How to Fill Out a Missouri Car Title When Selling

Selling a car in Missouri and staring at the title? You’re not alone if you feel a little nervous. This single document is the key to a legal sale, and a simple mistake can cause major headaches for both you and the buyer.

To correctly fill out a Missouri car title when selling, you must accurately complete the “Assignment of Title” section on the back of the document. This involves recording the exact odometer reading, the final sale price, and the date of sale. All owners listed on the front of the title must print and sign their names using blue or black ink. No alterations or corrections are allowed.

Based on official Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) guidelines and real-world experience, this guide provides a complete walkthrough. You’ll discover the exact documents you need, a step-by-step process for each field, and the common mistakes that can void your title, ensuring a smooth and legally sound transfer of ownership.

Key Facts

• Alterations Void the Title: Any correction, erasure, or use of white-out on a Missouri Certificate of Title immediately voids the document, requiring you to apply for a duplicate.
• Liability Release is Critical: Submitting a Notice of Sale (Form 5049) to the DOR within 30 days is the most important step to release yourself from liability for any future tickets or accidents.
• Lien Release is Mandatory: You cannot legally sell a vehicle with an existing loan. A notarized lien release from your lender is required before you can transfer ownership.
• Signatures Must Match: Your signature and printed name in the seller’s section must be an exact match to how your name appears on the front of the title.
• “Title Skipping” is Illegal: Leaving the buyer’s information blank on the title is a crime in Missouri known as “title skipping” or an “open title,” which can lead to penalties.

How Do You Correctly Fill Out a Missouri Car Title When Selling?

To fill out a Missouri car title when selling, you must accurately complete the “Assignment of Title” section on the back of the document. This involves recording the exact odometer reading, sale price, and date. All owners listed on the title must print and sign their names. The purchaser must also print their name and address. Use blue or black ink and make no alterations. The Missouri Certificate of Title is the central legal document in your private car sale. Precision is not just recommended; it’s required for a valid transfer of ownership. Following official Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) guidelines, as outlined in the Missouri Revised Statutes, ensures you avoid costly errors that could void the sale or leave you liable for the vehicle after it’s gone.

This guide breaks down the entire process, making it simple and stress-free. From gathering your documents to the final signature, we’ll walk you through every step.

Here’s what you will learn:
* What documents and information you need before you start.
* A step-by-step guide to filling out each field in the seller’s section.
* The most common and costly mistakes to avoid.
* The final steps to take after the buyer drives away to release your liability.

Pro Tip: Never sign the title until you are with the buyer and have received full payment. A signed title is a negotiable document, and pre-signing it is a significant risk if the sale falls through.

What Documents and Information Do You Need Before Starting?

Before filling out a Missouri car title, you need the original Certificate of Title, a notarized lien release if there was a loan on the car, the current odometer reading, the agreed-upon sale price, and the buyer’s full legal name and address. For most vehicles, a current safety inspection certificate is also required by Missouri state law. Gathering these items beforehand ensures a smooth, error-free process.

Think of this as your pre-flight checklist. Having everything in one place prevents you from having to stop midway through filling out a legal document.

• The Original Certificate of Title: You must have the actual paper title. Photocopies are not accepted.
• Notarized Lien Release (If Applicable): If you had a loan on the car, your lender (the lienholder) must provide you with a notarized document stating the loan is paid. This is non-negotiable. “Notarized” means it was signed by a representative of the lender in front of a Notary Public, who then applied their seal.
• Safety and Emissions Inspection Certificates: For most private sales in Missouri, the seller must provide the buyer with a safety inspection certificate that is less than 60 days old. In certain counties (like St. Louis City and County, Franklin, Jefferson, and St. Charles), an emissions inspection may also be required. Check the DOR website for current 2026 exemptions.
• Buyer’s Information: You need the buyer’s full legal name and current address. Do not use nicknames or abbreviations.
• Sale Details: Have the final sale price and the exact odometer reading ready to go.

