Getting a replacement title in Missouri means ordering it from the Missouri Department of Revenue, paying a fee, and waiting for it to arrive by mail

You cannot register or sell your car without a title in Missouri. If yours is lost, damaged, or never arrived, you need to request a duplicate from the Missouri Department of Revenue's Motor Vehicle Bureau. The process is straightforward: you fill out a form, pay a fee, and receive your replacement title in the mail within two to three weeks under normal circumstances.

You do not need to visit an office in person for a lost title. Missouri allows you to order a duplicate by mail or online through their official website. The fee is typically under $20, though the exact amount depends on the type of title and whether you need it expedited.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri's Motor Vehicle Bureau issues replacement titles by mail when you submit Form 108 (process for Duplicate Title) with proof of ownership and the required fee.
  • You can order a duplicate title online through Missouri's Secretary of State website or by mailing a completed form to the Motor Vehicle Bureau office in Jefferson City.
  • Standard processing takes two to three weeks; expedited service is available for an additional fee if you need the title sooner.
  • You will need to prove ownership with documents like your current registration, insurance card, or loan documents before the Motor Vehicle Bureau will issue a replacement.
  • If your title was lost due to a lien holder (like a bank), you may need written permission from them before Missouri will issue a new one in your name.

What documents you need to request a replacement title

The Missouri Department of Revenue requires proof that you own the vehicle. Acceptable documents include your current vehicle registration, a copy of your insurance policy, a loan document from a lender, or a bill of sale if you recently purchased the car. You do not need all of these—one is usually enough.

You will also need your vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your registration, insurance card, or the dashboard of your car. If you do not have access to any of these documents, you can contact your insurance company or lender to get your VIN.

If someone else holds a lien on your vehicle (such as a bank or credit union), you may need written permission from them before Missouri will issue a replacement title. Contact your lender to ask whether they need to approve the request or sign any paperwork.

Ordering online through Missouri's Secretary of State website

The fastest way to request a replacement title is through Missouri's online system. Go to the Secretary of State's official website and look for the Motor Vehicle Bureau section. You will create an account, enter your vehicle information and VIN, upload a photo or scan of your proof of ownership, and pay the fee by credit or debit card.

After you submit your request online, you will receive a confirmation email. Processing typically takes two to three weeks, and your replacement title will arrive by mail at the address on file. Keep your confirmation number in case you need to check the status of your request.

Mailing a paper process to the Motor Vehicle Bureau

If you prefer not to order online, you can print Form 108 (process for Duplicate Title) from the Missouri Secretary of State website, fill it out by hand, and mail it along with a copy of your proof of ownership and a check or money order for the fee.

Send your completed form to the Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau, P.O. Box 100, Jefferson City, MO 65105. Include a note with your phone number or email address so the Motor Vehicle Bureau can contact you if they need additional information. Processing time is the same as online requests—typically two to three weeks from the date they receive your process.

Expedited service if you need the title quickly

If you need your replacement title sooner than two to three weeks, Missouri offers expedited processing for an additional fee. Expedited titles are usually processed within five to seven business days. You can request expedited service when you order online or note it clearly on your paper process.

Expedited service costs more than standard processing, and the exact fee varies. Check the Motor Vehicle Bureau's current fee schedule on the Secretary of State website before you submit your request so you know the total cost.

What to do if your title has a lien on it

If your vehicle is financed through a bank, credit union, or other lender, the lender's name appears on your title as the lienholder. When you request a replacement title, Missouri will issue it with the same lien information. You do not need to do anything special unless the lender requires written approval for a duplicate.

Contact your lender before you submit your request and ask whether they need to sign off on the duplicate title or provide written permission. Some lenders have specific procedures for this. Once you receive your replacement title, the lien will remain in place until you pay off the loan and the lender releases it.

Tracking your replacement title and what to do if it does not arrive

If you ordered online, use your confirmation number to check the status of your request on the Secretary of State website. The Motor Vehicle Bureau will also send you a confirmation email when your title is mailed.

If your replacement title does not arrive within four weeks of your request, contact the Motor Vehicle Bureau directly. Have your confirmation number and VIN ready. They can tell you whether your title is still in processing, was mailed, or if there was an issue with your process. If your title was lost in the mail, the Motor Vehicle Bureau can issue another one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register my car or sell it while I wait for my replacement title?

No. Missouri requires a valid title to register a vehicle or transfer ownership. You cannot legally drive the car with a temporary registration while waiting for your replacement title. However, you can use your confirmation number from the Motor Vehicle Bureau as proof that you have requested a replacement if you need to show documentation to a lender or buyer.

What if I lost my title and do not have any proof of ownership?

Contact your insurance company or lender—they have records of your ownership. You can also request a copy of your registration from the Motor Vehicle Bureau if you have your VIN and vehicle information. Once you have one document proving ownership, you can request your replacement title.

Do I need to notarize my process for a duplicate title?

No. Missouri does not require notarization for a duplicate title request. A photocopy of your proof of ownership is sufficient. If you are mailing your process, make sure your copies are clear and legible.

How much does a replacement title cost in Missouri?

The fee for a standard replacement title is typically under $20, but the exact amount varies and may change. Check the Motor Vehicle Bureau's current fee schedule on the Secretary of State website before you submit your request. Expedited processing costs additional.

What if the Motor Vehicle Bureau says I do not own the vehicle?

This usually means there is a discrepancy in the records—for example, a previous owner's name is still on file, or there is an outstanding lien. Contact the Motor Vehicle Bureau directly with your VIN and proof of purchase. They can explain what is on record and what documents you need to clear up the issue.