What a Missouri car title is and who needs one

A Missouri car title is the state document that proves you own a vehicle. It lists the vehicle identification number (VIN), the owner's name and address, any lienholders (like a bank that financed the car), and the odometer reading at the time of transfer. You need a title to sell the car, register it, get a loan against it, or prove ownership if there's a dispute.

Missouri issues titles through the Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau. If you bought a car in Missouri, the seller should have given you the title as part of the sale. If you bought from out of state, you'll need to get a Missouri title before you can legally register the vehicle here. If your title is lost, damaged, or never arrived, you'll need to request a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri titles are issued by the Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau, and you can request a replacement or duplicate in person, by mail, or online through their website.
  • A replacement title costs $6.50 and takes about two weeks by mail; in-person service at a license office is faster but requires a trip to a physical location.
  • You'll need to provide proof of ownership, your driver's license or ID, and a completed Form DOR 108 (process for Duplicate Title) or Form DOR 108-A (for vehicles with liens).
  • If you're transferring a title from another state, Missouri requires an out-of-state title, a bill of sale, and proof of inspection before you can get a Missouri title.
  • Titles with liens show the lender's name and cannot be transferred until the lien is paid off and released by the lender.

How to request a duplicate or replacement title in Missouri

You have three ways to request a replacement title: online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, by mail, or in person at a Missouri license office. The online option is the fastest if you have a credit card and a valid Missouri driver's license or ID. You'll fill out the request, pay the $6.50 fee, and the title will be mailed to you within about two weeks.

To request by mail, complete Form DOR 108 (process for Duplicate Title) and mail it with a copy of your driver's license or ID, proof of ownership (such as a current registration or previous title), and a check or money order for $6.50 to the Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau. The address is listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date they receive your packet.

In-person requests at a Missouri license office are processed the same day or within a few days. Bring your driver's license or ID, proof of ownership, and payment. Call ahead to confirm your local office accepts title requests, as some smaller offices do not.

What documents you need to provide

The core documents are your current driver's license or state ID, proof of ownership, and the completed process form. Proof of ownership can be a current vehicle registration, a previous title, a bill of sale, or a court order awarding you the vehicle. If you don't have any of these, contact the Motor Vehicle Bureau to ask what alternative documents they will accept.

If the vehicle has a lien (a loan or security interest), use Form DOR 108-A instead of Form DOR 108. You'll also need written permission from the lienholders to request a duplicate title. If there are multiple lienholders, each one must provide written consent. This step prevents someone from fraudulently obtaining a title to a vehicle that's still being financed.

If you're requesting a title for a vehicle you inherited, bring a copy of the will or a court document showing you are the legal heir. If the vehicle was transferred to you as a gift, bring a bill of sale signed by the previous owner stating the transfer was a gift (price of $0).

Transferring an out-of-state title to Missouri

If you bought a car in another state and now live in Missouri, you must get a Missouri title before you can register it here. Start by obtaining the out-of-state title from the state where you bought the vehicle. You'll also need a bill of sale signed by the previous owner, your driver's license or ID, and proof of a Missouri vehicle inspection.

The vehicle inspection must be done by a Missouri state trooper or an authorized inspection station. This inspection verifies that the vehicle's VIN matches the title and that the odometer reading is accurate. Once you have the inspection certificate, take all documents to a Missouri license office or mail them to the Motor Vehicle Bureau with the title transfer fee (currently $6.50) and any applicable sales tax.

Processing an out-of-state title transfer typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, you can drive the vehicle on a temporary permit if you've already registered it; ask at the license office whether you need one.

Titles with liens and how they affect ownership

A lien is a legal claim on the vehicle by a lender (usually a bank or credit union) that financed your purchase. When a lien exists, the lender's name appears on the title, and you cannot sell or transfer the vehicle until the lien is removed. The lender holds the title as security until you pay off the loan.

Once you pay off the loan, the lender must file a lien release with the Missouri Department of Revenue. You should receive a copy of this release. If you don't, contact the lender and ask them to send it to you. With the lien release in hand, you can then request a new title showing you as the sole owner with no lien.

If you're buying a vehicle that still has a lien, the seller's lender will typically handle the payoff and lien release at the time of sale. The title transfer won't be complete until the lien is released, so don't take possession of the vehicle until the paperwork is finished.

What to do if your title never arrived or was damaged

If you bought a vehicle in Missouri and the seller gave you the title but it never arrived in the mail, or if it arrived damaged, request a duplicate using the same process as a lost title. Bring or mail proof that you own the vehicle (such as a bill of sale from the seller or a current registration) along with your ID and the $6.50 fee.

If the title was damaged but still readable, you can mail it in with your request and explain the damage. The Motor Vehicle Bureau will issue a replacement. If the title is illegible or partially destroyed, include a note explaining what happened so the bureau knows why you're submitting a damaged document.

If you're unsure whether your title was ever issued, contact the Motor Vehicle Bureau directly. They can look up your vehicle by VIN and tell you whether a title was filed in your name. If no title was ever issued, the bureau can help you determine what went wrong and what steps to take next.

Common issues and what they mean for your title

A title marked "salvage" means the vehicle was declared a total loss by an insurance company and has been repaired. A salvage title is legal to own and drive, but the vehicle is worth less and may be harder to sell. Some insurance companies won't insure a salvage vehicle, and some lenders won't finance one.

A title marked "flood" or "water damage" means the vehicle was submerged or heavily damaged by water. Like a salvage title, a flood title is legal but affects resale value and insurance. Before buying a vehicle with a flood title, have a mechanic inspect it for hidden damage.

A title marked "rebuilt" means the vehicle was previously salvage but has been repaired and inspected to meet safety standards. A rebuilt title is legal and the vehicle can be driven and insured, though it will be worth less than an identical vehicle with a clean title.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement title in Missouri?

By mail, two to three weeks from the date the Motor Vehicle Bureau receives your packet. Online requests take about two weeks. In-person requests at a license office are usually processed the same day or within a few days. Call your local office first to confirm they handle title requests.

Can I register my vehicle while waiting for a replacement title?

You can register a vehicle using a temporary permit or a bill of sale while the title is being processed. Ask at your local license office whether you need a temporary permit. Once the new title arrives, you'll update your registration if needed.

What if I lost the title and don't have any proof of ownership?

Contact the Motor Vehicle Bureau directly. They can look up your vehicle by VIN and may be able to issue a replacement based on their records. If you have a current registration, that counts as proof of ownership. If not, ask the bureau what alternative documents they will accept.

Do I need the original title to sell my car in Missouri?

Yes. The buyer needs the signed title to register the vehicle in their name. If you've lost the title, request a replacement before you sell. The replacement title is legal and serves the same purpose as the original.

What happens if someone else's name is on the title with mine?

Both owners must sign the title to transfer it. If you want to remove the other person's name, you'll need their signature and consent. If you can't reach them or they refuse, you may need a court order. Contact the Motor Vehicle Bureau for guidance on your specific situation.