Item	Status	Why It’s Required
Original MO Certificate of Title	☐ Gathered	The legal document that transfers ownership. Cannot be a copy.
Notarized Lien Release	☐ Gathered / ☐ N/A	Proof from your lender that the car is fully paid off. Mandatory if a lien is shown on the title.
Safety/Emissions Certificates	☐ Gathered / ☐ N/A	Required by Missouri law for most sales. Check DOR for vehicle age/location exemptions.
Buyer’s Full Legal Name & Address	☐ Verified	Must match the name they will use on their title application. Do not use nicknames.
Current Odometer Reading	☐ Recorded	Federal and state law requires accurate disclosure. Record it on the day of sale.

Experience Cue: A common stall in the selling process is discovering the buyer’s name on their driver’s license doesn’t match what they told you. Always verify their full legal name to prevent them from having issues when they try to register the vehicle.

How Do You Fill Out the ‘Assignment of Title by Seller’ Section? (Step-by-Step)

The ‘Assignment of Title by Seller’ section is on the back of the Missouri title. The seller must enter the current odometer reading without decimals, the full sale price, and the date of sale. Finally, the seller must print their name and sign it exactly as it appears on the front of the title. Every field must be completed with care, as this section legally transfers your ownership.

Let’s break down each field you are responsible for, one by one. Use a pen with blue or black ink only.

Step 1: How Do You Record the Odometer Reading?

On a Missouri title, record the odometer reading using only whole numbers, without any tenths of a mile. Federal and state law requires an accurate statutory odometer disclosure. This is your legal declaration of the vehicle’s mileage at the moment of sale. For example, if the odometer shows 95,520.5, you must write “95520” in the space provided.

You may also see checkboxes next to the odometer field. Here’s what they mean:
* Actual: Check this if you know the mileage displayed is the true and correct mileage of the vehicle. This is the most common selection.
* Not Actual: Check this if you know the odometer has been broken, replaced, or is otherwise inaccurate.
* Exceeds Mechanical Limits: Check this for an older vehicle with a five-digit odometer that has rolled over past 99,999 miles.

Did You Know? Intentionally misrepresenting a vehicle’s mileage is odometer fraud, a federal offense with serious legal consequences. Always be honest and accurate.

Step 2: How Do You Enter the Sale Price and Date?

Enter the full and actual sale price of the vehicle in the designated field. Then, write the date the sale is finalized in the “Date of Sale” field. This date is the day you exchange the vehicle for payment. For a $5,500 sale, you would write “$5500”.

Listing the true sale price is important. While it might seem tempting to write “Gift” or a lower price to help the buyer with sales tax, this can cause major issues for them at the license office and is technically illegal. The price you write on the title should match the price on your Bill of Sale (DOR-1957) for consistency.

Practical Tip: Always use the date the buyer takes possession of the vehicle. This date is your legal cutoff point for any liability related to parking tickets, tolls, or accidents.

Step 3: How Do All Owners Print and Sign Their Names?

First, print your name exactly as it appears on the front of the title in the “Printed Name of Seller” field. Then, sign your name in the “Signature of Seller” field. Your signature must match your legal name on the title. This is the most crucial step, as an incorrect signature will void the transfer.

If there are two owners listed on the front of the title, the word connecting your names is critical:
* “and”: If the names are joined by “and” (e.g., “John Doe and Jane Smith”), both owners must print and sign the title.
* “and/or”: If the names are joined by “and/or” (e.g., “John Doe and/or Jane Smith”), only one of the owners needs to sign.

⛔ CRITICAL WARNING: Do not sign anywhere in the purchaser’s section. Signing in the wrong area is a common and costly mistake that can invalidate the entire Missouri Certificate of Title, forcing you to apply for a duplicate.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out a MO Title?

