How To Get a Car Title in Missouri 2026
Missouri law requires that all motor vehicles owned by Missouri residents must be titled with the Missouri Department of Revenue. Under Section 301.210 RSMo, vehicle owners must obtain a certificate of title within 30 days of purchase or upon establishing Missouri residency. The Missouri Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Bureau, through its network of authorized license offices, administers the vehicle titling program and maintains ownership records for all motor vehicles registered throughout Missouri's 114 counties and the City of St. Louis.
Where to Apply for a Missouri Certificate of Title
Missouri residents must process title applications through authorized facilities designated by the Department of Revenue:
- Missouri License Offices – Authorized locations operated throughout Missouri counties and municipalities
- Fee Offices – County fee offices authorized to process motor vehicle transactions
- Licensed Missouri Vehicle Dealers – Registered dealerships with electronic title processing capabilities
- Motor Vehicle Bureau Offices – Department of Revenue regional service centers
- Online Services Portal – Electronic submission platform for eligible transactions through the Department of Revenue website
Required Documents for Title Application in Missouri
Applicants seeking a Missouri certificate of title must provide specific documentation to license offices or authorized agents:
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Title or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin | Document must contain proper assignment to the applicant with all seller signatures executed, or display the applicant as the original purchaser | Title must be the original document; photocopies are not acceptable |
| Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108) | Completed form containing accurate vehicle identification details, owner information, and purchase data | Available at license offices or downloadable from the Department of Revenue website |
| Payment of Sales Tax or Tax Exemption Documentation | Evidence demonstrating that sales tax obligations have been satisfied or exemption criteria met | Tax receipts or completed exemption affidavits required |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Supplementary materials may be required based on transaction type and vehicle origin:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Missouri Driver's License or State Identification | Establish applicant identity and residency | Out-of-state identification requires two additional proofs of Missouri residency dated within 90 days |
| Proof of Missouri Residency | Verify domicile within state boundaries | Acceptable documents include utility bills, mortgage statements, property tax receipts, or rental agreements |
| Bill of Sale | Document transaction details and purchase price | Required when the previous title originates from another state or for casual sales between private parties |
| Insurance Verification | Confirm minimum liability coverage | Missouri requires proof of automobile insurance meeting state minimum requirements |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Record accurate vehicle mileage | Mandatory for vehicles less than 10 years old under federal disclosure requirements |
| Lien Release Documentation | Verify satisfaction of outstanding security interests | Necessary when previous title indicates lienholder information |
Missouri Title Fees and Costs
The Missouri Department of Revenue establishes fee structures applicable to title transactions processed throughout the state:
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Original Title Certificate | $8.50 |
| Title Transfer | $8.50 |
| Duplicate Title Certificate | $8.50 |
| Corrected Title | $8.50 |
| Salvage Title Certificate | $8.50 |
| Security Interest Recording | $8.50 |
| Security Interest Release | $8.50 |
| Lien Notation | $8.50 |
Additional Fees and Charges
Supplementary charges apply based on transaction characteristics and vehicle specifications:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title Processing Fee | $9.00 | Mandatory fee applied to all title transactions |
| Sales Tax | 4.225% | State rate calculated on purchase price or assessed value; local jurisdictions may add additional percentages |
| Registration Fee (Passenger Vehicles) | $18.25–$51.25 | Based on vehicle taxable horsepower; includes $9 processing fee |
| Title Transfer Late Penalty | $25.00 (Day 31) | Initial penalty on 31st day after purchase; additional $25 penalty for each subsequent 30-day period, maximum total penalty of $200 |
| Temporary Permit | $5.00–$14.00 | $5 permit fee (if obtained from dealer); $5 permit fee + $9 processing fee = $14 total (if obtained at license office); valid for 30 days |
Note: Temporary permits are being phased out and will be replaced with interim plates beginning in late 2026 or early 2027 under Senate Bill 28. Additionally, effective August 28, 2026, Missouri will transition to a single license plate system (front-mounted only) for most vehicles.
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Assemble Required Documentation
Collect the properly assigned previous title or manufacturer's statement of origin, completed Form 108, bill of sale, valid identification, residency verification, insurance documentation, and any supplementary materials applicable to your transaction type.
Step 2: Calculate Sales Tax Obligations
Determine the applicable sales tax amount by calculating 4.225% state rate plus any local jurisdiction rates on the purchase price or Department of Revenue assessed value, whichever is greater. Certain transactions qualify for exemptions, including gifts between immediate family members, inheritance transfers, or disabled veteran purchases.
Step 3: Verify Insurance Coverage
Confirm that your vehicle insurance policy meets Missouri's minimum liability requirements before submitting your title application. Current proof of insurance must be presented at the time of application.
Step 4: Visit Authorized License Office
Present all documentation to a Missouri license office or authorized fee office during regular business hours. Staff will examine materials for accuracy and compliance with the Missouri Revised Statutes before accepting the application for processing.
Step 5: Complete Payment Transaction
Pay the $8.50 title fee, $9.00 title processing fee, applicable sales tax, registration fees if simultaneous registration is requested, and any late penalties if the 30-day deadline has passed. Payment methods accepted include cash, personal checks, money orders, and major credit or debit cards at most locations.
Step 6: Receive Temporary Documentation
Upon successful application submission, you may receive a temporary permit (if applicable under current regulations) or interim documentation authorizing legal operation of the vehicle while the permanent title and registration documents are processed. Temporary permits are valid for 30 days and must be carried in the vehicle at all times when operated on public roads.
Step 7: Await Title Certificate Delivery
Standard processing requires approximately 4–6 weeks from the application date. The Department of Revenue will mail the certificate of title to the owner's address of record, or to the lienholder if a security interest has been recorded. Registration plates and validation tabs will be issued at the time of application or mailed separately, depending on transaction type. Beginning August 28, 2026, most vehicles will receive a single front-mounted license plate instead of two plates.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Certain vehicle classifications are excluded from Missouri's mandatory titling requirements under state law:
- Vehicles model year 1948 or older that have never been previously titled in Missouri
- All-terrain vehicles, off-road motorcycles, and utility vehicles not operated on public roads
- Motorized bicycles with engines producing less than 50 cubic centimeters
- Trailers with an unladen weight of 2,000 pounds or less
- Watercraft and boats registered through the Missouri State Highway Patrol
- Farm tractors and implements of husbandry used exclusively for agricultural operations
- Vehicles owned by the United States government or its agencies
- Vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan for interstate commercial transport
Contact Information
Questions regarding title applications, processing timeframes, or documentation requirements should be directed to the Missouri Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Bureau.
Missouri Department of Revenue
Motor Vehicle Bureau
301 West High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 526-3669
Official Website: Missouri Department of Revenue
