What You Need to Do to Transfer a Title to a Family Member
To transfer a car title to a family member in Missouri, you fill out Form 108 (the process for Title and Registration), provide proof of ownership, and submit both documents to your county's license office along with the transfer fee. The process takes about two weeks once the office receives your paperwork. Missouri does not require a bill of sale between family members, though having one protects both of you if questions arise later.
The key difference from selling to a stranger is that you do not need to report a sale price to the state — you straightforward declare the transfer as a gift or family transfer. This means no sales tax is owed on the transfer itself, which is one of the main reasons people transfer titles within families rather than selling.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete Form 108 and submit it with your current title to your county license office, not online or by mail to the state.
- No sales tax is charged when you transfer a title to a family member, but you still pay a transfer fee that varies by county.
- Both the current owner and the new owner must sign the title in the designated spaces before submission.
- The process takes roughly two weeks from the date the license office receives your complete paperwork.
Gather Your Documents Before You Go to the License Office
You will need the original title (not a copy), Form 108 filled out completely, and a valid photo ID for the person whose name is currently on the title. If the title has two names on it, both people should go to the license office together, or one person can bring a notarized power of attorney from the other.
Have the vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number ready — they go on Form 108. If the title is lost or damaged, you can request a duplicate from your county license office before you attempt the transfer, though this adds time to the overall process.
Bring proof of residency for the new owner if they have recently moved — a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days works. Missouri does not require an inspection or emissions test for a title transfer between family members, so you do not need to schedule anything with a mechanic.
Complete Form 108 and Sign the Title Correctly
Form 108 asks for the current owner's name and address, the new owner's name and address, the vehicle information, and the reason for the transfer. In the reason field, write "gift" or "family transfer" — do not leave it blank. The form is straightforward and takes about five minutes to complete.
On the back of the title itself, the current owner signs in the "Seller's Signature" section. The new owner signs in the "Buyer's Signature" section. Both signatures must be in blue or black ink and match the names on the title exactly. If either person's name has changed since the title was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
Do not sign the title until you are at the license office or have a notary present. Some counties require the signatures to be notarized; others do not. Call your county license office before you go to confirm whether notarization is required in your area.
Find Your County License Office and Pay the Transfer Fee
You must submit your paperwork to the license office in the county where the vehicle is registered, not where you live. If you have moved to a different county, you still go to the office that covers your current address, and they will handle the transfer.
The transfer fee varies by county and ranges from roughly $5 to $15. Some counties charge a flat fee; others charge based on the vehicle's age or weight. Call your county license office to confirm the exact amount before you go, so you bring the correct payment method. Most offices accept cash, check, and card, but it is worth confirming.
License offices are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours. Many counties now allow you to submit paperwork by mail, though processing takes longer — usually three to four weeks instead of two. Check your county's website to see if mail-in submission is an option.
What Happens After You Submit Your Paperwork
The license office will stamp your Form 108 and the title, record the transfer in the state system, and issue a new title in the new owner's name. You will receive the new title by mail at the address you provided on Form 108, usually within two weeks. Keep the stamped Form 108 as your receipt.
The new owner does not need to re-register the vehicle when ready unless the registration is expiring soon. However, they should update their address with the state if they move, and they will need to renew the registration on the normal schedule. If the vehicle's registration expires before the new title arrives, the new owner can use the stamped Form 108 as proof of ownership until the title shows up.
What to Do If the Title Has a Lien on It
If the car is financed and the lender's name appears on the title, you cannot transfer it to a family member until the loan is paid off. The lender holds legal ownership until the debt is satisfied. Once you pay off the loan, the lender will release the lien and send you a lien release document or a new title without the lender's name.
Bring the lien release to the license office along with your other paperwork. The process is otherwise the same — you still fill out Form 108 and pay the transfer fee. If you are transferring the vehicle to a family member and want them to take over the loan payments, you will need to contact the lender separately to discuss a loan assumption or refinancing, which is a different process from the title transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bill of sale when transferring a title to a family member?
Missouri does not require a bill of sale for family transfers, but creating one is a good idea. It documents the transfer date, the vehicle details, and that no money changed hands (if that is the case). Both people should sign and keep a copy. This protects you if the state ever questions the transfer or if the new owner later claims they did not receive the vehicle.
Can I transfer the title if I am not the sole owner?
If two names are on the title, both owners must sign the transfer. If the names are listed with "and" between them, both must be present or one must have a notarized power of attorney. If the names are listed with "or" between them, either owner can transfer the vehicle alone. Check your title to see which applies.
What if the new owner lives in a different state?
You can transfer the title to a family member who lives out of state. They will need to register the vehicle in their home state within a certain timeframe (usually 30 days), and that state will issue them a new title. Bring their out-of-state address to the Missouri license office when you submit Form 108.
How long does the new owner have to register the vehicle after the title transfer?
Missouri allows the new owner to drive the vehicle for up to 30 days after the title transfer without updating the registration, as long as the old registration is still valid. After 30 days or when the old registration expires, whichever comes first, they must renew it at their county license office.
What if I lose the title after I sign it but before I submit it?
Contact your county license office when ready and request a duplicate title. You will need to fill out a form and pay a small fee (usually $5 to $10). Once you have the duplicate, you can start the transfer process over. Do not attempt to transfer without an original or certified duplicate title — the office will not accept a photocopy.