The most common mistakes on a Missouri title include using white-out or making alterations, signing in the purchaser’s section, and “title skipping” (leaving the buyer’s name blank). Any alteration voids the title, often requiring the seller to apply for a duplicate title. Understanding these pitfalls beforehand can save you significant time and money.

From years of practical experience, we’ve seen these four errors cause the most problems:

1. Mistake: Using White-Out or Striking Through Info
   • Prevention: Write slowly and carefully. Double-check all information before you put pen to paper.
   • Solution: If you make a mistake, stop. Do not try to fix it. A title with any alteration is void. For a very minor error, you might be able to use a General Affidavit (Form 108) to explain the correction, but in most cases, you will need to apply for a duplicate title from the DOR and start over.
2. Mistake: Signing in the Wrong Spot
   • Prevention: Carefully read the sections on the back of the title. The seller’s area is clearly labeled “Assignment of Title by Seller.” The buyer’s area is labeled for the “Purchaser.”
   • Solution: Unfortunately, signing in the buyer’s spot is a major error that almost always requires applying for a duplicate title.
3. Mistake: Incorrect Name or Signature
   • Prevention: Before you sign, look at the front of the title. Your printed name and signature on the back must match it perfectly. If your name is “Robert” on the front, do not sign “Bob” on the back.
   • Solution: This usually requires a duplicate title application.
4. Mistake: Title Skipping
   • Prevention: Never leave the buyer’s information blank. This practice, known as an “open title,” is illegal in Missouri. Always fill in the current buyer’s full legal name and address.
   • Solution: If you’ve been asked to leave a title open, refuse. It puts you at risk and is against the law.

What Do You Do After Selling the Car and Signing the Title?

After selling a car in Missouri, you must report the sale to the Department of Revenue within 30 days using a Notice of Sale (Form 5049). You should also provide the buyer with a Bill of Sale (DOR-1957) and immediately remove your license plates from the vehicle. These final steps are crucial for releasing your liability.

Once the buyer drives away, your job isn’t quite done. Complete these steps to protect yourself legally:

1. File a Notice of Sale (Form 5049): This is the most important post-sale step. It officially notifies the MO DOR that you no longer own the vehicle. This releases your liability. You can mail this form or submit it online.
2. Provide a Bill of Sale (DOR-1957): This document serves as a receipt for the transaction. Give one copy to the buyer and keep one for your records.
3. Remove Your License Plates: The plates belong to you, not the car. You can transfer them to another vehicle or surrender them to a Missouri license office.
4. Cancel Your Insurance: Contact your insurance provider to remove the sold vehicle from your policy.

While the Notice of Sale and Bill of Sale sound similar, they serve different purposes.

Feature	Notice of Sale (Form 5049)	Bill of Sale (DOR-1957)
Primary Purpose	Officially notifies the MO DOR that you sold the vehicle.	Serves as a receipt for the buyer and a personal record of the sale.
Who It Protects	The Seller (from liability for tickets, accidents after sale).	Both the Seller and the Buyer.
Is it Required?	Highly Recommended to be filed with the DOR within 30 days.	Recommended, but not required to be filed with the DOR.
Where it Goes	Mailed or submitted to the Missouri Department of Revenue.	One copy for the seller, one for the buyer.

📢 Don’t Forget! Letting the buyer drive away with your license plates is a significant risk. If they get a parking ticket or are in an accident, it will be traced back to you. Always remove them at the time of sale.

FAQs About how to fill out a missouri car title when selling

Do Missouri car titles need to be notarized when selling?

No, a standard Missouri title assignment does not need to be notarized when selling a vehicle. The signatures of the seller(s) and purchaser(s) are all that is required. However, if you have a lien on the vehicle, the lien release document from your lender must be notarized to be valid.

How do you handle a Missouri title with a lien on it?

You must have the lien officially released by the lender before you can sell the vehicle. The lender will provide you with a notarized “Lien Release” document. You should give this original notarized document to the buyer along with the signed title, as they will need it to apply for a new, clear title.

