A Missouri car bill of sale is a legal document that is often issued for the purposes of recording a vehicle sales transaction. A properly completed MO DMV bill of sale form generally includes specific details about the procedures of buying and selling a vehicle and it often proves useful in various vehicle-related transactions. Therefore, possessing a valid vehicle bill of sale is in the best interest of both the seller and the purchaser of the vehicle in question.

Individuals selling a vehicle within the state are legally obligated to inform the state Department of Revenue (DOR) of the sale within a specific period of time and provide the corresponding documentation. After undergoing the process of buying a car, providing this credential is one of the methods to confirm the transfer of ownership.

Note that not all sellers are required to notify the DOR of such action. To find out more about the purpose of a bill of sale template, as well as how to obtain and fill out this document, read the below sections.

When is a bill of sale necessary in Missouri?

A vehicle bill of sale in Missouri may be necessary to submit in various different situations according to the state’s Department of Revenue. The main purpose of an MO bill of sale PDF or printout is to verify that a vehicle sales transaction has been completed. Therefore, presenting this credential is one of the ways to meet the DOR requirement that individuals report a sale or transfer of a motor vehicle, all-terrain vehicle or a trailer within 30 days.

Sellers who are unable to submit a DOR bill of sale document also have the option to present a completed Notice of Sale form so as to finalize the procedure. Failure to submit a car sales receipt or similar document within the set time frame will result in the seller being found guilty of an infraction and may lead to a fine.

Individuals who have deliberately failed to submit a bill of sale form for the purposes of helping the buyer avoid applying for a car title or registration, among other reasons, shall be guilty of a class C misdemeanor and incur a fine. However, it is important to note that certain sales transactions are an exception to this rule. For instance, this credential is not required of a seller if the motor vehicle was sold to car dealerships or out-of-state buyers.

Another instance when a car bill of sale will not be necessary is in the event of transferring a vehicle to an insurance company due to a total loss claim. For a full list, contact the state’s Department of Revenue.

Moreover, individuals may use a properly filled out MO DMV bill of sale in order to acquire a temporary permit for operating a boat, vessel or outboard motor on state waterways. The information contained within this form, specifically the purchase price, may also prove useful for calculating the appropriate sales taxes.

Note: To find out whether or not a bill of sale is necessary for other DOR-imposed vehicle transactions, contact the department in a timely manner.

Who needs a Missouri bill of sale?

Having the copy of a bill of sale in Missouri is of equal importance to both the buyer and the seller. The purchaser can utilize a bill of sale form to prove that he or she is the current owner of the vehicle in question, and may be required to submit it for tax purposes. On the other hand, the person selling the vehicle will need to furnish this credential when reporting the sale of a vehicle to the state’s Department of Revenue, so as to avoid being penalized and incurring steep fines.

Sellers may also need to retain a copy of the vehicle bill of sale in order to protect themselves from future traffic infractions and penalties accrued by the purchaser once a car title transfer has been completed. Furthermore, there may be other general purposes for this legal affidavit.

How to Complete a Bill of Sale Form in Missouri

A sample bill of sale template from the Missouri Department of Revenue consists of several different sections. The information that this credential requires includes the following:

  • The printed names of the purchaser and seller.
  • The address of the purchaser and seller.
  • A description of the vehicle sold, including the vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make and model.
  • The sale date and purchase price.
  • Signatures of both the seller and purchaser.

If the car bill of sale agreement is submitted as proof of ownership on major parts of a rebuilt vehicle or the Department of Revenue requests it, then the document must be notarized. Individuals who are legally obligated to present a completed MO DOR bill of sale may need to go to a local DOR office and furnish the affidavit in person along with the other applicable paperwork, depending on the transaction. Prior to entering the requested details on the form, the interested parties can order a vehicle history check in order to verify the accuracy of the information.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.