Selling your car in Missouri? Whether you’re in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, or a smaller community, here’s your complete guide to selling a vehicle legally, quickly, and safely across the state.
Sell a Car in Missouri – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Make sure you have these documents on hand before starting the sale:
- Missouri Certificate of Title: Must be signed by the seller and include the buyer’s name and address. Any liens must be released.
- Valid Identification: A Missouri driver’s license or state-issued photo ID is typically required.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles under 10 years old. Typically included on the back of the title.
- Bill of Sale (Form 1957): Strongly recommended, and required in some cases.
- Lien Release (if applicable): Needed to show a previously financed vehicle is fully paid off.
Missouri DOR Forms You May Need
Depending on your situation, here are some commonly used forms:
- Form 1957 – Bill of Sale
- Form 108 – Application for Missouri Title and License (used by the buyer)
- Form 3019 – Notice of Sale (must be submitted by the seller within 30 days)
- Form 5062 – Odometer Disclosure Statement (if not on title)
- Form 2505 – Application for Duplicate Title (if your title is lost)
All forms are available at the Missouri Department of Revenue website.
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Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
Getting your car ready can impact how fast it sells and how much you get. A clean, well-kept vehicle makes a better first impression and draws more interest.
That said, not everyone has the time or resources to clean, fix, or prepare a vehicle. If you’re in a hurry to sell or simply don’t want to deal with the extra effort, you can always sell your car as-is. Contact us, and we’ll make you an offer. No prep work is required.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
Before agreeing to any offer, get a clear sense of your vehicle’s value:
- Use Our Free Appraisal Tool: Get a quote in under 2 minutes, no pressure.
- Use KBB, Edmunds, or NADA Guides: Compare resale values based on vehicle details.
- Browse Local Listings: Check pricing for similar vehicles in Columbia, Independence, Lee’s Summit, St. Charles, and Joplin.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
Missouri sellers have a few different options:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Best for Fast, Stress-Free Sales): We make a real offer, handle the paperwork, and pay you fast.
- Trade-In at a Dealership: May be helpful if you’re buying another car, but usually results in a lower payout.
- Private Sale: May get you more money, but requires more effort, communication, and paperwork.
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we offer a balance of speed, transparency, and professional support.
Step 5: Get Paid
Avoid the risks of dealing with strangers or questionable payments. We offer secure same-day payment and take care of the title transfer and documentation.
No scams, no waiting — just a reliable process from start to finish.
What Affects Car Values in Missouri? Local Market Insights to Know
Missouri’s diverse climate and geography influence what vehicles sell well:
- Trucks and SUVs are always in demand, especially in rural and suburban areas.
- All-wheel drive vehicles tend to do better in northern parts of the state where snow is more common.
- Fuel-efficient cars are more sought after in metro areas like St. Louis and Kansas City.
- Missouri’s auto industry is a major economic driver, with over 5.6 million vehicles registered and significant local production of pickups, vans, and SUVs by automakers like Ford and G.
Regional demand and timing play a big role in determining resale value.
Ready to Sell Your Car in Missouri?
With Ken Ganley Buying Center, you can skip the hassle and sell your car with confidence.
Get a free quote online or call us at 330-427-3656.
We help Missouri drivers turn their vehicles into cash quickly and safely.
Need help selling your car in Missouri? Here are some quick answers
Do I need to report the sale to Missouri Department of Revenue after selling my car?
Yes, Missouri law requires you to report the sale within 30 days. Since January 1, 2006, all private sellers (except licensed dealers) must submit either a completed Notice of Sale (Form 5049) or Bill of Sale (Form 1957) to the Missouri Department of Revenue within 30 days of the sale. Newer Missouri titles include a tear-off Notice of Sale section for this purpose. If you have an older title without this section, you can download and submit the forms separately. Failing to report the sale can result in a fine of up to $200, and if done deliberately, it becomes a Class C misdemeanor. This reporting requirement protects you from liability and ensures proper ownership records.
Do I need to provide safety and emissions inspections when selling my car in Missouri?
