How to transfer a car title in Missouri
For private sellers and buyers in Missouri. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Missouri, the seller and the buyer sign the back of the title, and the seller writes in the odometer reading, removes the plates and reports the sale to DOR within 30 days. The buyer files the Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108) at a license office within 30 days of the sale.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Missouri?
Seller
- Sign the back of the title with the buyer, and write in the odometer reading and the date of sale.
- Give the buyer a safety inspection certificate less than 60 days old.
- Remove your license plates before the buyer takes the car.
- Report the sale to DOR within 30 days.
Buyer
- Print your name and sign the back of the title with the seller.
- Sign the Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108).
- Title the car and pay the sales tax within 30 days.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Missouri Department of Revenue before you go: dor.mo.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Missouri?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the back of the title with the buyer.
You both print your names and sign in the assignment area, and you write in the odometer reading and the date of sale. No notary is needed.
Step 2 · Seller
Keep the title clean.
Don't use correction fluid or erase anything on the title.
Step 3 · Seller
Hand over the inspection papers and any lien release.
A safety inspection certificate less than 60 days old, an emissions inspection if you live in St. Louis City or Jefferson, St. Charles or St. Louis County, and a notarized Lien Release (Form 4809) if there was a loan.
Step 4 · Seller
Remove your license plates.
Take them off before the buyer drives away, even if they have expired.
Step 5 · Seller
Report the sale within 30 days.
Send DOR a Notice of Sale (Form 5049) or a Bill of Sale (Form 1957).
Form 5049 · Notice of Sale or Transfer
We have not confirmed whether Missouri requires a bill of sale. Check with the Missouri Department of Revenue before you sell.
Missouri bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Missouri?
Step 1 · Buyer
Get the signed title from the seller.
Check that the seller wrote in the odometer reading and the date of sale.
dor.mo.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Fill out and sign the title application.
Use the Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108).
Form 108 · Application for Missouri Title and Licensedor.mo.gov checkedStep 3 · Buyer
Title the car at a license office within 30 days.
You pay the sales tax and the title fees there. From day 31 a late penalty applies.
dor.mo.gov checked
After DOR processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Missouri guides
- You're reading this guideSell or buy a carSteps to sell a car in Missouri · Steps to buy a car in Missouri
- Missouri bill of saleOfficial form Form 1957
- Gifting a car in MissouriGiving or getting a car with no money paid
- Replace a lost title in MissouriDuplicate title (Form 108)
- Car title after a death in MissouriThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names
How much does a title transfer cost in Missouri?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $8.50 | Buyer | dor.mo.gov Checked |
| Title processing fee | $9 | Buyer | dor.mo.gov Checked |
| State sales tax, plus local sales tax | 4.225 percent of the price, less any trade-in | Buyer | dor.mo.gov Checked |
| Late title penalty from day 31 (rises $25 every 30 days, up to $200) (if it applies) | $25 | Buyer | dor.mo.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $17.50 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftMissouri has its own steps for gifts.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
There is a lien on the title
If there is a loan on the title, the seller gives the buyer a notarized Lien Release (Form 4809). dor.mo.gov checked
Common questions
How long do you have to transfer a car title in Missouri?
30 days from the purchase. After that, DOR charges a $25 title penalty that rises every thirty days, up to $200.
dor.mo.gov checked
Do title signatures need a notary in Missouri?
No. DOR says the signatures on the back of the title do not need to be notarized.
dor.mo.gov checked
Do I need to report the sale to DOR?
Yes. The seller reports it within 30 days with a Notice of Sale (Form 5049) or a bill of sale.
dor.mo.govsource 2 checked
Does the seller keep the license plates?
Yes. Remove them before the buyer takes the car, even if they have expired.
dor.mo.gov checked
How much is the sales tax on a used car in Missouri?
The state rate is 4.225 percent of the price, less any trade-in, plus your local sales tax.
dor.mo.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official Missouri sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Missouri Department of Revenue, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.