Title & Proof of Ownership
Missouri titles all motor vehicles and trailers used on highways, ATVs, motorized boats, outboard motors, and sailboats over 12 feet unless exempt. Manufactured homes are titled unless considered real property, and one title is issued regardless of the number of units.
Title-Required and Exempt Units
Title Required
Motor vehicles, highway trailers, ATVs, motorized boats, outboard motors, sailboats over 12 feet, and manufactured homes unless considered real property.
Title Exempt
Utility vehicles, recreational off-highway vehicles, snowmobiles, cotton module transporters, tow dollies, certain hay trailers, trolling motors, electric outboard motors, documented vessels, boats owned by the U.S. government, lifeboats, municipally-owned vehicles, and two- or three-wheeled devices 50cc or less with under three gross brake horsepower and 30 mph maximum speed.
Manufactured Homes
When a manufactured home is deemed real estate, Affidavit of Affixation (5312) must be recorded with the recorder of deeds and filed with the Bureau. It must be accompanied by Application for Surrender of Title or MCO (5315) or Application for Confirmation of Conversion (5314) when title/MCO cannot be located.
Marine Titles
Marine certificates of title are issued for watercraft and are blue in color. Missouri has no general salvage law for boats or outboard motors, except abandoned-vehicle tow situations.
Application for Title
An Application for Missouri Title and License (108) or Application for Missouri Boat/Vessel or Outboard Motor Title and Registration (93) is submitted to any Motor Vehicle License Office or mailed to the Bureau’s Central Office. Applications for salvage abandoned property, reconstructed vehicles, specially reconstructed vehicles, motor change vehicles, non-USA standard vehicles, and prior salvage vehicles must be processed through the Central Office unless accompanied by a title already branded Prior Salvage.
| Title Item | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Vehicle title | $8.50 |
| Boat title | $7.50 |
| Outboard motor title | $5.00 |
| Title processing / agent fee | $9.00 per transaction |
| License office notary service fee | $2.00 if notarization performed |
| Duplicate vehicle title | $8.50 plus $9.00 processing fee |
| Corrected boat title | $7.50 plus $9.00 processing fee |
| Corrected outboard motor title | $5.00 plus $9.00 processing fee |
| Prior salvage examination | $25.00 plus $9.00 processing fee |
| Junking certificate | No title fee; $9.00 processing fee |
| Assigned / replacement VIN or HIN plate | $7.50 plus $9.00 processing fee |
Make checks payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Allow about 4–6 weeks to receive title. Title status may be checked online.
Electronic Signatures
Electronic signatures are allowed in certain insurance total-loss documents, including a limited power of attorney, affidavit, or other document allowing the insurer to assign ownership; notarization is not required in that situation. Electronic signatures are also allowed on Notice of Sale or Transfer (5049).
Title Only
If applicant does not wish to register the vehicle, the Title Only box in the Trans Type section of the title application must be marked.
Out-of-State Title Held by Lienholder
If a lienholder has an out-of-state title, Owner Out-of-State Title Request (5834) must be completed and sent to the lienholder to request the title.
Rescinded Sale
If a sale is rescinded, the assigned title is considered mutilated. Dealers must apply for an original title; non-dealers generally apply for duplicate title. Taxes may be refunded if the vehicle is returned within 60 days, but titling, processing, and registration fees are not refundable.
Proof of Ownership
New Vehicles
Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin and dealer’s invoice or bill of sale.
Used Vehicles
Certificate of Title.
Non-Title Issuing Jurisdiction
Valid registration certificate and bill of sale. Bill of Sale (1957) may be used.
Government Surplus Vehicles
U.S. Government Certificate to Obtain Title to a Vehicle (SF97-1).
Foreign Vehicles
Foreign ownership documents, NHTSA HS-7, and CBP 7501. DOT Bond Release Letter is required if box 3 is checked on HS-7. Highway Patrol inspection is required for vehicles not manufactured for importation into the United States.
