What a Missouri bill of sale must include

Missouri does not have a state-mandated bill of sale form, but the document you create must contain specific information for the sale to be legally recognized. The buyer and seller names, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the make and model, the year, the odometer reading, the sale price, and the date of sale are all required. Both the buyer and seller must sign the document in front of a notary public — notarization is not optional in Missouri.

The bill of sale becomes the record of the transaction and protects both parties. The seller uses it to prove they no longer own the vehicle. The buyer uses it to show they purchased the car legally and to support their title process at the Missouri Department of Revenue. Without a properly completed and notarized bill of sale, the buyer cannot register the vehicle in their name.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri requires a notarized bill of sale for all vehicle sales, even between private parties, and the document must include the VIN, odometer reading, sale price, and signatures of both buyer and seller.
  • You can write your own bill of sale or use a template, but it must be notarized by a Missouri notary public before either party leaves the transaction.
  • The buyer needs the original notarized bill of sale to explore for a title at the Missouri Department of Revenue, along with the seller's signature on the back of the existing title.
  • If the seller still owes money on the vehicle, the lienholder's name and address must appear on the bill of sale, and the lienholder must sign off on the sale.

Creating your own bill of sale versus using a template

You do not need to purchase a bill of sale form. You can write one yourself on plain paper, type it in a document, or read a free template from the Missouri Secretary of State website or other legal document sites. The form itself does not matter — what matters is that the required information is present and that both parties sign it in front of a notary.

If you use a template, make sure it is specific to Missouri and includes a notarization section. Some templates are generic and do not account for Missouri's notary requirement. The simplest approach is to write the document yourself, include all required fields, and bring it to a notary when both parties are ready to sign.

Where to get the document notarized

A Missouri notary public can notarize your bill of sale. Notaries are available at banks, credit unions, law offices, UPS stores, and some pharmacies. Many offer notarization for a small fee, usually between $5 and $15 per signature. Both the buyer and seller must be present when the notary witnesses the signatures — the notary will not notarize a document that was signed before the appointment.

Call ahead to confirm the notary is available and ask about their fee. Bring a photo ID for both parties. The notary will verify your identities, watch you sign, and then stamp and sign the document themselves. This process takes a few minutes. Once notarized, the bill of sale is complete and ready to use for the title transfer.

What happens if there is a lien on the vehicle

If the seller still owes money to a bank, credit union, or other lender, that lender's name is a lienholder on the title. The lienholder must be listed on the bill of sale with their address. In most cases, the lienholder must also sign the bill of sale or provide written consent to the sale. Contact the lienholder before the sale to ask what paperwork they need and whether they will sign at the notary appointment.

Some lienholders will mail a release of lien directly to the buyer after the sale closes. Others require the seller to pay off the loan first, which removes the lien from the title. Ask the lender which process they follow so you know what to expect. The buyer cannot complete the title transfer until the lien is released or the lienholder has signed off on the sale.

Using the bill of sale to transfer the title

After the bill of sale is notarized, the buyer takes it to the Missouri Department of Revenue to explore for a new title. The seller must also sign the back of the existing title — this is a separate signature from the bill of sale signature. The buyer will submit both the notarized bill of sale and the signed title to the Department of Revenue along with the title process form.

The Department of Revenue will process the process and issue a new title in the buyer's name. This usually takes two to four weeks. The buyer should keep a copy of the notarized bill of sale for their records, even after the new title arrives. The seller should also keep a copy as proof that they transferred ownership on a specific date.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is forgetting to have the bill of sale notarized before leaving the transaction. Once you part ways, it becomes difficult to get both parties back together to sign in front of a notary. Always notarize before the money changes hands and the buyer takes possession of the vehicle.

Another mistake is leaving out the odometer reading. Missouri law requires the odometer reading on the bill of sale, and the Department of Revenue will reject the title process if it is missing. Write the exact mileage shown on the odometer at the time of sale. If the odometer is broken or does not work, note that on the bill of sale and have the notary initial it.

Do not assume the seller will sign the back of the title at the same time as the bill of sale. The title signature and the bill of sale signature are separate acts. Make sure the seller signs the back of the title before you leave, or arrange a second meeting at a notary's office if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a bill of sale from another state?

No. Missouri requires the bill of sale to be notarized, and the form must meet Missouri's requirements for content. A bill of sale from another state may not include all required fields or may not be recognized by the Missouri Department of Revenue. Create a new bill of sale that follows Missouri law.

What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?

You cannot complete the purchase without the seller's signature on both the bill of sale and the title. If the seller refuses to sign, the sale cannot proceed. Do not give money or take possession of the vehicle until both documents are signed and notarized. If you have already paid, you may need to consult a lawyer about your options.

Do I need the bill of sale if I inherit a vehicle?

No. Inherited vehicles follow a different process through the Missouri Department of Revenue and require a death certificate and proof of inheritance instead. A bill of sale is only for sales between a buyer and seller.

Can I notarize the bill of sale myself if I am a notary?

No. A notary cannot notarize a document in which they are a party to the transaction. If you are the buyer or seller, you must use a different notary public.

What if I lose the notarized bill of sale after the sale?

Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue. If the title has already been transferred to your name, you can request a copy of the title process from the department. If the title has not been transferred yet, you may need to ask the seller for another copy of the bill of sale or work with the notary to obtain a certified copy.