What you need to do to get a Missouri title

A Missouri title is the document that proves you own a vehicle. To get one, you submit paperwork to the Missouri Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The process differs depending on whether you're buying a used car, inheriting one, or registering a vehicle you already own but never titled in Missouri.

Most people complete this by mail or in person at a local DMV office. You'll need proof of ownership (like a bill of sale or previous title), proof of identity, and proof that the vehicle has passed inspection if required. The state charges a fee based on the vehicle's value, and processing typically takes two to four weeks by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit an process for Missouri Title form (Form 108) along with proof of ownership and a government-issued ID to the DMV.
  • The fee varies based on the vehicle's purchase price or assessed value, ranging from around $10 to $150 depending on the amount.
  • If you're buying from a private seller, you need a bill of sale signed by both parties; if from a dealer, they often handle the paperwork.
  • Processing takes two to four weeks by mail, or you can visit a local DMV office for faster service if you submit everything in person.
  • Vehicles purchased out of state may require an inspection before Missouri will issue a title.

Documents you'll need to submit

The main form is the process for Missouri Title (Form 108), available on the Missouri DMV website or at any DMV office. You fill this out with your name, address, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and details about how you obtained the vehicle.

You also need proof of ownership. If you bought the car from a private person, bring a bill of sale signed by both you and the seller, showing the purchase price and date. If you bought from a dealer, they usually provide the paperwork. If you inherited the vehicle, you'll need the deceased owner's title and a document showing you're the heir (like a will or probate paperwork).

Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If someone else is signing on your behalf, they need their own ID and a power of attorney document. You'll also need proof of residency if your ID doesn't show your current Missouri address — a utility bill or lease agreement works.

If the vehicle was registered in another state, bring the out-of-state title or registration. Some vehicles require an inspection certificate before Missouri will title them; the DMV will tell you if yours does.

How much the title costs

Missouri charges a title fee based on the vehicle's purchase price. The fee structure is tiered: vehicles purchased for under $500 cost less to title than vehicles purchased for $5,000 or more. The exact amount depends on the price you paid or the value the DMV assesses.

You may also owe a registration fee if you're registering the vehicle at the same time, which is separate from the title fee. Some counties add a local fee. The DMV website has a fee calculator, or you can call your local office to find out the exact cost for your vehicle before you submit.

Payment is usually by check or money order made out to the Missouri Department of Revenue. If you're explore in person at a DMV office, many accept cash, card, or check.

Where to submit your process

You can submit by mail to the Missouri DMV address listed on Form 108, or you can visit a local DMV office in person. There are offices in most counties; the state DMV website has a location finder with hours and phone numbers.

Submitting in person is faster if you have all documents ready — staff can review everything on the spot and tell you if anything is missing. By mail, allow two to four weeks for processing, plus mail time. Some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee if you need the title sooner.

If you're buying from a dealer, ask whether they handle the title process for you. Many do as part of the sale, though you'll still need to sign the paperwork and pay the fee.

What happens if the previous owner didn't sign the title

If you bought a used car and the seller didn't sign the back of the old title, or if the title is missing the seller's signature, the DMV will reject your process. You'll need to go back to the seller and get their signature notarized, or provide a separate bill of sale that's notarized.

If you can't locate the previous owner, contact the DMV directly — they have procedures for handling titles with missing signatures, though it may take longer. Bring documentation of your attempt to reach the seller if you have it.

Titling a vehicle you already own but never registered in Missouri

If you've owned a vehicle for years but never got a Missouri title — perhaps you inherited it or bought it out of state and never transferred it — you can still title it now. You'll need the old title or registration from wherever it was last registered, proof that you own it, and proof of your Missouri residency.

If the vehicle is very old and you don't have the original title, the DMV can issue a bonded title after you post a bond equal to the vehicle's value. This protects against someone else claiming ownership later. The bond costs money upfront but is usually refundable after a set period if no one contests your ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I title a vehicle if I don't have the original title from the previous owner?

Yes. If you have a bill of sale signed by the previous owner, that's usually enough. If you don't have either, contact the DMV — they can issue a bonded title, which requires you to post a bond but lets you title the vehicle anyway. The bond protects the state if someone else later claims ownership.

Do I have to register my vehicle at the same time I title it?

No, but most people do both at once since you're already submitting paperwork. Registration is separate and has its own fee. You can title first and register later, but you'll need to visit the DMV twice and pay two separate fees.

What if I'm buying a car from a private seller — do they have to come with me to the DMV?

No. You need their signature on the back of the title or on a bill of sale, but they don't have to be present when you submit to the DMV. Make sure you get their signature before you leave with the car, and keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your records.

How long does it take to get the title in the mail after I submit?

Processing typically takes two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. Mail delivery adds time on both ends. If you need it faster, ask about expedited processing when you submit — some offices offer it for an extra fee.

What if I'm titling a vehicle I bought out of state?

Bring the out-of-state title or registration. Some vehicles purchased out of state require a Missouri inspection before the DMV will issue a title — the DMV will let you know if yours does. You can get inspected at any authorized inspection station and bring the certificate with your process.