Surrender / NMVTIS
Proof of ownership must be surrendered. Missouri does not return titles to the issuing state. Missouri provides data to and inquiries NMVTIS before issuing titles.
Bonded Title, Brands, Duplicate & VIN/HIN
Bonded Title
For a motor vehicle or trailer seven years old or older with value not exceeding $3,000 and incomplete/conflicting ownership records, applicant may submit affidavit, available ownership evidence, prior-state title verification if known, notarized lien release from any lienholder, Vehicle Examination Certificate (551), and surety bond equal to twice vehicle value, minimum $100. Bond may be returned after three years absent an action.
Title Brands
Brands appear on the upper-right title section and carry forward. Missouri brands include Bonded, Motor Change, Non-USA Std., Prior Salvage, Reconstructed, Replica, Salvage, Salvage/Abandoned Property, Specially Constructed, and odometer brands such as Actual Mileage, Warning – Odometer Discrepancy, and Mileage Exceeds Mechanical Limits.
Duplicate / Corrected Title
A notarized Form 108 with Duplicate Title section completed is submitted with title and processing fees. If not notarized, a notarized affidavit or General Affidavit (768) must explain the duplicate request. Incorrect or mutilated titles must be surrendered. No fee applies for departmental error.
Odometer
Odometer statement is required upon complete transfer. Exemptions include model year 2010 or older vehicles, trailers and other vehicles without odometers, trucks over 16,000 lbs. GVWR, and vehicles transferred on MSO. Odometer Disclosure Statement (3019) may be used.
VIN Inspection
Vehicles previously titled out of state require VIN inspection and odometer reading by an official Safety Inspection Station. Vehicle Examination Certificate (551) is required for salvage/prior salvage, reconstructed, specially constructed, kit, motor change, non-USA standard, wrecked/damaged vehicles, and any vehicle required by the Bureau.
Boat / Motor HIN
Boat or Outboard Motor Affidavit of Ownership and Inspection (798) is required for insufficient evidence of ownership, new or replacement HIN, homemade boat or motor, abandoned boat title, salvage title, or junking certificate. Form 5062 is used when a VIN plate needs verification, issuance, or replacement.
Stolen, Salvage, Prior Salvage, Junk, Abandoned & Unclaimed Vehicles
Stolen Vehicle
An insurer that settles a stolen vehicle claim may apply for negotiable salvage title within 30 days after settlement without fee. If recovered and not damaged to salvage level, inspection by Highway Patrol or law enforcement plus application and previously issued salvage certificate may allow original title without salvage/prior salvage brand.
Salvage Vehicle
Vehicles damaged in excess of 80% of fair market value or declared salvage by insurer require Salvage Certificate of Title. Salvage generally applies to vehicles less than seven model years old. Purchasers of vehicles sold for salvage, dismantling, or rebuilding must apply for salvage title within 10 days of purchase or before transfer.
Owner Retained / Insurance Total Loss
If owner retains the vehicle, insurer must issue Notice of Vehicle Titling Requirements (5043) to owner and send a copy to the Bureau within 30 days of payment. Insurers applying after total-loss acquisition submit Application for Title by an Insurance Company (5042); if title cannot be obtained, proof of payment, notification letters, and Notice of Failure to Present Certificate of Title (5044) may be submitted.
Prior Salvage
Authorized law enforcement must complete Vehicle Examination Certificate (551). Application requires ownership document, completed Form 551, notarized bills of sale for major components, copies of titles for component parts, receipts/invoices, and title/processing fees. Title is branded Prior Salvage.
Junk Vehicle
Junk vehicles cannot be titled or registered again. Junking Certificate requires existing title or bill of sale if 26 model years old or older, plus $9.00 processing fee and no title fee. Junking Certificate may only be rescinded by initial purchaser within 90 days to apply for salvage title.
Abandoned / Unclaimed
Abandoned vehicles involve tow reports, certified notices, 30-day notification, and forms such as 4669, 4576, 4569, 4577, and 4579. Unclaimed vehicles held by salvage pools, salvage dealers, dismantlers, or used motor vehicle dealers may use 5824 and 5825 after 45-day notice. Manufactured home lien title uses 5328 and 5329.
