Selling a trailer in Missouri: what to know
Missouri titles and registers every trailer, utility trailers included, through the Department of Revenue, and it enforces the calendar: 30 days to title after purchase, with penalties stacking monthly after that. Sales tax of 4.225% plus local tax is due on the purchase price, calculated from your bill of sale.
Missouri’s nice touch is the permanent registration option for trailers, alongside one-year and three-year terms. Homemade trailers need a sheriff or highway patrol inspection before first titling, and the counter will ask for your personal property tax receipt, a uniquely Missouri detail.
Missouri rules at a glance
| Topic | Missouri rule |
|---|---|
| Title | Yes, all trailers are titled through the Department of Revenue. |
| Deadline | 30 days to title after purchase; monthly penalties after that. |
| Registration | One-year, three-year or permanent registration options. |
| Taxes | 4.225% state sales tax plus local tax on the purchase price. |
| Homemade trailers | Sheriff or highway patrol inspection required before first titling. |
Last reviewed September 2026 against official state sources. Rules change; confirm with the state agency before your sale.
Missouri trailer bill of sale: FAQ
Do utility trailers need titles in Missouri?
How long do I have to title after buying?
Is there a permanent registration?
What paperwork does the counter want?
Related guides
Trailer Bill of Sale: full guide & generator · Title requirements by state
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