Vehicle owners are required to transfer an out of state car title in Missouri on each occasion they bring a nonresident vehicle into the state and plan to operate it. Take note that, when completing the out of state car title transfer with Missouri’s Department of Revenue (DOR), you also have the option of obtaining a new car registration at the same time, which makes both processes easier for new residents.

Learn more about the out of state car title transfer process and the documents you need to complete a request form in the sections below.

What is a cross-state car title transfer in Missouri?

A cross state title transfer is a process in which you re-title a car in another state DMV’s database in order to obtain a new title certificate that will replace your out-of-state title. Failure to transfer a car title issued outside of the state will impede the vehicle registration process with the Missouri DOR and will make you unable to legally operate your vehicle within the state.

When is an out-of-state car title transfer necessary in Missouri?

It is important to note that you are required to complete the DOR title transfer process on each occasion you transfer a nonresident vehicle into the state. Therefore, you will have to initiate the cross state vehicle title transfer regardless of whether you have brought a vehicle within the state as a new resident or as an in-state buyer who has purchased a nonresident vehicle.

Keep in mind that performing a title transfer will only take place if the transferred vehicle has already been titled outside of the state. Overall, vehicle owners have 30 days to complete an out of state car title transfer in Missouri after moving to the state or purchasing an out-of-state vehicle.

Information and Documents Needed for an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Missouri

Submitting the documents needed for an out of state title transfer in Missouri is one of the most important steps in the process of transferring an out of state title. The paperwork needed to perform a title transfer may vary slightly based on factors such as the applicant’s circumstances and the nature of the ownership transfer.

To complete the standard process of transferring an out of state car title in MO after relocating to the state, motorists will be required to submit the following documents:

• The out-of-state title certificate, or a registration certificate if the title is unavailable
• A filled out and signed Missouri title application
• Proof of a valid vehicle insurance policy
• A safety inspection certificate or an emissions inspection certificate, if required
• A vehicle identification number and odometer reading inspection document

In addition to the above out of state title transfer paperwork, car owners may be required to submit additional documentation, depending on their circumstances. For example, if you have purchased a vehicle from an out-of-state seller, you will need a properly assigned title and a bill of sale, which must include details about the parties involved in the transaction and about the vehicle.

Steps for Completing an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Missouri as a New Resident

Completing an out of state title transfer as a new state resident in Missouri is a process that includes several steps, such as visiting a nearby DOR site, providing the necessary documents and paying any applicable fees. Note that the option to finalize the out of state title transfer in person is currently the standard application method, since you are unable to complete an out of state title transfer online in Missouri.

After submitting the necessary items to finalize the new state resident car title transfer process, you will receive your registration documents as soon as the state DOR verifies and processes your paperwork. Your new title certificate will then be mailed to your address as soon as it is manufactured.

Out-of-State Title Transfers in Missouri After Buying or Selling a Vehicle

To complete the Missouri process of transferring an out of state title after getting a new car from outside of the state, vehicle owners will be required to follow the same steps as those that apply for the standard titling process for new state residents. Therefore, in order to complete the in person out of state title transfer after buying a vehicle, you will be required to submit the necessary items, including proof of ownership, through a DOR licensing location.

Note that, in addition to completing the out of state title transfer after buying a car, you will also be required to transfer the title of inherited and gifted vehicles from outside of the state. In such cases, however, you will need to submit additional documentation. If you would like to transfer an out of state car title as a surviving spouse, for instance, you may need your spouse’s death certificate and a DOR affidavit.

Cross-State Car Title Transfer Fees in Missouri

Vehicle owners wondering how much a title transfer costs must note that the total cost of transferring an out of state car title may include several smaller fees, since the vehicle must be titled and registered simultaneously in most cases. Therefore, the Missouri cross state car title transfer fees will include the base titling fee of the state and varying license plate costs.

When completing an out of state auto title transfer, applicants will also be required to pay certain processing fees. Some of the fees include the following:

• 4.225 percent State tax
• Local sales tax
• $11 title fee
  • This includes a $2.50 processing fee
• Registration and processing fees
  • These are based on your vehicle’s horsepower.

Remember that new state residents who have operated their vehicles for longer than 90 days in their previous state will not be required to pay any additional taxes. So keep this in mind when you plan your move to Missouri to save yourself from additional fees.

Failure to transfer the out-of-state title within 30 days will lead to additional penalty fees that can range in price depending on how long you have gone without a valid title, and if you have previously received any warnings.

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