Lien Law
Missouri lienholders file a Notice of Lien using Notice of Lien (4809) and $9.00 notice of lien processing/agent fee. Notice of Lien may be filed online for primary liens. If applying for title and filing a lien with no complete ownership change, the Title and Notice of Lien box must be checked on the title application.
Perfection
Lien is perfected as of date of creation if filed within 30 days; otherwise, lien is perfected at delivery. A second lienholder must obtain written authorization from the primary lienholder when filing a Notice of Lien.
Lien Expiration
If purchase price of a motor vehicle or trailer did not exceed $6,000, lien is considered satisfied within six years from original perfection unless an exception applies for certain large financial institutions, subject-to-future-advances language, re-perfection, or a new lien.
Responsible Party
The lienholder is responsible for filing the lien.
Electronic Lien / Online NOL
A primary lienholder may file a Notice of Lien online. Additional/second liens may not be filed online. Request for Security Access Code (4678) and Application for Online Account (5017) are required before using the online system.
Assignment, Mechanic Lien, UCC & Title Delivery
Assignment of Lien
Lienholder remains liable until owner is notified of assignment and assignee is shown on title. Application must include title without lien release, lienholder assignment, and title/processing fees. If held electronically, lienholder may notify the Bureau and the electronic title is updated.
Mechanic Lien
A Missouri mechanic may apply for lien title if vehicle remains unclaimed 45 days or more after service/repair completion or after owner fails to arrange continued storage for 30 days after mailed notice. Application marked Mechanic Lien requires work order, Affidavit for Mechanic Lien Title (1062), 30-day notice such as 5835, certified mail receipts, balance statement, $10.00 title fee, and $9.00 processing fee. A Lien Title cannot be registered.
UCC
Liens on non-titled vehicles are filed through Missouri Secretary of State, Business Services, UCC Division, 600 W. Main Street, Room 322, PO Box 1159, Jefferson City, MO 65102-1159. Phone: 866.223.6535 option 4 or 573.751.4628.
Title Delivery
Title with lien is mailed to owner unless the Mail to Lienholder box is checked. It may also be mailed to an alternate address if that title application block is completed.
Release of Lien
Lien must be released on a separate notarized document within five business days of satisfaction to avoid liquidated damages. A notarized Lien Release (4809) is acceptable. License offices may charge a $2.00 notary service fee.
Transfer of Title
Transfer is accomplished by assignment of title. Vehicle title application must be made within 30 days from purchase to avoid a $25.00 penalty for each 30 days delinquent, capped at $200. Boats and outboard motors must be titled within 60 days, with a $10.00 penalty for each 30 days delinquent, capped at $30.
Dealer / Seller Requirements
An emissions/safety inspection less than 60 days old is required from seller. Seller must submit Notice of Sale or Transfer (5049), 5049A from the title, or bill of sale to the Bureau within 30 days to avoid a fine of up to $300. Dealers may file Notice of Sale online. Missouri licensed dealers who do not file sales reports electronically must complete Notice of Sale for each retail sale to a Missouri resident.
Title penalty may be delayed until 60 days after purchase when an eligible dealer completes Agreement for Delayed Delivery of Certificate of Ownership (5830), or 90 days when Motor Vehicle Dealer Agreement to Sell without Title (5620) is completed.
Damage Disclosure
Damage disclosure statements are not required. Missouri titles are branded instead.
Add / Remove Owner
Same procedures as any other transfer. Purchase price section should be left blank. Title and processing fees apply. Authorization to Add/Remove Name from Title (4809) or other lienholder authorization is required when an outstanding lien exists. In most cases, plates may remain with vehicle.
Joint Tenancy
When more than one owner appears on title application, vehicle is held in joint tenancy unless otherwise specified. Names are joined by “&,” and all owner signatures are required to transfer ownership.
