Be an Informed Buyer
Arm yourself with knowledge of Missouri law concerning proof of ownership (a certificate of title) to vehicles and equipment we use every day, such as:
• All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
• Automobiles
• Buses
• Boats and Boat Motors
• Low Speed Vehicles (LSV)
• Mobile Homes
• Motorcycles
• Recreational Vehicles (RVs)
• Trailers and Trucks
All of those listed above must have a proper title (with the exception of some boats and boat motors). It is against the law to buy or sell any of those items without a title (Section 301.210 RSMo).
Don't Be a Victim — Buying Checklist
When you are considering buying a motor vehicle, mobile home, trailer, RV, boat, or boat motor you should:
• Ask the seller to see the title.
• Compare all the descriptive information from the title to the actual vehicle or piece of equipment.
• Make sure every digit of the Vehicle Identification Number on the title is correct.
• Look at the name(s) on the title. Is the last named owner the person selling this vehicle to you?
• Check: is it a Salvage Certificate of Title or a Junking Certificate? Vehicles with Junking Certificates cannot be licensed to drive.
If there is a problem with any of the above, STOP and investigate further BEFORE buying. Errors or discrepancies should be corrected by the seller before you take possession of the vehicle.
Seller Responsibilities
A seller is not allowed to keep the title to your vehicle while you are making payments. You must list their name as a lienholder on the Title Application (DOR Form 108). Following the sale or transfer of a motor vehicle or trailer, the seller must fill out a Notice of Sale (DOR-5049) or Bill of Sale (DOR-1957) form and submit it to the Department of Revenue within 30 days.
Safety Inspection
It is the seller's responsibility to have a used truck, bus, car, RV, or motorcycle pass Missouri Safety Inspection before it is sold if the vehicle is not a salvage or junked vehicle (Section 307.380 RSMo).
If the vehicle is purchased without a Missouri Safety Inspection, the buyer must sign a Junk, Salvage, or Rebuilding affidavit (SHP-498).
Public Vehicle Identification Number (PVIN)
Every vehicle must have a PVIN that is legible. If any part of the PVIN is defaced, altered, covered, or destroyed, a replacement plate must be applied for by the seller before the vehicle is sold (Section 301.390 RSMo).
The 17-digit PVIN location for cars and pick-ups (1981 and newer) is on the left side (driver) of the dash area. To inquire about PVIN locations, call your local vehicle dealer or the Motor Vehicle Inspection office at the nearest troop headquarters.
Contact & Resources
Missouri State Highway Patrol
1510 East Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 751-3313 | Email: mshppied@mshp.dps.mo.gov
Website: www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov
Department of Revenue: www.dor.mo.gov/contact/motorv.php
Emergency Assistance: 1-800-525-5555 or cellular *55