Transfer a car title after a death in Missouri

If the title names a transfer-on-death (TOD) beneficiary, the beneficiary applies for a new title with proof of death and the title. Without a TOD beneficiary, a surviving spouse or unmarried minor child (under 18) can title one vehicle without a probate order using form 2305 (Affidavit to Establish Title to Exempt Property), signed and notarized, with form 108, the title, a copy of proof of death, the $8.50 title fee and $9 processing fee.

Checked against official sources: October 30, 2026.

Car or vehicle title after a death in Missouri

If the title names a transfer-on-death (TOD) beneficiary, the beneficiary applies for a new title with proof of death and the title. Without a TOD beneficiary, a surviving spouse or unmarried minor child (under 18) can title one vehicle without a probate order using form 2305 (Affidavit to Establish Title to Exempt Property), signed and notarized, with form 108, the title, a copy of proof of death, the $8.50 title fee and $9 processing fee. Other heirs need letters from the court or a small estate certificate/affidavit, filed with form 108 and the title assigned by the person named in the court papers.

Law: RSMo 474.250, 301.681

Agency
Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR), Motor Vehicle Bureau
Form
Form 2305 Affidavit to Establish Title to Exempt Property (spouse or unmarried minor children)
Fee

Spouse or minor child with form 2305: $8.50 title fee plus $9 processing fee. With letters or a small estate certificate/affidavit: $17.50 for a motor vehicle or trailer title, per the DOR page. Sales tax is not due when the title goes to the administrator or as a qualifying gift.

Transfer-on-death title

A sole owner, or joint owners with right of survivorship, can ask DOR to issue the title in beneficiary form ("transfer on death to" or "TOD"). After the death, the beneficiary gets a new title on proof of death, surrender of the title and payment of the title fee.

Source: Official page

Do vehicles count toward the small estate limit?

Kind of propertyHow it is treatedDetails
Cars and other vehicles
Counts

A car in the person's name alone counts unless it has a transfer-on-death beneficiary on the title. A surviving spouse or unmarried minor child can also take one car as exempt property through the Department of Revenue.

Law: RSMo 473.097, 474.250, 301.681

Boats and mobile or manufactured homes
Counts

Boats and other titled property in the person's name alone count at their value, minus any lien.

Law: RSMo 473.097

Related pages

Free help in Missouri

A court self-help center or a legal aid office can check whether the estate qualifies, free of charge or at low cost.