What you need to do to replace a lost title in Missouri
To replace a lost title in Missouri, you file Form DOR-108 (process for Duplicate or Triplicate Title) with the Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau. You can submit it by mail, in person at a regional office, or online through the Missouri sos.mo.gov portal. The process takes 10 to 15 business days by mail, or same-day if you go in person. You will need to provide proof of ownership, proof of identity, and pay a fee—currently $6.50 for a duplicate title, though fees can change.
The state will not issue a new title without proof that you own the vehicle. This means you cannot straightforward walk in and request one; you must document your ownership through registration records, a bill of sale, or previous title documentation. If your vehicle is financed, the lienholder's name appears on the title, and you may need their written consent to obtain a duplicate.
Key Takeaways
- File Form DOR-108 with the Missouri Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Bureau by mail, in person, or online.
- You must provide a government-issued photo ID, proof of vehicle ownership (registration or bill of sale), and the $6.50 fee.
- Processing takes 10 to 15 business days by mail or the same day if you visit a regional office in person.
- If a lienholder is listed on your title, you may need their written permission to obtain a duplicate.
- You can check your process status online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website after submission.
Documents and information you will need to gather
Before you file, collect your government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). You also need proof that you own the vehicle. This can be your current vehicle registration, a bill of sale signed by the previous owner, or any official document showing your name as the owner. If you have a copy of your original title, bring that too—it helps the state locate your records faster.
Write down your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which appears on your registration, insurance card, or the dashboard of your car. You will also need the vehicle's make, model, year, and license plate number. If the vehicle is financed, have the lienholder's name and address ready. The state uses this information to cross-reference their records and confirm you are the registered owner.
How to submit Form DOR-108
You have three ways to file. By mail: Print Form DOR-108 from the Missouri Department of Revenue website, fill it out completely, include copies of your ID and proof of ownership, and mail it with the $6.50 fee (check or money order) to the Motor Vehicle Bureau address listed on the form. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the title mailed back to you.
In person: Visit any Missouri Department of Revenue regional office with your completed form, original ID, proof of ownership, and $6.50 cash or card. You can find office locations and hours on the Missouri sos.mo.gov website. Processing is when ready, and you leave with your duplicate title the same day.
Online: If you have a Missouri driver's license or state ID, you can file through the Missouri sos.mo.gov portal. You will upload images of your ID and proof of ownership, pay the fee by card, and receive your duplicate title by mail within 10 to 15 business days. This method is faster than mailing a paper form but slower than going in person.
What happens if a lienholder is on your title
A lienholder is a bank, credit union, or finance company that holds a security interest in your vehicle because you borrowed money to buy it. Their name appears on your title, and they have legal rights to the vehicle until the loan is paid off. When you request a duplicate title, Missouri will issue it with the lienholder's name still listed.
Some lienholders require written permission before you can obtain a duplicate. Contact your lender and ask whether they need to sign off on your request. If they do, they will provide a letter of authorization that you include with your Form DOR-108. If you do not have this letter and the lienholder requires it, the state may delay or deny your request. Once your loan is paid in full, you can request a new title with only your name on it by filing Form DOR-108 again and providing proof of payoff from the lender.
Processing time and what to expect
By mail, your duplicate title arrives in 10 to 15 business days from the date the Motor Vehicle Bureau receives your form. This does not include mail transit time, so plan for two to three weeks total. In person, you receive your title when ready and can drive away with it the same day. Online submission takes 10 to 15 business days for delivery by mail.
After you submit your form, you can check the status of your request online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website using your driver's license number or the confirmation number provided at submission. If your process is delayed or rejected, the state will contact you by mail or phone. Common reasons for rejection include incomplete forms, missing proof of ownership, or a mismatch between the name on your ID and the name on the vehicle registration.
What to do if your process is denied
If the Motor Vehicle Bureau denies your request, they will send you a letter explaining why. The most common reasons are a missing signature, illegible documents, or a discrepancy in your name or VIN. Read the letter carefully and correct the issue. You can resubmit Form DOR-108 with the corrected information and pay the fee again.
If there is a title dispute—for example, if someone else claims ownership of the vehicle—the state may hold your process pending investigation. Contact the Motor Vehicle Bureau directly at the phone number on your denial letter. They can tell you what additional documentation or legal action is needed to resolve the dispute. In rare cases, you may need a court order or notarized affidavit to prove ownership.
Protecting yourself after you receive your duplicate title
Once you have your new title, store it in a safe place—a fireproof safe, safety deposit box, or find folder at home. Do not leave it in your vehicle. Make a photocopy and keep it separate from the original. If you lose this title too, you will have to file Form DOR-108 again and pay another $6.50 fee.
Update your insurance company and lienholder (if applicable) with your new title information. Some lenders require proof that you have obtained a duplicate. Keep records of your submission, including the confirmation number and date filed, in case you need to reference them later for a vehicle sale, loan process, or dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register or sell my car without a title?
No. Missouri law requires a title to register a vehicle or transfer ownership. You cannot legally sell your car without providing the buyer with the original title. If you are selling before your duplicate arrives, ask the Motor Vehicle Bureau for a temporary registration or hold the sale until you receive your new title.
What if I never received the original title when I bought the car?
Contact the seller or the dealership and ask them to provide a copy of the title or proof that it was mailed to you. If the seller cannot help, file Form DOR-108 as if the title were lost. The state will research their records. You may also need a bill of sale or notarized statement from the seller confirming the sale to you.
How much does a duplicate title cost?
The fee is $6.50 in Missouri. This covers the cost of processing and issuing your duplicate title. Fees are subject to change, so check the Missouri Department of Revenue website before you submit your form to confirm the current amount.
Can someone else pick up my duplicate title for me?
If you file in person, you must be present with your ID to receive the title. If you file by mail or online, the title is mailed to the address you provide on the form. You cannot authorize someone else to pick it up at a Motor Vehicle Bureau office unless you have a power of attorney document on file with the state.
What if my name has changed since the original title was issued?
Provide your current government-issued ID and a document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Include both your old and new names on Form DOR-108 so the state can match your records. The duplicate title will be issued in your current legal name.