HOW TO OBTAIN A DUPLICATE OR LOST MO VEHICLE TITLE
INTRODUCTION
The most complex and time-consuming part about buying, selling, or owning a car is dealing with title problems. In Missouri, not having a title to your car will keep you from selling, proving ownership, acquiring financing, receiving insurance claims, and transferring registration of your car.
Missouri duplicates, replacement, and dealer titles are managed by the Missouri Department of Motor Vehicle and the Missouri Department of Revenue. These agencies handle an array of vehicle services, including titles, registrations, and driver’s licenses.
Applying and obtaining a duplicate or dealer title in Missouri can be challenging, however, we have compiled three methods that can be used to obtain one. We have listed the typical waiting times and costs associated with each method to assist in finding the right option for you.
SUMMARY
There are three different methods of obtaining a duplicate, dealer, or replacement title in Missouri.
There is not a purely electronic way to obtain a paper title, however, there are ways to expedite the printing of your title in Missouri.
Wait times can vary between 3 - 120 days depending on the method of submission.
The state fee for a Missouri duplicate title is $11.00. Added costs may be incurred for expediting your title transaction.
Duplicate, Dealer, and Replacement title requests can be made directly to Missouri in-person or by mail. See Option One and Option Two for more details below.
Private automotive title companies can expedite the title printing process and are sanctioned by the Missouri Department of Revenue and Missouri Department of Motor Vehicle. See Option Three for more details below.
OPTION ONE
Apply By Mail - Self Service
Although a cheaper option, this method requires you to have attention to detail, and happens to result in longer wait times. It is important to follow the directions of the DOR carefully, as mistakes could result in a delay or rejection of the application. Below is a 13 step process to complete the Missouri Duplicate Title Application:
1. Download the Form 108 Missouri Duplicate Application here
2. Complete the Owner Name EXACTLY as the old title read.
3. Complete the address section in the “Owner” Section of the Application.
4. Complete the Vehicle Information section completely.
5. Mark the box labeled “DUPLICATE” at the top of the form.
6. In the “NOTARY-DUPLICATE TITLE ONLY” section, indicate the reasoning for the duplicate submission.
7. A notary public must witness the signature and complete the notary section of the Application.
8. If the application is due to a mutilated title, you must attach the mutilated title with the application.
9. To request the removal of a lien (bank) on your title, you must complete the Notice of Lien, Lien Release, or Authorization to Add/Remove Name from Title. This must be submitted along with the rest of your documents.
10. Write a check to the MO DOR for $14.50 for the processing of the duplicate title.
11. You will gather your documents and sign in all applicable parts of the application and other supporting documents and place into an envelope.
12. You will mail all of the documents to Motor Vehicle Bureau, P.O. Box 100, Jefferson City, MO 65105
13. You can check the status of the duplicate title here.
Wait Period - 4-8 weeks (if completed correctly)
Costs: $14.50 plus shipping
OPTION TWO
Apply In-Person at License Office
There are 178 different Missouri Department of Motor Vehicle Offices. They all run independently of each other, meaning that the level of service within each office is fairly inconsistent. We recommend finding that office closest to your physical location. We have listed a link that lists all 178 of the Missouri License Offices here.
We recommend that if using this method to call ahead to make sure you have all required items to complete your transaction. We have listed some of the common items required by individual License Offices:
Driver’s License or I.D. Card
License Plate Number
Vehicle’s year, make, model, and VIN number
Previous registration or proof of ownership
Lienholder or loan information
These items are not explicitly required by the Missouri Department of Revenue for a Missouri duplicate or replacement title, however, each License Office operates with different standards and requires different items.
Wait Period: 4-8 Weeks
Costs: $14.50
OPTION THREE
Apply Through J.G. Title Company
J.G. Title is a privately owned company based in Independence, Missouri that assists commercial businesses and automotive dealerships in bulk duplicate titles and intricate title transactions. Title companies like J.G. Title Company, are governed and sanctioned by the Missouri Department of Revenue.
With several associations with the Missouri Department of Revenue and Missouri Department of Motor Vehicles, J.G. Title is typically the quickest and easiest way to resolve your title problems.
J.G. Title Company aids preparation of all title applications, addendums, power’s of attorney, or any other documents required to complete the duplicate title and submit the application to the Missouri Department of Revenue on your behalf.
J.G. Title Company, LLC is insured and bonded against errors and omissions making them a secure, effective, and simple method to obtaining a lost or duplicate car title in Missouri.
Wait Period: Approximately 5-7 Business Days
Costs: $69.99
“They got my title woes solved in 1 day! Very knowledgeable about all the documents you need to register a car with out of state title. I had already tried at DMV and could not get it figured out. Well worth the money!”
“Very easy experience from start to finish, took the pressure off of me having to go to the DMV to get my plates, communication with the Company was flawless and professional. Thanks!”
“Very friendly easy hassle free never again will I wait in line at the dmv it was so easy to get my title tags and registration they will even come to you home great people I highly recommend them for all you title need.”
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON MISSOURI DUPLICATE TITLES:
A Missouri Duplicate Title can only be issued in the name of the last registered owner. If the current owner isn’t on the title, the person who was last on the title must obtain a duplicate title.
If the last registered owner is not available or not able to be reached, our suggestion is to work with J.G. Title to assist in your problem. These situations are usually very complicated and require expert assistance.
Typically, these situations are elevated to the court system and can be very difficult to navigate. Expert attention is definitely recommended for these cases.