What You Need to Know Before You explore

A Missouri vehicle title is the legal document that proves you own your car, truck, or motorcycle. The Missouri Department of Revenue issues titles, and you will need one before you can register the vehicle or sell it later. The process takes about two weeks by mail, though you can walk into a license office in person and get a temporary title the same day if you need to drive the vehicle when ready.

You do not need a title if you are buying a vehicle from a Missouri dealer — they handle the paperwork and send it to the state for you. You do need to explore for one yourself if you bought the car privately, inherited it, brought it from out of state, or built it yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri titles are issued by the Department of Revenue, and you can request one by mail, in person at a license office, or online through the Missouri sos.mo.gov portal.
  • You will need the vehicle's VIN, the bill of sale or proof of ownership, your ID, and payment — the fee is $8.50 for a standard title.
  • If you are financing the vehicle, the lender's name goes on the title as lienholder, and they must sign off before you can sell it.
  • A temporary title issued in person lets you drive while the permanent one is being processed, which normally takes 10 to 14 business days.
  • If the previous owner's name is still on the title, you cannot register or sell the vehicle — you must get their signature on the process or a bill of sale first.

Gather Your Documents Before You Start

The Missouri Department of Revenue requires specific paperwork. You will need the vehicle identification number (VIN), which you can find on the driver's side dashboard, the insurance card, or the previous registration. You also need proof that you own the vehicle — this is usually a bill of sale signed by the previous owner, a court order if you inherited it, or a manufacturer's certificate of origin if the vehicle is new and has never been titled.

Bring a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and your Social Security number. If someone else is explore on your behalf, they will need a power of attorney document signed by you and notarized. Have your payment method ready — Missouri accepts cash, check, or credit card, depending on whether you are explore in person or by mail.

explore in Person at a License Office

This is the fastest route if you need to drive the vehicle right away. Find your nearest Missouri license office on the Department of Revenue website. Bring all your documents, the completed process for Missouri Title form (Form 108), and your payment. The staff will review everything, process your process, and issue you a temporary title on the spot — this is valid for 30 days and lets you register and drive the vehicle while the permanent title is being printed.

The permanent title arrives by mail in 10 to 14 business days. If you are financing the vehicle, the lender must be listed on the process, and they will receive the title directly. You cannot register the vehicle without either the temporary title or proof that you have applied for the permanent one.

explore by Mail to the Department of Revenue

Complete Form 108 (process for Missouri Title) and mail it with your documents and payment to the Missouri Department of Revenue, Vehicle Registration Bureau, P.O. Box 100, Jefferson City, MO 65105. Include a copy of your bill of sale or proof of ownership, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for $8.50. Do not send cash through the mail.

Processing takes 10 to 14 business days from the date the Department receives your packet. You will not receive a temporary title this way, so if you need to drive the vehicle before the permanent title arrives, you will have to go to a license office in person instead. The Department will mail the completed title to the address you provide on the form.

explore Online Through the Missouri Portal

You can start an process through the Missouri Secretary of State's online portal at sos.mo.gov. You will need to create an account, enter your vehicle information, upload images of your documents, and pay the $8.50 fee by credit or debit card. The system will tell you when ready whether your process is complete.

Online applications are processed in the same 10 to 14 business days as mail applications. You will not receive a temporary title this way either, so plan accordingly if you need to drive the vehicle before the permanent one arrives. The completed title will be mailed to the address on file.

What Happens If the Previous Owner's Name Is Still on the Title

If you bought the vehicle privately and the seller did not sign the title over to you, the state still shows them as the owner. You cannot register or sell the vehicle in this situation. Contact the previous owner and ask them to sign the back of the title or provide a signed bill of sale. Some states allow the seller to sign a separate document if the title itself is lost or damaged.

If the previous owner will not cooperate, you may need to file a complaint with the Missouri Attorney General's office or pursue the matter through small claims court. This is why it is important to get a signed bill of sale at the time of purchase, even if you are buying from someone you know.

Adding a Lienholder to Your Title

If you are financing the vehicle, the lender's name must appear on the title as the lienholder. Include the lender's full legal name and address on your process. The lender will receive the title directly from the state and will hold it until you pay off the loan. You cannot sell the vehicle without the lender's permission and signature, because they have a legal claim on it until the debt is satisfied.

Once you pay off the loan, contact the lender and ask them to sign a release or provide a lien release document. Take this to a license office or mail it to the Department of Revenue with a request to remove the lienholder from the title. The updated title will be mailed to you within two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register my vehicle before the permanent title arrives?

Yes, if you got a temporary title in person at a license office. The temporary title is valid for 30 days and works for registration and driving. If you applied by mail or online, you will need to go to a license office in person to get a temporary title before you can register.

What if I lost the bill of sale or the previous owner won't sign?

You will need some proof of ownership. If you have a bill of sale, a receipt, or a cancelled check, bring that. If the seller refuses to sign, you may need to file a complaint or pursue the matter legally. The Department of Revenue can advise you on alternatives based on your specific situation.

How much does a Missouri title cost?

A standard title costs $8.50. If you need a duplicate title because yours was lost or damaged, the fee is the same. Expedited processing is not available, but in-person applications give you a temporary title the same day.

Do I need a title if I bought from a dealer?

No. Missouri dealers handle the title process as part of the sale and send it to the state on your behalf. You will receive the title in the mail within two weeks. You only explore yourself if you bought privately, inherited the vehicle, or brought it from another state.

What if the vehicle was built or assembled by me?

You will need a manufacturer's certificate of origin or a statement from the manufacturer confirming the vehicle was built to your specifications. Bring this with your other documents when you explore. The process is the same, but the Department may ask additional questions to verify the vehicle's origin.