HOW TO SELL A CAR IN MISSOURI AND TRANSFER YOUR TITLE
Selling a car or truck is much more complicated than merely an exchange of money. Like every state, Missouri needs the vehicle to have up-to-date proof of ownership, which means transferring the title from the seller to the buyer.
Dealerships like Bo Beuckman will do most of the legwork on your behalf and offer you cash for your used vehicle, which is why many car owners prefer to sell or trade with a professional.
But, if you choose to sell your used car directly to the new owner, the following article will explain what materials you need for the sale, how to complete the title transfer, and the full step-by-step breakdown of how to sell a vehicle in Missouri.
Important Paperwork and Steps to Sell Your Vehicle in Missouri
To follow Missouri law, make sure you have the following on-hand and ready when you sell your used car:
- Certificate of title
- Safety inspection certificate completed within the last 60 days
- Emissions inspection completed within the last 60 days, if you reside in select counties including St. Louis and St. Charles
- Lien release, if you currently have one against your title
Other "nice to have" materials you can include are:
- Full maintenance records
- Initial purchase records, particularly if you bought the vehicle new
- The operating manual
- Second key
What's more, you should receive either a Notice of Sale or Bill of Sale that Missouri legally requires you to notarize and submit to the Department of Revenue within 30-days of the transaction. This should reference the vehicle's year and make, title number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the date of sale and price. Both the buyer's and seller's names (printed and signed) and addresses should be included.
Don't forget to remove the license plate and all the car's belongings before handing over the keys. You'll also want to remove the vehicle from your insurance.
What to Do if You Still Owe Money on Your Vehicle
Ideally, you would completely pay off the loan prior to selling your vehicle, but it's understandable that this isn't always possible. If you decide to trade your ride in for another with a dealership like Bo Beuckman, the team will help facilitate communication with the lender. However, if you're handling this privately, contact your lender to inform them of your upcoming sale. They'll discuss with you options, which may include having the buyer pay off the debt (which will most likely come out of your profits).
Which is Better: Selling to a Missouri Dealership or Selling Privately
Selling your vehicle to a reputable dealership is almost always the easier alternative to selling privately. You don't have to market, find buyers, detail the interior, deal with lenders, or collect all the paperwork. Nor do you have to worry about potential fraud from the prospective buyers or the headache that can come from accidentally skipping important steps of the transaction. Plus, if you sell your vehicle to a private buyer, it will have to pass inspection based on Missouri's guidelines (with exceptions).
For these reasons, selling your car to a trusted Missouri dealership is ideal for individuals who aren't familiar with cars, don't have ample time on their hands, or are looking to purchase another vehicle. Cars with significant issues or outdated features that might turn off buyers are often better to be sold to a dealership, which will accept the vehicle regardless of its condition. However, this convenience does come at a cost, as you're often offered less money than you could make selling privately (if you know what you're doing).
Selling privately makes sense when you are experienced with the sales process, have a newer model, and are in no rush to collect. Yes, you'll have to do a lot more legwork, but you have the potential to pocket more of a profit. Make sure to do your research to determine what would be a fair price, and don't skimp on the photographs and presentation of your vehicle.
If you're considering selling privately, it never hurts to ask for a trade-in quote from a dealership for the sake of comparison.
To stay safe when selling your vehicle privately, make sure to:
- Talk to buyers over the phone before arranging a meet-up so you can do a "vibes check" and confirm if they have quick access to the necessary money before you waste your time.
- Meet in a public, populated place. It's always smart to bring a second person.
- Before you let the person test-drive the car, ask for the buyer to show their driver's license. Provide clear guidance on where the individual can (and can't) test-drive your vehicle.
- Never provide any sensitive information, such as bank account numbers, social security numbers, account passwords, credit card information, etc.
Other FAQ About Selling Your Car in Missouri
When I sell a vehicle to a Missouri dealership, can I choose to accept cash rather than store credit?
Bo Beuckman Ford can't speak on behalf of all Missouri dealerships, but you can sell your car or truck to us in exchange for either cash or store value you can put toward your next ride.
As a Ford dealership, does Bo Beuckman buy non-Ford vehicles?
