How to Get a Title for an Abandoned Vehicle in Missouri
Missouri has a 10–30 days wait period before you can begin the title process. Here is everything a towing company, storage facility, or property owner needs to know.
Quick Reference
Wait Period & Reporting
10–30 days wait required. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
Notifying the Owner
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder
Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
Lienholder Rights
Lienholder must be notified and given time to respond
Failure to notify a lienholder properly can void the entire abandoned vehicle title process.
The Title Application Process
Form/Program: Abandoned Vehicle Title Application
Process varies by state. Typically initiated by a towing company, storage facility, or property owner.
Restrictions & Requirements
- Must follow state-specific notice and wait period requirements
- All liens must be resolved before a clean title can issue
- Storage or towing facility typically must be licensed
Missouri-Specific Note
Missouri-Specific Facts for Abandoned Vehicle Title
Missouri Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In Missouri, the title transfer fee is $8.5 and registration costs $18.25 - $51.25 based on horsepower. Vehicle sales are subject to 4.225% state sales tax plus local taxes. Notarization is required for vehicle bill of sale documents in Missouri. Emission testing is required in Missouri — verify the vehicle passes before completing the sale.
- Notarized title required for transfer
- Safety inspection required within 60 days of registration
- Emissions testing required in St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas
- Personal property tax receipt required for registration
Missouri sales tax on vehicle purchases
Missouri has a 4.225% state sales tax rate. 4.225% state plus local taxes (total 5–10%). Private-party vehicle sales in Missouri are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $9.
Missouri bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,492 bill of sale documents for Missouri transactions, with 40 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
More Missouri Vehicle Guides
- Curbstoning Laws in Missouri
- Dealer Doc Fee in Missouri
- Dealer Fraud Claim in Missouri
- Dealer Prep Fees in Missouri
- Dealer Surety Bond in Missouri
- Vehicle Deposit Refund in Missouri
Each guide is written specifically for Missouri laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in Missouri?
Missouri requires a 10–30 days wait period. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
How do I notify the owner of an abandoned vehicle in Missouri?
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder. Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
How much does it cost to get an abandoned vehicle title in Missouri?
DMV fees + towing and storage charges. Costs vary widely by state and accumulate with each day in storage.
How long does the abandoned vehicle title process take in Missouri?
45–90 days. Process includes wait periods, notice periods, and DMV processing time.
Does Missouri require a surety bond for an abandoned vehicle title?
Not for the standard process. Some states require a surety bond if the title history is unclear or the vehicle has a prior out-of-state registration.
Selling the Vehicle After You Get Title?
Create a compliant Missouri bill of sale to protect yourself in the transaction.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: State DMV. Abandoned vehicle laws change frequently — verify current wait periods with your state DMV.