Can I sell a car in Missouri without a title?

No, you cannot legally sell a car in Missouri without a valid title. The title is the proof of ownership. If your title is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for a “Duplicate Title” from the Missouri DOR before you can proceed with the sale.

Where does the buyer sign on a Missouri title?

The buyer (purchaser) signs and prints their name and address on the back of the title in the “Purchaser’s” section. This is typically located below or adjacent to the seller’s section. As the seller, you should ensure the buyer completes their part before they leave with the title.

How to transfer a car title to a family member in Missouri?

The process is the same as a standard sale, but you may be eligible for a sales tax exemption. You still fill out the “Assignment of Title” section. If the car is a gift, you can write “Gift” in the sale price field and you and the family member must also complete a “General Affidavit (Form 768)” to declare it as such.

What is Missouri Form 5049?

Form 5049 is the “Notice of Sale,” which you file with the Missouri DOR to report that you have sold your vehicle. This is a crucial step that helps release you from liability for the vehicle after the date of sale. You should submit this form within 30 days of the sale.

How long do I have to report a car sale in Missouri?

You have 30 days from the date of sale to report the transfer to the Missouri Department of Revenue. The recommended way to do this is by submitting a completed Notice of Sale (Form 5049). Failing to do so can leave you liable for any tickets or accidents involving the vehicle.

How to sign a Missouri title with “and/or” between two owners?

The conjunction between names is critical. If the names are joined by “and,” both owners must sign the title. If the names are joined by “and/or” (or just “or”), only one of the listed owners needs to sign to make the sale valid.

What if I make a mistake, like writing the wrong sale price?

Do not cross out the mistake or use white-out, as this will void the title. For a minor error, you and the buyer may be able to complete a “General Affidavit (Form 108)” explaining the correction. However, for major errors, you will likely need to apply for a duplicate title and start over.

What do I do with my license plates after selling my car in Missouri?

You must remove your license plates from the vehicle at the time of sale. These plates belong to you, not the car. You can then transfer them to a new vehicle you purchase or surrender them to a Missouri license office. Do not let the buyer drive away with your plates.

Key Takeaways: How to Fill Out a Missouri Car Title When Selling Summary

• Accuracy is Paramount: The most critical rule is to make no alterations. Any use of white-out, erasures, or cross-outs will void the entire Missouri title, forcing you to apply for a duplicate.
• Signatures Must Match: All sellers’ printed names and signatures in the “Assignment of Title” section must exactly match the names as they appear on the front of the title. This is a primary validation check at the DOR.
• Odometer Disclosure is Law: You must record the vehicle’s mileage as a whole number without tenths of a mile. This is a federal and state legal requirement, and inaccuracy can lead to serious penalties.
• Release Your Liability: After the sale, you must submit a Notice of Sale (Form 5049) to the Missouri DOR within 30 days. This is the official step that protects you from any future tickets, tolls, or accidents involving the vehicle.
• Handle Liens First: You cannot legally sell a vehicle with an active lien. You must first pay off the loan and obtain a notarized lien release document from your lender to give to the buyer.
• “And” vs. “And/Or” Matters: If two owners are listed with “and,” both must sign. If the title says “and/or,” only one signature is required. This single word dictates the signature requirements.
• Keep Your Plates: Always remove your license plates from the car at the time of sale. The plates belong to you, not the vehicle, and can be transferred to your next car or returned to a license office.

Final Thoughts on Completing Your Missouri Title Transfer

Selling a car involves more than just handing over the keys. Correctly completing the Missouri Certificate of Title is your final, and most important, act as the vehicle’s owner. By following the steps outlined here—from preparation and careful data entry to filing your Notice of Sale—you ensure a clean, legal transfer. This process protects both you from future liability and the buyer as they begin their journey with their new vehicle. Take your time, be precise, and you can complete the sale with confidence.