Avoid Titling Roadblocks Tips for Successful Vehicle Purchases

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 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). The key to avoiding registration problems with these vehicles is to investigate and ask questions before you buy.

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:

1. Ask the seller to see the title.
2. Compare all the descriptive information from the title to the actual vehicle or piece of equipment.
3. Make sure every digit of the Vehicle Identification Number on the title is correct when comparing it to the Public Vehicle Identification Number (PVIN) on the vehicle or equipment.
4. Look at the name(s) on the title. Is the last named owner on the title the person selling this vehicle to you?
5. Check: is it a Salvage Certificate of Title or a Junking Certificate? If so, there is more to know before being able to license and drive salvaged vehicles. Vehicles with Junking Certificates cannot be licensed to drive — ever.

Seller Responsibilities

A seller is not allowed to keep the title to your vehicle while you are making payments to him or her. You must list their name as a lienholder on the Title Application (DOR Form 108), and you will have possession of the title the entire time you are making payments to them for the vehicle. After you pay off the vehicle, the lienholder will give you a letter or Lien Release (Section 301.620 RSMo).

Following the sale or transfer of a motor vehicle or trailer (excluding salvage or junk titled vehicles), 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 of the date of transfer. Refer to Section 301.196 RSMo and DOR's website for detailed information on Notice of Sale.

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. This applies to sellers who are licensed dealers or individuals (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) then give a copy of that affidavit to the seller (Section 307.380 RSMo). Salvage does not require an SHP-498.

Public Vehicle Identification Number (PVIN)

Every vehicle or piece of farm machinery or construction equipment discussed in this brochure must have a PVIN that is legible. If any part of the Public Vehicle Identification Number (PVIN) is defaced, altered, covered, or destroyed, a replacement plate must be applied for by the seller before the vehicle or equipment 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 in plain sight as you look through the windshield. Vehicles older than 1981 or other types of equipment may have different locations for the PVIN.

To inquire about PVIN locations, call your local vehicle dealer or the Motor Vehicle Inspection office at the nearest Missouri State Highway Patrol troop headquarters. You may also contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol Driver and Vehicle Safety Division located in Jefferson City, MO.

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