Yes, you must provide current safety and emissions inspections to the buyer. You’re required to give the buyer a safety inspection certificate that’s less than 60 days old. Additionally, if you live in St. Louis City or St. Louis, Jefferson, or St. Charles counties, you must also provide an emissions inspection that’s not more than 60 days old. However, vehicles less than 10 years old with under 150,000 miles are exempt from safety inspection requirements as of August 28, 2019. If the buyer is an out-of-state resident, check with their state for specific inspection requirements. These inspections must be completed at authorized Missouri inspection stations, and a current safety inspection can also satisfy the ID/OD (identification/odometer) inspection requirement.
Do I need to notarize the title or bill of sale in Missouri?
No, title signatures do not need to be notarized in Missouri. Unlike some states, Missouri does not require notarization of signatures on the title assignment section. Both the seller and buyer simply need to print their names and sign the back of the title in the assignment area using black or blue ink. However, notarization is required for lien releases (Form 4809) and may be required for bills of sale in specific circumstances, such as when showing proof of ownership for rebuilt vehicles or when specifically requested by the Department of Revenue. Always fill out the title completely and accurately, as mistakes or corrections can void the document.
What happens to my license plates when I sell my car in Missouri?
License plates stay with the seller and must be removed before the sale. Before the buyer takes possession of your vehicle, you must remove your license plates (whether they’re valid or expired). Missouri license plates should never be given to the buyer, even if the vehicle is a gift. As the seller, you can either transfer these plates to another vehicle you own, return them to the Department of Revenue, or keep them. The buyer will need to apply for new license plates when they register the vehicle in their name. Standard Missouri license plates have various fees depending on the vehicle type, and the buyer is responsible for these costs along with registration and title transfer fees.
How much sales tax will the buyer pay on my car in Missouri?
The buyer will pay 4.225% state sales tax plus local taxes on your vehicle. Missouri charges a state sales tax of 4.225% on the purchase price (minus any trade-in allowance). Additionally, local jurisdictions can add county, city, and special sales taxes ranging from 0% to 5.45%, making the total possible rate up to about 10%. However, there’s a maximum tax cap of $725 on any single vehicle purchase. The sales tax is calculated on the actual purchase price, and if you try to artificially lower the reported sale price, the Department of Revenue can use fair market value instead. The buyer pays this tax when they title and register the vehicle within 30 days of purchase.
Is a bill of sale required when selling my car in Missouri?
Yes, a bill of sale is generally required for most private vehicle sales in Missouri. You should complete Missouri’s official Bill of Sale (Form 1957) for the transaction. This form serves multiple purposes: it’s required for reporting the sale to the Department of Revenue within 30 days, helps the buyer register the vehicle, and provides legal protection for both parties. The bill of sale should include the vehicle details (VIN, make, model, year), purchase price, date of sale, odometer reading, and both parties’ information and signatures. While the bill of sale itself typically doesn’t require notarization, it must be submitted to the DOR along with your Notice of Sale form to comply with Missouri law.
What should I do if I've lost my car title in Missouri?
You must apply for a duplicate title before you can sell your vehicle. Missouri law requires a physical title for any vehicle sale, so if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged, you’ll need to get a replacement first. Complete an Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108) along with an Application for Duplicate Title (Form 2505), and submit them to any Missouri license office with the required fee. The duplicate title process typically takes several weeks, but you can expedite it if needed. If the title is mutilated rather than lost, you must return the damaged title with your application. You cannot legally complete a vehicle sale without providing a proper title to the buyer.
Can I sell my car if there's still a lien on the title in Missouri?
You can sell your car with a lien, but the lien must be properly released during the transaction. If you’ve paid off your loan but the lien hasn’t been removed, contact your lender to obtain a notarized Lien Release (Form 4809) before selling. If you still owe money on the vehicle, you have several options: pay off the loan before the sale, coordinate with the buyer and lender for payoff at the time of sale, or work with your lender to transfer the loan to the buyer. The lienholder must provide proper documentation releasing their interest in the vehicle. Never attempt to sell a vehicle with an active lien without proper paperwork, as this can create legal complications and may prevent the buyer from obtaining a clear title in their name.