been issued within the past 60 days (only if you reside in St. Louis City or Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles, or St. Louis counties).
6. Giving the buyer a notarized lien release (DOR-4809) form, if the situation applies.
7. Handing the title over to the buyer, who will complete the process by following the instructions listed below.

Also, within 30 days of the sale, you must mail a completed Notice of Sale or Bill of Sale to the address listed on the form.

Buying a Vehicle

New Cars

If you buy a vehicle from a dealer, the title transfer should be handled by the dealer.

If you're in the market for a new car, you can save yourself some time by searching online.

Used Cars

There are more pre-owned vehicles on the market than ever. You can cut through the choices more easily by doing an online search. And, once you're narrowed your choices, you can purchase a few vehicle history reports to get a better understanding about the history of the vehicles that you're seriously considering.

Later, you can also go online to look for the best financing and insurance rates available, and possibly save yourself a good deal of money.

Once you've bought the vehicle, you'll need to complete a title transfer by:

1. Obtaining the title from the seller (be sure to do this).
2. Making sure the seller has signed and dated the title.
3. Verifying that the seller included the odometer reading (only necessary if the vehicle is less than 10 years old).
4. Getting a safety inspection certificate that's been issued within the past 60 days from the seller.
5. Receiving an emissions inspection certificate from the seller that's been issued within the past 60 days (only if the seller resides in St. Louis City or Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles, or St. Louis counties).
6. Getting a notarized lien release (DOR-4809) form from the seller, if the situation applies.
7. Signing and dating the title.
8. Completing the title application form.
9. Going to a revenue office.
10. Paying the $11 title fee.
11. Paying the sales tax.

While at the office, you can register the vehicle.

Removing a Lien

Once you've fulfilled your financial obligations by paying off your loan, the lienholder should automatically issue a lien release within five business days of receiving your final payment. If the lienholder fails to do this, contact the lienholder directly, or call the Motor Vehicle Bureau at 573-526-3669 for guidance.

You're not required to notify the DOR of the lien release. However, it's a good idea to attach the lien release form sent by your lienholder to your title.

Transferring to Family

When transferring a vehicle between family members (such as the ones listed below), you'll follow the same procedure as those for transfers between non-family members:

• Spouse

• Parent

• Child

• Grandparent

• Grandchild

• Siblings

So, to transfer a title between family members, follow these instructions:

1. Seller must locate the title.
2. Seller must complete the applicable sections, including the odometer section (only required if the vehicle is less than 10 years old).
3. Seller must sign and date the title.
4. Seller must provide the buyer with a safety inspection certificate that's been issued within the past 60 days.
5. Seller must give the buyer an emissions inspection certificate that's been issued within the past 60 days (only if the seller resides in St. Louis City or Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles, or St. Louis counties).
6. Seller must give the buyer a notarized lien release (DOR-4809) form, if the situation applies.
7. Buyer must obtain the title and other required documents from the seller.
8. Buyer should confirm that the seller has signed and dated the title.
9. Buyer should check that the seller included the odometer reading (only necessary if the vehicle is less than 10 years old).
10. Buyer must sign and date the title.
11. Buyer must complete the title application form.
12. Buyer must visit a revenue office.
13. Buyer must pay the $11 title fee.
14. Buyer must pay the sales tax.

While at the office, the buyer can register the vehicle. Also, the seller must mail a completed Notice of Sale or Bill of Sale to the address listed on the form within 30 days of the sale.

Gifting a Vehicle

If you receive a vehicle as a gift (meaning no money is exchanged), you should process the title transfer by:

1. Getting the title from the giver.
2. Verifying that the giver signed and dated the title.
3. Checking that the giver included the odometer reading (required only if the vehicle is less than 10 years old).
4. Receiving a safety inspection certificate from the giver that's been issued within the past 60 days.
5. Getting an emissions inspection certificate from the giver that's been issued within the past 60 days (only needed if the seller resides in St. Louis City or Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles, or St. Louis counties).
6. Obtaining either a written statement or completed affidavit from the giver declaring that the vehicle was given as a gift.
7. Signing and dating the title.
8. Completing the title application form.
9. Going to a revenue office.
10. Paying the $11 title fee.

You can register the vehicle while at the office.

Donating a Vehicle

The act of donating a vehicle may be more complicated than you think from a tax and legal perspective, as well as for other reasons. Considering this, it's a smart idea to read our car donation article before acting, and possibly talk to a tax attorney.

Inheriting a Vehicle

Title transfers in these situations are often complex, and the steps to take vary with the circumstance. Depending on your situation, you might want to consult a probate attorney before proceeding. Also, it's wise to contact the Motor Vehicle Bureau at 573-526-3669 for instructions on how to handle the transfer in your case.

Here, though, is how to take care of a transfer when the owner lists your name on the title to receive the vehicle after the owner's death:

1. Complete the title application form.
2. Obtain the title.
3. Obtain proof of death (such as a copy of the death certificate).
4. Go to a revenue office with the paperwork.
5. Pay the $11 title fee.

While at the office, you can register the vehicle. Also, since your insurance needs will change with the addition of this vehicle, be sure to check out our Insurance Center to look for providers and find the best rates.

Making Name Corrections

Changing a Name

To change your name on a title:

1. Complete a title application with "original" checked as the type.
2. Get a copy of the legal document declaring your name change.
3. Locate the title.
4. Bring all the documents to a revenue office.
5. Pay the $11 fee.

For more details about this matter, visit our Changing Your Name section. Also, it might be a good idea to get an extra copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree as it can be helpful in this and similar situations.

Deleting a Name

To remove a name from a title:

1. Locate the title.
2. The person whose name is being removed must sign a written statement declaring this intention.
3. The remaining owner(s) must sign and complete the title application with "original" marked as the type.
4. All the paperwork must be presented at a revenue office.
5. The $11 fee must be paid.

Adding a Name

To add your name to a title:

1. Find the title.
2. Sign and complete the title application with "original" marked as the title type.
3. Go to a revenue office with the paperwork.
4. Pay the $11 fee.

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