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.
Sell Your Car in Missouri — Fast & Easy
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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 notarize the title in Missouri?
No. Missouri does not require title notarization, but all information must be filled out accurately.
Do I keep my license plates after the sale?
Yes. Missouri plates stay with the seller and may be transferred to another vehicle or returned to the DOR.
Can I sell a car without a title?
No. If you’ve lost the title, you must apply for a duplicate using Form 2505.
Is a bill of sale required in Missouri?
Yes, in most cases. Use Form 1957 to complete your transaction.
Who pays the sales tax in Missouri?
The buyer is responsible for paying sales tax when they register the vehicle with the Department of Revenue.