Selling or buying a vehicle in Missouri? While a bill of sale is not always required, there are several common situations where a notarized bill of sale is mandatory — including when the price is below fair market value or when there are errors on the title.
This free template is formatted for Missouri’s requirements and works alongside the Certificate of Title at your local license office.
Click Get This Template below to open it in Google Docs, then click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive.
For templates for all 50 states, visit the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Templates →
On this page:
- What Is a Missouri Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
- Is a Bill of Sale Required in Missouri?
- Missouri-Specific Requirements
- Free Missouri Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
- How to Fill Out the Template
- How to Transfer a Car Title in Missouri
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Missouri Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A Missouri motor vehicle bill of sale is a written record of a private vehicle sale.
In Missouri, title transfers are processed at local license offices — not a central state DMV. The seller must endorse the title and deliver it to the buyer at the time of vehicle delivery. Failure to properly endorse the title renders the sale fraudulent and void under Missouri law.
Is a Bill of Sale Required in Missouri?
A bill of sale is not typically required for standard Missouri title transfers. However, it is required in these specific situations:
- A notarized bill of sale is required if the purchase price is below fair market value according to Kelley Blue Book
- A bill of sale must accompany a title that does not have a “purchase price” field completed
- A notarized bill of sale is required if there are any mistakes or strike-overs on the title assignment
- A bill of sale is required if the title is not filled out correctly or completely
Even when not required, a bill of sale is strongly recommended for all private sales.
Missouri-Specific Requirements
1. 30-Day Deadline
The buyer has 30 days from the date of purchase to title and register the vehicle at a Missouri license office. Penalties apply after 30 days.
2. Seller: File Form 5049 Notice of Sale
After the sale, the seller must complete and submit Form 5049 (Notice of Sale) to the Missouri Department of Revenue to remove their liability for the vehicle. This can be done online at mydmv.mo.gov or by mail. Filing protects the seller from future liability for traffic violations, taxes, or other charges associated with the vehicle.
3. Sales Tax: 4.225% State + Local
Missouri charges 4.225% state sales tax plus applicable local taxes on the purchase price. Tax is paid at the license office at the time of title transfer. If the vehicle was owned and operated in another state for at least 90 days prior to titling in Missouri, no sales tax is due.
4. Safety Inspection Required
Most Missouri vehicles require a valid safety inspection before they can be registered. Vehicles newer than 5 model years are exempt from the safety inspection in the year of purchase and the following 4 years. An emissions inspection is also required in certain counties (St. Louis City and County, Jefferson, St. Charles, and Franklin counties).
5. Title Must Be Properly Endorsed
Missouri law requires the seller to endorse the title with a warranty of title, a statement of all liens or encumbrances, and deliver the original title to the buyer at the time of vehicle delivery. A notarized lien release is required for all Missouri titles where a lien is shown.
6. Notarization
A notarized bill of sale is required when the purchase price is below Kelley Blue Book fair market value or when there are errors on the title assignment. In all other standard private party sales, notarization of the bill of sale is optional.
Free Missouri Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
This template opens in Google Docs. Click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive, fill it out digitally, or print and complete by hand.
How to Fill Out the Template
Enter the seller’s name exactly as it appears on the Certificate of Title. Enter the buyer’s name exactly as they want it on the new title.
In Section 3, copy the VIN character by character from the dashboard plate and the title. Enter the full agreed purchase price in Section 4 — Missouri calculates 4.225% state sales tax plus local taxes on this figure. If the price is below Kelley Blue Book value, a notarized bill of sale is required.
Both parties sign Section 11. The seller must also endorse the title and file Form 5049 after the sale.
For a complete field-by-field walkthrough of every section, see: How to Fill Out a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale →
How to Transfer a Car Title in Missouri
For the Seller
Endorse the Certificate of Title with a warranty of title and statement of all liens. Deliver the original title to the buyer at the time of vehicle delivery.
File Form 5049 (Notice of Sale) at mydmv.mo.gov or by mail to remove your liability for the vehicle after the sale.
For the Buyer
Within 30 days of purchase, visit a Missouri license office with the endorsed title, this bill of sale (notarized if required), safety inspection certificate, proof of insurance, valid Missouri ID, and payment for the title fee, 4.225% state sales tax, and applicable local taxes.
Lost Title
Apply for a duplicate title at any Missouri license office or at mydmv.mo.gov before proceeding with the sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always — but it is required when the purchase price is below Kelley Blue Book fair market value (notarized), when the title does not have a purchase price field, when there are errors on the title assignment (notarized), or when the title is incomplete. It is strongly recommended for all private sales.
30 days from the date of purchase. Penalties apply after 30 days. The transfer is completed at a Missouri license office.
Form 5049 (Notice of Sale) is the form the seller files with the Missouri Department of Revenue after the sale to remove their liability for the vehicle. It can be filed online at mydmv.mo.gov or by mail. Filing protects the seller from future traffic violations, taxes, or other charges associated with the vehicle.
Most Missouri vehicles require a valid safety inspection before they can be registered. Vehicles newer than 5 model years are exempt in the year of purchase and the following 4 years. An emissions inspection is also required in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Jefferson, St. Charles, and Franklin counties.
Missouri charges 4.225% state sales tax plus applicable local taxes on the purchase price. Tax is paid at the license office at the time of title transfer. If the vehicle was owned and operated in another state for at least 90 days before titling in Missouri, no sales tax is due.
Yes. Missouri does not require a specific state-issued bill of sale form for most standard private party sales. Any bill of sale with the required information is acceptable. If a notarized bill of sale is required for your transaction, bring the unsigned printed form to the notary and sign there.
This template and all information on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Contact your local Missouri license office or the Missouri Department of Revenue at dor.mo.gov to confirm current requirements before completing your transaction.