Tenancy in Common
The Tenants in Common box on the title application must be marked to designate ownership other than joint tenancy. Title shows T/C designation. All owner signatures are required to transfer.
Death / Estate
A surviving spouse or unmarried minor child may transfer one vehicle without probate using Affidavit to Establish Title to Exempt Property (2305), title, proof of death, and fees. Joint tenancy transfers to surviving owner upon proof of death; tenancy in common requires Probate Court for decedent’s share. Estate transfers require Letters of Administration, Letters Testamentary, or Small Estate Certificate/Affidavit.
Transfer on Death
The Transfer on Death box may be marked to name one or more beneficiaries. TOD beneficiary cannot be named on Tenants in Common titles. Beneficiary submits proof of death, existing title showing TOD, and fees; beneficiary may assign title without first applying for title in their name.
Notarization / POA
Notarization of title transfer is not required. Regular/durable POA may be used when odometer disclosure is not required. Secure Power of Attorney (5086) is used when title is unavailable because held by lienholder or duplicate is needed. Electronically signed insurance-company POA is not acceptable for boat transactions.
Limited Assignment Space
When no assignment space remains, a registered Missouri dealer may use Reassignment of Ownership by Registered Dealer (2447). Only one reassignment may be attached to a title.
Repossession
Upon default under a security agreement, the lienholder must obtain written consent from all parties to repossess the vehicle or give 10 days written notice to the owner and any other lienholders of intent to file for repo title.
Repo Title Required
The lienholder must obtain a Repo Title before transferring a repossessed vehicle to a new owner. Submit Application/Affidavit for Missouri Repossession Title (5005) with validated Notice of Lien receipt, or original title reflecting lienholder, plus $10.00 title fee and $9.00 processing/agent fee.
Out-of-State Lienholders
Missouri repossession procedures apply to out-of-state lienholders and repossessors. If the lienholder is from a state that does not require repo titles, lienholder may attach proof of repossession to debtor’s Missouri title without obtaining a repossession title.
Boat / Outboard Motor
General Affidavit (768) is required with Application for Missouri Boat/Vessel or Outboard Motor Title and Registration (93) to repossess a boat or outboard motor. Repo titles cannot be issued for documented vessels.
Repossessed Placard
Repossessed Placard may be used to operate a repossessed vehicle for demonstration purposes. Fee is $50.00 for original placard and $10.50 for each additional placard.
Registration
Motor vehicles and trailers used on Missouri streets, plus all motorboats, outboard motors, and sailboats over 12 feet, must be registered unless exempt. Utility vehicles, recreational off-highway vehicles, cotton module transporters, tow dollies, certain hay trailers, title-exempt two- or three-wheeled devices, political-subdivision vehicles, lifeboats, U.S. government boats, trolling motors, and electric outboard motors are exempt.
Application for Registration
Registration is submitted to any Motor Vehicle License Office or mailed to the Bureau’s Central Office. Registration must be carried in the vehicle. Documented vessels use Application for Documented Vessel Certificate of Registration (4398) with a copy of the USCG Certificate of Documentation.
- New residents must title vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency.
- Titling is prerequisite to registration unless the vehicle is exempt.
- Renewal may be completed by mail, in person, by phone at 573.751.1957, or online.
- Credit/debit/e-check convenience fees may apply.
IRP
MoDOT Motor Carrier Services, 830 MoDOT Drive, PO Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Phone: 866.831.6277 or 573.751.7100. Email: contactmcs@modot.mo.gov. MoDOT Carrier Express may be used for online business, and an online IRP User Guide is available.
Nonresidents
Properly registered nonresident vehicles and trailers are exempt to the extent reciprocal exemptions are given to Missouri vehicles. No reciprocity applies to commercial motor vehicles operating solely in Missouri intrastate commerce. Nonresident boats may operate up to 60 consecutive days without Missouri title and registration.
Alternative Fuel Nonresidents
Nonresidents must purchase a temporary alternative fuel decal before LP/propane or natural gas may be purchased.
