What is a Missouri Trailer Bill of Sale?

A Missouri trailer bill of sale supports the buyer in registering and titling their acquired property. The title and registration transfer to the new owner and remain with them while they own it. If they re-sell the trailer, they can use the bill of sale to relinquish ownership and give it to the next person. Neither person should sign the document until the buyer provides the seller with the amount listed under the payment section. Although the form does not need notarization, it boosts its credibility, making it more “official” to local and state governments.

How to Register a Trailer (3 Steps)

Per state law, individuals must title and register their trailers, regardless of their weight or size. The only trailers exempt from this requirement include cotton trailers, tow dollies, and specific hay trailers. Otherwise, the owner must gather the appropriate information needed to obtain a title and registration, then submit it to the state within thirty (30) days of the purchase. They must also renew the tags (if applicable) to stay updated with local jurisdiction.

Sellers must inform the state of the transfer within thirty (30) days of the sale. The notice must include their name, a description of the trailer, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the purchase date, the sale price, and signature. In addition, it must contain the buyer’s name, address, birth date, driver’s license number, and signature.

Step 1 – Inspection

No matter the length, homemade trailers require an inspection before titling and registration (§ 301.191). The County Sheriff or an authorized Missouri State Highway Patrol member must conduct the assessment. Individuals must bring $25 for the inspection fee and an incomplete Vehicle/Trailer Identification Number Plate or Verification (Form 5062) from a Missouri license office. The inspector will fill out this form for the owner if it passes.

Step 2 – Title + Registration

Owners who fail to obtain a trailer title and registration within thirty (30) days of the purchase must pay an additional $25 starting on the 31st day following the sale. For every thirty (30) days the buyer does not comply, they owe another $25, with the maximum set at $200.

Registrars must bring the documents listed below to title and register their trailer. They must pay the standard state sales tax (4.255%) and local sales tax. If the individual owned the trailer for ninety (90) days in another state before coming to Missouri, they do not need to pay sales taxes. The owner must also pay the title fee ($8.50), title processing fee ($6), and registration processing fee ($6). It costs $7.50 to register the trailer for one (1) year, $22.50 for three (3) years, and $52.50 to obtain permanent registration.

Homemade trailers have different requirements as the buyer must bring the signed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108) and the finalized Application for Vehicle/Trailer Identification Number Plate or Verification (Form 5062). They must submit the inspection fee ($25) if they did not previously pay, the title application ($14.50 + processing fees), and the identification number plate ($13.50 + processing fees).

Step 3 – Renewal

The length of Missouri trailer tags depends on the option chosen during the previous registration period. Individuals can obtain a one (1) year, three (3) year, or permanent registration (no renewal needed). The person must renew before the last day of the expiration month to avoid a $5 penalty.

Trailer owners must provide the registration renewal notice received by mail or an Application for Motor Vehicle License (Form 184) and a personal property tax receipt from the previous year or previous three (3) years (depending on the registration period). They must also have the appropriate fees for the desired registration length. A one (1) year registration is $7.50, while a three (3) year tag costs $22.50. The processing fee remains at $6, regardless of the period chosen.

Renewals can occur online, at a licensing office, via mail, or by phone (573-751-1957).