Selling your car in Missouri involves more than just handing over the keys and cash. Each year, thousands of vehicle sales take place in Missouri, and as a seller, understanding your legal responsibilities is crucial. If you’re selling your vehicle to another private party, not trading it in or selling to a Missouri dealer, there are specific steps you need to take to ensure a smooth and legally compliant transaction. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about How To Sell A Car In Missouri.
Understanding Your Legal Responsibilities as a Seller
When you sell a vehicle privately in Missouri, you have certain legal obligations to fulfill. It’s important to provide the buyer with the necessary documents and take the correct steps before they drive away in their new car.
Here’s what you MUST do:
- Provide the Title: The most critical document is the vehicle’s title. You must properly assign the title to the buyer. This involves filling out the assignment area on the back of the title.
- Odometer Disclosure: Accurately record the odometer reading in the assignment area on the title. Also, write down the date of the sale. Remember, using correction fluid or erasing on the title is not allowed. Mistakes can void the title, so be careful and write clearly.
- Remove Your License Plates: Before the purchaser takes possession of the vehicle, it’s essential to remove your license plates, whether they are currently valid or expired. Missouri license plates are not transferred with the vehicle in a private sale.
Signatures are Key: Both you, as the seller, and the buyer must print your names and sign in the assignment area on the back of the title. These signatures do not need to be notarized in Missouri.
Reporting the Sale: The Notice of Sale Requirement
Missouri law requires you to report the sale of your vehicle to the Department of Revenue. This is a mandatory step for private vehicle sales.
Reporting is required within 30 days of the sale. As the seller (unless you are a Missouri licensed dealer), you need to submit a completed Notice of Sale form to the Department of Revenue. You can use either:
- Notice of Sale (Form 5049): This is the specific form for reporting a vehicle sale.
- Bill of Sale (Form 1957): Alternatively, you can use a Bill of Sale form to report the sale.
Reporting the sale can often be done online or by mail, ensuring the Department of Revenue is aware that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website for detailed instructions and online reporting options.
Gifting a Vehicle in Missouri
You can also “gift” a vehicle in Missouri, but this still requires specific procedures. Even when gifting, you have reporting responsibilities.
As the giver, you must provide the new owner with:
- The Vehicle Title: Properly assigned to the recipient, just as in a regular sale.
- A General Affidavit (Form 768): This form is required for gift transactions and needs to be completed and submitted.
You must also report the gift to the Department of Revenue within 30 days by submitting either a Notice of Sale (Form 5049) or a Bill of Sale (Form 1957).
For the recipient of the gifted vehicle:
- They must submit the completed General Affidavit along with other documents required for titling and registration when they register the vehicle in their name.
- They will not be required to pay state or local sales tax on a gifted vehicle transaction.
- They cannot use the license plates that were on the vehicle when it was gifted. They must obtain their own plates.
Important Note on Gifting: In Missouri, a vehicle cannot be gifted more than once in a row.
By following these steps, you can confidently and legally sell or gift your car in Missouri, ensuring a smooth process for both you and the buyer or recipient. Remember to always double-check the most current requirements on the Missouri Department of Revenue website to stay updated on any changes in regulations.
