What you need to get a Missouri vehicle title

To get a vehicle title in Missouri, you submit an process for Missouri Title and License (Form DOR 108) to your county assessor's office, along with proof of ownership and payment of the title fee. The form itself is straightforward — it asks for your name, address, vehicle identification number (VIN), and details about how you own the vehicle (alone, jointly, or through a business). What matters most is having the right documents to back it up.

The documents you bring depend on how you got the vehicle. If you bought it from a dealer, you need the manufacturer's certificate of origin or the previous owner's title. If you bought it from a private seller, you need the signed title from that person. If the vehicle is new and has never been titled in Missouri, bring the manufacturer's certificate. If you inherited the vehicle, you need the title plus a death certificate and proof you are the legal heir — usually a will or court order.

Missouri charges a title fee that varies by vehicle weight and type. The assessor's office in your county sets the exact amount, so call ahead or check their website to know what to bring. You will also need to show a photo ID and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address works).

Key Takeaways

  • You explore for a Missouri title at your county assessor's office using Form DOR 108, not at a state office.
  • You must bring the previous owner's signed title, a manufacturer's certificate, or proof of inheritance depending on how you obtained the vehicle.
  • Title fees vary by county and vehicle weight, so contact your assessor's office before you go to confirm the cost.
  • Processing typically takes one to two weeks, and you can check the status by calling your county assessor's office.
  • If the previous owner's name is misspelled on the title or the lien holder information is wrong, you will need to correct it before the new title is issued.

Where to submit your process in Missouri

You submit your process in person at your county assessor's office, not at the Missouri Department of Revenue. Each county runs its own title office, so the location and hours depend on where you live. You can find your county assessor's contact information and office hours on the Missouri Assessor's Association website or by searching "[your county name] assessor's office."

Some counties allow you to mail in your process if you cannot visit in person, but most require you to appear with your documents so staff can verify them. Call your assessor's office first to ask whether mail-in submission is an option and what additional steps you would need to take. If you mail documents, include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the office can return your title when it is ready.

Documents to bring and how to prepare them

Gather these documents before you go to the assessor's office. The previous owner's title must be signed by the person whose name appears on it — if two names are on the title, both must sign. If the title is from out of state, bring that along with any lien release letter if the vehicle was financed. If you do not have the previous title because it was lost, the assessor's office can help you request a duplicate from the state where the vehicle was last titled.

For a new vehicle, bring the manufacturer's certificate of origin (also called a factory-issued title or MCO). This document comes from the dealer and proves the vehicle is new. If you bought the vehicle at a dealership and they are handling the title work, ask them for a copy of the MCO so you have it for your records.

If you inherited the vehicle, bring the title plus a death certificate (an official copy, not a photocopy) and a document showing you are the legal heir. This might be a will, a probate court order, or a letter of testamentary from the probate court. If the vehicle is part of an estate that is still in probate, the court may need to approve the title transfer before the assessor's office can issue one in your name.

Bring your photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. If your address on your ID does not match your current address, bring both documents to show the change.

Correcting errors on the title before you explore

If the previous owner's name is misspelled on the title, or if the lien holder information is wrong, you should correct it before you submit your process. Ask the previous owner to contact the state where the title was issued and request a corrected title. This usually takes a few weeks, so start this process as soon as you discover the error.

If the previous owner is unavailable or unwilling to correct the error, the assessor's office may still issue you a title in Missouri, but the error will carry over. This can cause problems later if you try to sell the vehicle or if the lien holder (usually a bank) disputes the title. It is worth the wait to get the error fixed first.

If the vehicle has a lien on it (meaning a bank or finance company owns it until you pay off the loan), the lien holder's name and address must appear on the title. When you pay off the loan, ask the lien holder to send you a lien release letter. Bring this letter to the assessor's office when you explore for a new title, and Missouri will issue one with no lien on it.

Timeline and what happens after you submit

After you submit your process and documents, the assessor's office will review them for completeness. If everything is in order, they will process your process and issue your title. Most counties complete this within one to two weeks, though some may take longer if they are busy or if they need to verify information with another state.

You can call your county assessor's office to check on the status of your process. Have your VIN and process date ready when you call. Some counties also allow you to check status online through their website.

When your title is ready, the assessor's office will notify you. You can pick it up in person, or if you submitted by mail, they will send it to the address you provided. Keep your title in a safe place — you will need it if you sell the vehicle, refinance a loan, or register it in another state.

What to do if you cannot find the previous owner's title

If the previous owner lost the title or cannot find it, you can still get a Missouri title, but the process takes longer. Ask the previous owner to contact the state where the vehicle was last titled and request a duplicate title. They will need to provide the VIN and proof of ownership (usually a registration or insurance card). The state will issue a duplicate, which the previous owner can then sign and give to you.

If the previous owner is unreachable or refuses to cooperate, contact your county assessor's office and explain the situation. Some counties have a process for issuing a title when the previous owner's title cannot be located, but it usually requires a notarized statement from you explaining why you do not have it. The assessor's office can tell you what they need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a Missouri title if the vehicle is still financed?

Yes. Bring the title with the lien holder's name on it, along with proof that you are making payments (a loan statement or payment receipt). The lien holder's name will appear on your new Missouri title. When you pay off the loan, get a lien release letter from the lender and take it back to the assessor's office to get a title with no lien.

What if I bought the vehicle from a private seller and they will not sign the title?

You cannot get a title without the previous owner's signature on the back of the title. If the seller refuses to sign, you do not legally own the vehicle. Contact the seller again and explain that you need their signature to complete the purchase. If they still refuse, you may need to consult a lawyer about your options.

How much does a Missouri vehicle title cost?

The fee varies by county and vehicle weight. Call your county assessor's office to find out the exact amount before you go. Fees typically range from $10 to $50 for standard passenger vehicles, but heavier vehicles or commercial vehicles may cost more.

Can I get a title if the vehicle has been sitting unused for years?

Yes, as long as you have the previous owner's signed title or proof of ownership. The age of the vehicle does not matter. If the title is very old or damaged, the assessor's office may ask you to provide additional proof of ownership, such as an old registration or insurance card.

What if I move to a different county in Missouri after I get my title?

Your Missouri title is valid statewide, so you do not need to reapply or transfer it to a new county. If you get a new driver's license with your new address, your title remains the same.