Planned Non-Operation
Non-operational vehicles or vehicles not used on Missouri streets/highways do not require registration. Owners may voluntarily suspend registration for nonuse. Reinstatement is upon owner request, with General Affidavit (768) verifying the vehicle was not operated during specified dates.
Non-Negotiable Registration
A non-negotiable registration may issue when an out-of-state lienholder refuses to release title, a nonresident establishes short-term Missouri residency, or a lessee registers a leased vehicle in their own name. Submit title application marked Non-Negotiable with title copy, lienholder refusal letter or lease with right-to-purchase clause, $8.50 non-negotiable registration fee, and applicable fees.
Expiration / Late Renewal
Vehicles 12,000 lbs. or less expire monthly. Fleet vehicles expire April 30. Recreational trailers expire May 31. Motorcycles and motor tricycles expire June 30. Boats expire June 30 every three years. Most personalized/specialty plates expire in July. Disabled plates expire September 30. Commercial vehicles over 12,000 lbs. expire December 31. Late renewal penalty is $5.00, or $8.50 for failure to transfer/renew certain multi-year plates.
Special Permits, Military & Plates
Temporary and Trip Permits
Driveaway plate: $44.50 one-year, $89.00 two-year, $4.00 single permit. Dealer temporary registration permit: $5.00, valid 30 days, or 60 days with Form 5830. Reciprocity Trip Permit: $10.00, valid 72 hours. Hunter’s Permit: $25.00, valid 30 days. 72-Hour Trip Permit: $10.00. Maintenance Permit: $5.00, valid 10 days. Off-Road Utility Vehicle Special Permit: $15.00. Temporary watercraft permit: $5.00 for boats or $2.00 for motors. Documented Vessel Permit: $5.00, valid 60 days. Many permits also require $9.00 processing/agent fee per year.
IRP Late Penalties
Late renewal application filing results in a $100.00 penalty for IRP vehicles. Late payment of fees results in a penalty of $50.00 per power unit, up to $150.00.
Military Registration
Nonresident military stationed in Missouri are exempt from personal property taxes with LES verifying military status and state of residence. Resident military stationed out of state may renew expired registration up to 60 days after completion of service without $5.00 penalty. Military applicants may have another person sign General Affidavit (768) stating vehicle is out of state and will be inspected within 10 days of return.
Military Extensions
Military applicants have 180 days after completion of service before title penalty is assessed for purchase of motor vehicle, trailer, boat, outboard motor, ATV, or manufactured home. Active-duty military who sell a vehicle and are deployed before purchasing a replacement may receive 180-day extension after return to obtain tax allowance.
Plates
New residents are not required to surrender out-of-state plates when applying for Missouri plates. Disabled, specialty, fleet, commercial, trailer, and boat expiration rules vary by class.
Dealer / Manufacturer Plates
Initial plates are $50.00, with $10.50 for additional plates. Out-of-state dealer and manufacturer plates are reciprocal upon approval of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Fees, Plates & Registration Costs
Missouri fees vary by title type, processing/agent fee, lien filing, registration class, plate type, permit type, boat or outboard motor transaction, special inspection, and local tax or property tax status.
| Common Fee | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Vehicle title | $8.50 |
| Boat title | $7.50 |
| Outboard motor title | $5.00 |
| Title processing / agent fee | $9.00 per transaction |
| Notice of lien processing / agent fee | $9.00 |
| License office notary fee | $2.00 if notarization performed |
| Duplicate vehicle title | $8.50 plus $9.00 processing fee |
| Prior salvage examination | $25.00 plus $9.00 processing fee |
| Junking certificate | $9.00 processing fee; no title fee |
| Replacement VIN/HIN plate | $7.50 plus $9.00 processing fee |
| Repo title | $10.00 plus $9.00 processing fee |
| Mechanic lien title | $10.00 plus $9.00 processing fee |
| Manufactured home lien title | $10.00 plus $9.00 processing fee |
| Dealer / manufacturer initial plate | $50.00 |
| Additional dealer / manufacturer plate | $10.50 |
Processing Fee Reminder
Many Missouri title, lien, permit, and special processing transactions include a separate $9.00 processing/agent fee. License Offices may also charge notary and card-convenience fees where applicable.
