How do I get a duplicate boat title in Missouri?

Apply for a duplicate title at the State DMV. You need the VIN, your photo ID, proof of ownership (registration, prior title, or bill of sale), and the $25 fee. Processing takes 7–15 business days.

Can I sell a boat with a salvage title in Missouri?

Yes, but you must disclose the salvage title in writing. Most buyers expect a significant price reduction. To make the vehicle road-legal, it must be repaired and pass Missouri's rebuilt title inspection ($50–$100). A salvage title permanently affects the vehicle's value.

How do I remove a lien from a boat title in Missouri?

Pay off the loan in full. The lender must release the lien within the timeframe required by Missouri law and provide a signed lien release or updated title. Contact the State DMV if the lender fails to release the title after payoff.

What is a bonded title for a boat in Missouri?

A bonded title is used when the original title is unavailable and ownership cannot be established through normal channels. In Missouri, bonded titles are available for boats valued under $10,000. You purchase a surety bond for 1–2× the vehicle's value and apply for a bonded title through the State DMV. The bond protects anyone who later claims legal ownership.

What if the boat title has the wrong name?

Take the title, your photo ID, and supporting documentation to the State DMV. A name correction on a title typically requires a court order, affidavit, or documentation proving the error (such as a marriage certificate for a name change). The process varies by the type of error.

Boat Title Problems in Missouri (2025)

How to resolve common boat title issues in Missouri — lost title, salvage, active liens, bonded title, and name corrections.

Missouri — Quick Reference

Duplicate title fee$25
Duplicate processing time7–15 business days
Salvage threshold75% of actual cash value
Rebuilt inspection requiredYes — $50–$100
Bonded title availableYes (vehicles under $10,000)

Contact your state DMV for specific title problem resolution procedures and current fee schedules.

Note for Boat Owners

Vessels 26 feet or longer documented with the U.S. Coast Guard have a Certificate of Documentation instead of a state title. The USCG documentation process is separate from state DMV.

Common Boat Title Problems — How to Fix

📄Lost or Missing Title

Apply for a duplicate title at the State DMV. Fee: $25. Processing time: 7–15 business days. You need the VIN, proof of ownership, and photo ID.

🔴Salvage Title

A salvage boat must be repaired and pass a rebuilt title inspection before it can be registered. Missouri inspection fee: $50–$100. Boat titles are governed by state law for vessels under 26 feet in length. Larger vessels may be documented with the U.S. Coast Guard instead.

🔗Active Lien on Title

The lender must sign a lien release before you can transfer the title. Pay off the loan in full, then request written confirmation from the lender that the lien is satisfied. Boat loans function like auto loans, but some lenders use UCC filings instead of title liens. Confirm the lien method before completing the sale.

🔏No Title (Bonded Title)

Missouri allows bonded titles for boats valued under $10,000. Purchase a surety bond for 1–2× the vehicle value, then apply at the State DMV.

✏️Wrong Name on Title

Name corrections require documentation at the State DMV: photo ID, affidavit of error, or a court order depending on the type of discrepancy. Contact the DMV before attempting the correction.

🌊Flood or Water Damage Brand

A flood title brand is permanent — it cannot be removed. A flood-branded boat must be disclosed to any future buyer. Significant water damage to the drivetrain, electronics, or (for EVs) the battery may make the vehicle uninsurable.

Buying a Boat With a Title Problem

Buyer Warnings

!Never pay full market price for a boat with a salvage or rebuilt title — expect 20%–40% below clean title value
!Always run a VIN check (Carfax, AutoCheck, or NMVTIS) before any private purchase
!A bonded title indicates the previous ownership chain was broken — proceed with caution
!A flooded title cannot be cleared — factor permanent water damage disclosure into your offer
!Verify there are no outstanding liens using the State DMV VIN search before purchasing

FAQ — Boat Title Issues in Missouri

How much does a duplicate boat title cost in Missouri?: A duplicate title in Missouri costs $25. Processing takes 7–15 business days. Apply at the State DMV with your VIN, photo ID, and proof of ownership.
What is the salvage threshold for boats in Missouri?: In Missouri, a boat is declared salvage when damage exceeds 75% of actual cash value. Boat titles are governed by state law for vessels under 26 feet in length. Larger vessels may be documented with the U.S. Coast Guard instead.
Can I sell a boat without a title in Missouri?: Technically, no — but Missouri offers a bonded title process for boats valued under $10,000. A bonded title allows legal sale and registration while protecting any prior owner who may appear. Contact the State DMV to begin the process.

Official Resource

State DMV →

Need a Bill of Sale?

A signed bill of sale is essential when selling a boat with a title problem in Missouri. It documents the transaction and both parties' knowledge of the title status.

Missouri Boat Bill of Sale →