Missouri

Title Fee

$8.50

Who must title a vehicle in Missouri?

All motor vehicles and trailers used on highways, ATVs, motorized boats, outboard motors, and sailboats over 12 feet must be titled unless exempt.
Exempt: Utility vehicles, some recreational/off-highway vehicles, snowmobiles, certain trailers, trolling/electric outboard motors, documented vessels, boats owned by the U.S., lifeboats, municipally-owned vehicles, and some small/slow vehicles.

Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?

Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau.
Application: Form 108 (vehicles), Form 93 (boats/outboards) at any License Office or by mail.
Fee: $8.50 for vehicles, $7.50 for boats, $5.00 for outboard motors, +$9.00 processing/agent fee per transaction.

What documents are needed as proof of ownership?

New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin + dealer’s invoice/bill of sale.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title.
Non-title states: Valid registration + bill of sale.
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs, NHTSA HS-7, CBP 7501, DOT Bond Release Letter if needed, Highway Patrol inspection for non-import vehicles.

How are special titles or brands handled?

Bonded Title: For vehicles ≥7 years old and ≤$3,000 value with incomplete/conflicting ownership, submit affidavit, bond (2x value), title verification, lien release, Vehicle Exam Certificate (551), and wait 30 days.
Brands: Bonded, Motor Change, Non-USA Std., Prior Salvage, Reconstructed, Replica, Salvage, Salvage/Abandoned Property, Specially Constructed, mileage brands, etc. Out-of-state brands are carried forward.
Salvage: Required if damage >80% of value or insurer settlement; Application for Title and License (108) + assigned title and fees.
Prior Salvage: Requires law enforcement exam, bills of sale for major parts, all receipts, Form 551, $25.00 + $9.00 fee.
Junk: Submit title (or bill of sale if 26+ years old), $9.00 processing fee; junking certificate issued.
Marine Certificate of Title: Issued for watercraft (blue color).

How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?

Duplicate: Notarized Form 108, $8.50 + $9.00 fee; $7.50 for boats + $9.00 fee, $5.00 for outboards + $9.00 fee.
Corrected: Same as duplicate; surrender incorrect/mutilated title; affidavits may be required.

Other notes:

Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs., MSO transfers).
VIN/HIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles, salvage, reconstructed, kit, non-USA, or as needed ($25.00 fee).

Are electronic signatures accepted?

Allowed for insurance total loss, POA, and certain forms; notary not always required.

What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?

Sales/Use Tax: 4.225% state + local; credit for trade-in; credit for taxes paid to another state; exemption if vehicle was owned/operated out of state ≥90 days before titling in MO.
Gift Exemption: Provided donor paid all sales tax and a gift statement is submitted.
Exemptions: Vehicles for exempt entities, repossessed by lienholder, acquired by insurer, used ATVs <$3,000, certain large commercial vehicles/trailers, trade-in credits, and more.

Other taxes/fees:

Property Tax: On vehicles/boats owned January 1; paid receipt required for registration renewal.
Documented Vessel In-Lieu Tax: Based on purchase price.
Special Fuel Decals: Required for LP/propane/electric vehicles; annual fee.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Proof required for vehicles >55,000 lbs.

How are liens recorded and perfected?

Notice of Lien (Form 4809), $9.00 fee; may be filed online.
Second lien requires written authorization from primary lienholder.
Perfected as of creation date if filed within 30 days; otherwise, at time of filing.

How are liens released or assigned?

Lien release required within 5 business days of satisfaction; notarized Lien Release (4809) accepted.
Assignment: Application for title + unreleased title + assignment by lienholder + fees.
ELT: Primary lienholders may file online; second liens must be paper.

How does repossession work in Missouri?

Lienholder must give 10 days’ written notice to owner/lienholders or get consent before repo.
Must obtain Repo Title (Form 5005), validated Notice of Lien, $10.00 + $9.00 fee.
Out-of-state repossessors must follow MO law or provide proof of repo from other state.

Other notes:

Mechanic’s liens: After 45 days unclaimed, notify owner/lienholders, apply for Mechanic Lien Title (1062), provide work order, certified mail, $10.00 + $9.00 fee.

Enforcement Agency:

Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau301 West High St, Jefferson City, MO 65101
PO Box 100, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0100
573.526.3669 | mvbmail@dor.mo.gov
MO DOR Motor Vehicle Bureau

Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:

Key Regulations:

Insurance required: $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 + $25,000/$50,000 uninsured.
Proof of insurance required at registration.
Emission inspection required in certain counties; biennial safety inspection required for most vehicles.
Two plates for most vehicles; one for motorcycles, trailers, large commercial, historic, and some special cases. Plates usually remain with owner.
Title/registration records retained as needed.