Taxes
Sales / Use Tax
Missouri state sales/use tax rate is 4.225% plus applicable local sales tax. Credit is allowed for trade-in or other allowance; Missouri licensed dealers should provide a copy of the front and back of the title assigned from the owner to dealer to validate the trade-in. Credit is allowed for taxes paid to another state.
New Resident / Prior Use
Vehicles owned and operated in another state for at least 90 days before Missouri titling are exempt from sales tax; otherwise sales tax is due.
Exempt Transfers
Vehicles sold to an exempt entity, repossessed by lienholder, or acquired by insurer as claim settlement are exempt. Gifted vehicles are exempt if donor paid all sales tax and gift statement is submitted and signed by at least one donor. Used ATVs purchased from an individual for less than $3,000 are exempt, with purchase price entered as $0.00.
Commercial Vehicle Exemptions
Commercial motor vehicles or trailers over 24,000 lbs. used by common carriers in transportation of persons or property in interstate or intrastate commerce are exempt using Sales Tax Exemption Statement for Authorized Common Carriers (5095). Motor vehicles registered over 54,000 lbs. and trailers regularly hauling loads over 54,000 lbs. may be exempt using Application for Sales Tax Exemption – Commercial Motor Vehicles or Trailers Greater Than 54,000 lbs. (5435).
Manufactured Homes
New manufactured homes purchased from a dealer are taxed on 60% of purchase price. Local sales tax is based on seller’s address when purchased through a Missouri dealer, or first Missouri delivery address when purchased from out-of-state dealer. Used manufactured homes are exempt.
Documented Vessel In-Lieu Tax
Documented vessel in-lieu tax is based on purchase price of the vessel. Trade-in credit is not allowed. A 5.0% delinquent tax penalty applies if tax is not paid within 30 days of DOR notification.
Personal Property / Military
Missouri has personal property tax requirements tied to registration. Nonresident military personnel stationed in Missouri are exempt from personal property taxes upon submission of Leave and Earnings Statement verifying military status and state of residence.
Official Forms & Resources
Key Missouri DOR, Highway Patrol, MoDOT, Secretary of State UCC, title, lien, vessel, salvage, abandoned, repossession, TOD, registration, permit, and tax resources commonly used for dealer and lender workflows.
General Information
Dealer Workflow
Dealer packets should include properly assigned title/MSO, Form 108 or 93 as applicable, lien information and NOL, inspection documents when required, sales/use tax documentation, Notice of Sale reporting, and title/processing fees. Central Office processing is required for certain salvage, reconstructed, motor change, non-USA standard, specially constructed, and prior salvage transactions.
Online Lien Workflow
Primary lienholders may file Notice of Lien online after obtaining security access credentials. Second and additional liens are not filed online and require primary lienholder authorization.
Manufactured Homes
Manufactured home real-property conversion uses Affidavit of Affixation and surrender/confirmation documents. Abandoned manufactured home lien title may be available to a real-property owner for unpaid rent using Forms 5328 and 5329.
Insurance / Inspection
Temporary dealer registration requires proof of financial responsibility, proof of ownership, and safety inspection. Seller-provided emissions/safety inspection less than 60 days old is required for transfer.
Records
Lien records are held by the Motor Vehicle Bureau in Jefferson City. Title status may be checked online. Missouri provides data to and inquiries NMVTIS before issuing titles.
Enforcement
Missouri State Highway Patrol supports inspections, vehicle examinations, law enforcement title workflows, and out-of-state dealer/manufacturer plate reciprocity approvals.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Fees, requirements, forms, taxes, and procedures may change. Always verify current information with Missouri Department of Revenue, Missouri State Highway Patrol, MoDOT Motor Carrier Services, Missouri Secretary of State, or another applicable agency before submitting paperwork or payment.