You'll find that most manufacturer-specific dealerships in Missouri will purchase vehicles of any make, and Bo Beuckman is no different. This can be especially handy if you're trading in a non-Ford vehicle for a new Ford-you'll drive in with one car and leave with another, just like that!
What is an odometer statement?
Whether you're selling your used car in Missouri, Alaska, or somewhere in-between, you'll most likely need an odometer statement (especially if the vehicle is newer). In this document, the seller must disclose whether or not the odometer's reading is consistent with the actual miles driven. Don't worry, you don't have to write down the actual number of miles driven, just the fact that the vehicle misreports.
What does it mean to transfer the title of your vehicle when selling it?
The title is an official document that declares that you're the rightful owner of the vehicle, no matter who currently is in physical possession of the car or truck. For this reason, no transaction is complete until the title is modified to state the name of the new owner.
Can you still sell your vehicle in Missouri if you can't find the title?
If you can't your physical copy of the title, you'll still be able to sell your car or truck, though you'll have to get a new version of this document, first. Using this Missouri government form, you can apply for a duplicate. This process involves providing the Missouri DMV with:
- If your original title exists but is heavily damaged, you must provide it along with your application
- Proof you rightfully own the car - this could be a notarized bill of sale or registration form.
- A version of the title replacement application that has been notarized
- A duplicate title fee along with a processing fee
Does it make sense to fix your vehicle before selling it, first?
If you're selling your used car to a Missouri dealership, the answer is a resounding no. Their team is trained to identify current and potential value regardless of repairs. Plus, it's unlikely that you would get 100% of your money back from what you spent on the fix.
If you're selling your vehicle privately, consider investing in updates that would boost the aesthetic and test-driving experience (though it's never worth it to spend thousands). Regardless of your decision, it's important that you disclose all known problems to potential buyers.
What to do if you're gifting your car?
When gifting a used car, Missouri law still makes you transfer the title. However, it's important that you write "gift" in the field dedicated to the price of the sale. Keep in mind that, even though you may not have made any money off of the exchange, you must still report the gifting to Bill of Sale form. For more insights, read Gifting a Car in Missouri vs. Selling it for $1.00.
Are there additional steps to take when selling your car to a non-Missouri resident?
There's simply no beating the convenience of trading your vehicle into a dealership, as they would handle all issues on your behalf. However, if you choose to sell privately outside the state, you must take into consideration the other region's inspection requirements.
Can you sell your vehicle to a minor in the state of Missouri?
As is true for most states, an individual must be 18-years or older to sign the paperwork to purchase a vehicle (though they can be the title owner). For this reason, it's advisable that you have an adult fill out any paperwork on the teenager's behalf.
Does selling a private vehicle in Missouri impact my taxes?
In Missouri, the buyer is responsible for paying sales tax on the vehicle transaction, not the seller. The only situation where the seller might owe taxes is if they profit from the sale (when the sale price is higher than what you originally paid for the vehicle). However, this is rare.
Want to Trade in Your Vehicle For Cash or Credit Towards a New Ride? Go to Bo Beuckman Quality Ford in Ellisville, Missouri!
You don't have to own a Ford to trade-in your vehicle with us. Whether you're looking for some more spending money or to upgrade your wheels, we make the process quick and easy. As noted here, all you have to do is text Text your VIN to (636)489-0333 OR enter some basic information online before setting up an appointment. Our appraiser will give you an offer which you are under NO obligation to accept.
Get the process started today with the help of the Bo Beuckman team, one of the best-rated dealerships in Greater St. Louis!
Hear From Fellow Ford Drivers Why They Chose Our Dealership
Ted from Chesterfield
Had a great experience when I traded a Ford Explorer for a new 2024 Edge. Becky was excellent in helping with the test drive, functions of the new car, and was very efficient and pleasant. The staff was very personable and showed honest interest.
Max from Wildwood
Jeremy was just the best to work with, got me in and out very quickly, new exactly what I was looking at in my price range. Highly recommend coming to Bo and seeing him, I will be back for my next vehicle.
Anthony from Ellisville
Craig was the best! He made the process easy and was very personable. I'll be back when I need a car for my son someday :)
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Bo Beuckman Quality Ford
15675 Manchester Road
Ellisville, MO 63011
- Sales: 636-227-5700
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