What you need to get a Missouri title
A Missouri title is the document that proves you own a vehicle. To get one, you'll submit an process to your county assessor's office along with proof of ownership, proof of identity, and a completed form. The process takes about two to four weeks from the day the assessor's office receives your complete process.
You do not need to visit in person for most title applications — you can mail documents or use an online service if your county offers one. However, some situations (like a vehicle with a lien, or one you inherited) require additional paperwork or an in-person visit.
Key Takeaways
- Submit your title process to your county assessor's office, not to the state — each county handles its own titles.
- You will need the vehicle's bill of sale or previous title, a completed Form 108 (process for Missouri Title), and a government-issued ID.
- If the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), the lender must sign the title process or provide a lien release letter.
- Processing takes two to four weeks; some counties offer online submission or mail-in options to avoid a trip to the office.
- The title fee varies by county but typically ranges from $10 to $50 depending on the vehicle's age and type.
Documents you'll need before you visit or mail
Start by gathering the bill of sale or the previous title. If you bought the vehicle from a private seller, you need a signed bill of sale showing the seller's name, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, and the date. If you bought it from a dealer, they usually provide this. If the vehicle is new and you have the manufacturer's certificate of origin, that works instead.
Next, complete Form 108 (process for Missouri Title). You can read it from your county assessor's website or pick it up at their office. Fill in your name, address, the vehicle's VIN, make, model, and year. Sign and date the form — do not sign it before you arrive at the office if they require a notary witness, which some counties do.
Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you're explore by mail, include a photocopy. You'll also need proof of residency if your ID doesn't show your current address; a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days works.
If the vehicle has a lien (you still owe money on a loan), the lender must either sign the title process or provide a separate lien release letter. Contact your lender and ask them what they require — some will mail the signed form directly to the assessor's office.
How to submit your process by mail or online
Check your county assessor's website to see whether they accept mail-in or online submissions. Many Missouri counties now allow you to mail documents or upload them through a county portal. If your county offers online submission, you'll create an account, upload scans of your documents, and pay the fee by credit card.
For mail-in submission, send your completed Form 108, bill of sale or previous title, a photocopy of your ID, and a check or money order for the title fee to your county assessor's office. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and email so they can contact you if something is missing. Mail it certified with return receipt so you have proof it arrived.
Processing time is usually two to four weeks from the day the office receives your process. Some counties are faster; others slower depending on volume. If you haven't heard back after four weeks, call the assessor's office and ask for a status update using your receipt number or process tracking number.
When you need to visit the office in person
You must visit your county assessor's office if the vehicle has a lien and the lender requires a notary witness on the title process. You'll also need to go in person if you're explore for a title on a vehicle you inherited, because the assessor will need to see the death certificate and any probate documents.
If the vehicle's VIN doesn't match the bill of sale or previous title, or if there are other discrepancies in the paperwork, the assessor may ask you to come in to explain. Bring all original documents, not copies, and be prepared to answer questions about how you obtained the vehicle.
Some counties require an in-person inspection of the vehicle itself before issuing a title, especially for vehicles with no previous Missouri title or for rebuilt or salvage titles. The assessor will verify the VIN matches the process and the vehicle's condition. Call ahead to ask whether your county requires this.
Title fees and what affects the cost
Missouri title fees are set by each county, so the cost varies. Most counties charge between $10 and $50 for a standard title. The fee may be higher if the vehicle is new, if it's a commercial vehicle, or if you're requesting a duplicate or corrected title.
Some counties charge extra for expedited processing (usually $10 to $25 more) if you need the title faster than the standard two to four weeks. Ask your assessor's office whether this option is available and what the timeline would be.
Payment methods vary by county. Most accept checks, money orders, and cash at the office. If you're submitting online, you can usually pay by credit or debit card. If you're mailing, send a check or money order — do not send cash through the mail.
What happens after the assessor approves your process
Once the assessor's office approves your process, they will mail the title to the address you provided. The title is a multi-part document; you'll receive the owner's copy. Keep it in a safe place — you'll need it if you sell the vehicle, trade it in, or renew your registration.
If you have a lien on the vehicle, the lender's copy of the title will be mailed to them, not to you. You won't receive a physical copy until the lien is paid off and the lender releases it. At that point, you can request a corrected title showing you as the sole owner.
If you don't receive your title within six weeks of submitting your process, contact the assessor's office. Bring your receipt or tracking number. If the title was lost in the mail, the office can issue a duplicate.
Special situations: inherited vehicles, salvage titles, and out-of-state transfers
If you inherited a vehicle, you'll need the death certificate and either a will showing the vehicle was left to you or a letter from the estate executor. Some counties require these documents to be certified copies. You may also need to show proof that any estate taxes have been paid. Contact your county assessor before you submit to ask what they need.
A salvage title is issued for a vehicle that has been declared a total loss by an insurance company or was damaged in a flood or accident. To get a salvage title in Missouri, you'll need the insurance company's declaration and proof of the vehicle's condition. Salvage titles cannot be converted to regular titles; the vehicle must be repaired and inspected by the Highway Patrol before it can be driven legally.
If you're moving to Missouri from another state and want to transfer your out-of-state title, you'll submit your previous title along with Form 108 and your ID. The assessor will issue a Missouri title in exchange. Some states require a release or lien clearance letter before you can transfer the title; check with your previous state's motor vehicle department if you're unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive the vehicle before I have the title?
No. You need a title or a temporary permit to register the vehicle and get license plates. Some dealers provide a temporary permit valid for 30 days while you wait for the title. If you don't have one, contact your county assessor about a temporary permit or ask the seller whether they can provide one.
What if the bill of sale is missing the seller's signature?
Contact the seller and ask them to sign it. If you cannot reach the seller, some counties will accept a notarized statement from you explaining the situation, though this may delay processing. Call your assessor's office and describe what you have; they'll tell you whether it's acceptable.
Do I need the title if I'm only renewing my vehicle registration?
No. You need your current registration card and proof of insurance to renew. You only need the title if you're transferring ownership, getting a duplicate, or correcting information on the existing title.
How long does a Missouri title last?
A Missouri title does not expire. It remains valid as long as you own the vehicle. If you sell the vehicle, you'll sign the back of the title and give it to the buyer, who will then submit it to their county assessor to transfer ownership.
What if there's a mistake on the title after I receive it?
Contact your county assessor and request a corrected title. You'll need to submit a written request explaining the error, along with your current title and proof of the correct information (like a bill of sale or vehicle registration). There may be a small fee for a corrected title.