Bill of Sale Aug 31, 2026
Missouri Form 1957 is the state’s official Bill of Sale or Even-Trade Bill of Sale, but it does not replace the properly assigned certificate of title. The buyer has 30 days to apply for title and pay tax, while the seller must separately report the sale within 30 days using Form 1957 or Form 5049. (Missouri Department of Revenue)
Missouri Bill of Sale Quick Facts
Question | Missouri Rule |
Official bill of sale | Form 1957 |
Does it replace the title? | No |
Buyer’s title deadline | 30 days |
Seller’s notice deadline | 30 days |
State sales tax | 4.225%, plus applicable local tax |
Title fee | $8.50 |
Title processing fee | $9 |
Ordinary title notarization | Not required |
Lien release | Must be notarized |
License plates | Removed and retained by seller |
Safety inspection | Generally required unless an exemption applies |
Emissions inspection | Applies in St. Louis City and three listed counties |
Official requirements are published by the Missouri Department of Revenue and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. (Missouri Department of Revenue)
What Is Missouri Form 1957?
Form 1957 records a vehicle sale or qualifying even trade.
The form includes:
Buyer’s and seller’s names and addresses.
Vehicle year, make, and VIN.
Title number.
Sale date.
Purchase price.
Trade vehicle details when applicable.
Buyer’s and seller’s signatures.
A seller may use Form 1957 instead of Form 5049 to satisfy Missouri’s Notice of Sale requirement. It can also support the buyer’s proof of purchase. (Missouri Department of Revenue)
Does Form 1957 Replace the Title?
No. The seller must still give the buyer a properly assigned certificate of title.
The title should include:
Buyer’s printed name.
Seller’s printed name.
Buyer’s and seller’s signatures.
Sale date.
Purchase price.
Odometer reading.
Required lien information.
Form 1957 documents the transaction and can report the sale, but it does not establish ownership without the assigned title.
What Documents Does the Missouri Buyer Need?
Document | Purpose |
Properly assigned title | Transfers ownership |
Form 108 | Applies for Missouri title and registration |
Form 1957 | Documents sale or even trade |
Safety inspection certificate | Required unless an exemption applies |
Emissions inspection certificate | Required in covered locations |
Lien release, Form 4809 | Removes an existing lien |
Proof of insurance | Required for registration |
Property-tax receipt or non-assessment statement | Required for new plates |
Tax and fee payment | Completes the transaction |
Additional identification-number or odometer inspection documentation may be required when the ownership document was issued by another state or country. (Missouri Department of Revenue)
Does a Missouri Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized?
Missouri does not require the ordinary buyer and seller signatures on the title to be notarized.
“These signatures do not need to be notarized.”
— Missouri Department of Revenue
Form 1957 does not generally require notarization for an ordinary complete-vehicle sale. Its notary section applies to specified major component-part transactions or when the Department of Revenue requires acknowledgement.
A lien release is different. Missouri Form 4809 must be notarized when used to release a recorded lien. (Missouri Department of Revenue)
What Taxes and Fees Apply?
Missouri charges a 4.225% state sales tax, plus the buyer’s applicable local sales tax, on the taxable purchase price. A qualifying trade-in allowance may reduce the taxable amount. (Missouri Department of Revenue)
Charge | Amount |
State sales tax | 4.225% |
Local sales tax | Varies |
Title fee | $8.50 |
Title processing fee | $9 |
Plate transfer fee | $2 |
One-year registration processing | $9 |
Two-year registration processing | $18 |
Registration fee | Based on taxable horsepower or weight |
Registration and local tax totals differ by vehicle and buyer location. (Missouri Department of Revenue)
What Is Missouri’s Title Deadline?
The buyer must apply for title within 30 days of the purchase date.
The late-title penalty is:
Filing Time | Penalty |
Days 1–30 | $0 |
Beginning on day 31 | $25 |
Each additional 30-day period | Additional $25 |
Maximum penalty | $200 |
The late penalty is separate from title, tax, registration, and processing charges. (Missouri Department of Revenue)
What Must the Seller Report?
The seller must report the sale to the Missouri Department of Revenue within 30 days using:
Form 5049, Notice of Sale; or
Form 1957, Bill of Sale or Even-Trade Bill of Sale.
Failure to report a qualifying sale can be treated as an infraction and can result in a fine of up to $200. A seller who knowingly assists with fraudulent titling or registration can face additional penalties. (Missouri Department of Revenue)
What Happens to Missouri License Plates?
The seller removes the Missouri plates before the buyer takes possession, whether the plates are current or expired.
The seller may transfer eligible plates to another vehicle. The buyer must not drive using the seller’s registration. (Missouri Department of Revenue)
Is a Missouri Safety Inspection Required?
A safety inspection certificate must generally be no more than 60 days old when submitted.
A common exemption applies when the vehicle:
Is less than 11 years old; and
Has fewer than 150,000 miles.
Other exceptions apply to certain out-of-state buyers, trailers, new vehicles transferred on a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, and specified transactions. (Missouri Department of Revenue)
Where Is an Emissions Inspection Required?
An emissions inspection no more than 60 days old is generally required for qualifying vehicles registered in:
St. Louis City.
Jefferson County.
St. Charles County.
St. Louis County.
Franklin County has been exempt from the emissions-testing requirement since July 1, 2022.
The Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program generally tests gasoline vehicles from model year 1996 and newer and diesel vehicles from model year 1997 and newer when they are covered by the program. (Missouri Department of Natural Resources)
Can a Missouri Buyer Get a Temporary Permit?
A qualifying buyer may obtain one temporary permit for the vehicle.
The standard permit:
Is generally valid for 30 days from purchase.
Costs $5 plus a $9 processing fee.
Requires acceptable ownership documentation and insurance.
Becomes invalid when the title application is submitted.
Cannot be replaced with a second temporary permit for the same vehicle.
Certain qualified dealer transactions may use a separate 60-day permit, but that is not the standard private-sale rule. (Missouri Department of Revenue)
How to Complete a Missouri Private Vehicle Sale
Verify the title, VIN, ownership, and lien status.
Complete the title assignment without alterations or correction fluid.
Complete Form 1957 with the actual price and date.
Obtain a notarized lien release when required.
Obtain the applicable safety and emissions certificates.
Remove the seller’s license plates.
Have the seller report the sale within 30 days.
Have the buyer apply for title and pay tax within 30 days.
How Does a Missouri Gift Transfer Work?
The seller writes “GIFT” in the title’s sale-price area rather than entering $1.
The recipient generally submits Form 768, General Affidavit, or a written gift statement. That affidavit or statement does not have to be notarized. A valid gift is not subject to state or local sales tax, but the transfer must still be reported within 30 days. (Missouri Department of Revenue)
Common Missouri Bill of Sale Mistakes
Assuming Form 1957 replaces the title.
Failing to report the sale within 30 days.
Missing the buyer’s 30-day title deadline.
Using correction fluid on the title.
Leaving the seller’s plates on the vehicle.
Submitting an expired inspection certificate.
Failing to notarize the lien release.
Entering $1 instead of “GIFT” for a genuine gift.
