What you need to do to get a Missouri vehicle title

To get a Missouri title, you submit an process to the Missouri Department of Revenue's Motor Vehicle Bureau along with proof of ownership, proof of identity, and payment. The process differs depending on whether you're titling a vehicle you just bought, one you inherited, or one you already own but never titled. Most applications are processed within two to four weeks, though the exact timeline depends on whether the Motor Vehicle Bureau needs to request records from another state or lender.

You can submit your process in person at a Missouri license office, by mail to the Motor Vehicle Bureau, or through certain third-party services. The in-person route is fastest if you have all documents ready and your local office isn't backed up. Mail takes longer but works if you can't visit an office. Third-party services charge a fee but handle the paperwork for you.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a completed Form 108 (process for Missouri Title), proof of ownership such as a bill of sale or previous title, and a government-issued photo ID.
  • If the vehicle has a lien, the lienholder's name and address must be on the process, and some lienholders require their own signature or a separate form.
  • The fee for a Missouri title is $11.50 for a standard title, plus an additional $5 if you want a duplicate or corrected title.
  • Processing takes two to four weeks by mail or in person, but may take longer if the Motor Vehicle Bureau needs to contact another state's DMV or verify information with a lender.
  • You can check the status of your process by contacting the Motor Vehicle Bureau directly, though they do not offer online status tracking.

Documents you need before you start

The core documents are Form 108 (process for Missouri Title), proof of ownership, and proof of identity. You can read Form 108 from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or pick one up at any license office.

Proof of ownership depends on your situation. If you bought the vehicle from a dealer, bring the manufacturer's certificate of origin or the previous title. If you bought it from a private seller, bring a bill of sale signed by both you and the seller, along with the previous title if one exists. If the vehicle is new and has never been titled, bring the manufacturer's certificate of origin. If you inherited the vehicle, bring the death certificate and a copy of the will or court order showing you inherited it.

For proof of identity, bring a government-issued photo ID such as a Missouri driver's license, passport, or military ID. If you're explore by mail, you'll need to provide a photocopy. If you're explore in person, you can show the original.

If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a bank or lender holds a security interest), you must include the lienholder's name and address on the process. Some lienholders require their own signature on the title process or a separate lienholder authorization form. Contact your lender before you submit to ask whether they need to sign anything.

how the process works in person at a Missouri license office

Bring your completed Form 108, proof of ownership, proof of identity, and the $11.50 fee to any Missouri license office. You can find the office nearest you on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you're explore for a title. Hand over your documents and fee. The clerk will review everything on the spot and tell you if anything is missing or incorrect. If everything is in order, they'll submit your process and give you a receipt showing your process number. Keep this receipt — you'll need it if you want to check on your process later.

Processing takes two to four weeks from the date you submit. You don't need to do anything while you wait. The Motor Vehicle Bureau will mail your title to the address you provided on the process.

how the process works by mail

Prepare your Form 108, photocopy of your proof of ownership, photocopy of your proof of identity, and a check or money order for $11.50. Do not send cash. Mail everything to the Motor Vehicle Bureau at the address listed on Form 108 (currently P.O. Box 100, Jefferson City, MO 65105, though you should verify the current address on the form itself).

Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and email address so the Motor Vehicle Bureau can contact you if they have questions. Mail takes five to seven business days to arrive, and processing takes another two to four weeks after that. You can expect your title in the mail four to six weeks after you send your process.

If the Motor Vehicle Bureau needs more information, they will contact you using the phone number or email you provided. Respond as quickly as you can, because delays in responding can push your processing time past four weeks.

Using a third-party service to handle the process

Missouri allows certain third-party services to submit title applications on your behalf. These services charge a fee (typically $25 to $75 depending on the service) but save you the trip to a license office and handle the paperwork. You can find these services by searching online for "Missouri title service" or asking at your local license office for a referral.

When you use a third-party service, you'll still need to provide all the same documents — Form 108, proof of ownership, and proof of identity. Some services will prepare the form for you; others will ask you to fill it out yourself. You'll pay the service's fee plus the $11.50 state fee. Processing time is the same as if you applied in person or by mail, so the third-party service doesn't speed up the Motor Vehicle Bureau's work.

Before you choose a service, confirm that it's authorized by the Missouri Department of Revenue. Not all title services are legitimate, and some charge inflated fees or make false promises about processing speed.

Special situations: liens, out-of-state vehicles, and inherited titles

If your vehicle has a lien, the lienholder's name and address must appear on the title process. Some lienholders will sign the process themselves; others will send you a separate authorization form to include. Call your lender and ask what they need from you before you submit. If the lienholder doesn't respond or refuses to cooperate, you may not be able to get a title until the lien is paid off.

If you're titling a vehicle that was previously registered in another state, the Motor Vehicle Bureau may need to request records from that state's DMV. This can add one to two weeks to processing time. Bring any documentation from the other state that you have, such as a previous title or registration, to speed up the process.

If you inherited a vehicle, you'll need to provide the death certificate of the previous owner and a copy of the will or court order showing that you inherited it. If the vehicle still has a lien in the deceased owner's name, you may need to work with the lienholder to transfer the lien to your name or pay it off before you can get a title in your name alone.

What happens after you submit your process

The Motor Vehicle Bureau will process your process and mail your title to the address you provided. You don't receive a tracking number or email confirmation, so you won't know exactly when it's coming. If you haven't received your title within six weeks, contact the Motor Vehicle Bureau by phone or visit a license office in person to check the status. Have your process receipt ready when you call.

Once you receive your title, check it for errors. The title should show your name as the owner, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the make and model, the year, and the lienholder's name if applicable. If anything is wrong, you'll need to explore for a corrected title, which costs an additional $5.

Keep your title in a safe place. You'll need it if you sell the vehicle, trade it in, or register it in another state. Missouri does not issue a separate registration card; your title serves as proof of ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Missouri title cost?

A standard Missouri title costs $11.50. If you need a duplicate or corrected title, add $5 to that amount. If you use a third-party service, you'll also pay their fee, which typically ranges from $25 to $75.

Can I get a title if the vehicle has a lien?

Yes. The lienholder's name will appear on the title, and they have a legal claim to the vehicle until the loan is paid off. You'll need the lienholder's permission and signature (or a separate authorization form) before you submit your process.

What if I lost the previous title or bill of sale?

If you have neither the previous title nor a bill of sale, contact the Motor Vehicle Bureau to ask what alternative documents they'll accept. You may be able to use a notarized statement from the seller, a receipt, or other proof of purchase. The Motor Vehicle Bureau can also request records from the previous owner's state if the vehicle was titled elsewhere.

How long does it take to get a Missouri title?

Processing takes two to four weeks from the date you submit your process. If you explore in person or by mail, add the time it takes to get to the office or for mail to arrive. If the Motor Vehicle Bureau needs to contact another state or verify information with a lender, processing may take longer.

Can I drive the vehicle while I wait for my title?

You can drive the vehicle if you have a valid registration. Your title process receipt is not a registration. If your vehicle is not yet registered in Missouri, you'll need to register it separately before you can legally drive it on public roads.