This article explains how to change the legal title of a motor vehicle that belonged to a deceased parent under Missouri law. It summarizes the typical documents and steps you will need, explains when probate is likely required, and points to the Missouri statutes and state offices that control the process. This is educational information only and is not legal advice.

Who can retitle the vehicle?

The person who inherits the vehicle—or a personal representative appointed by the probate court—can transfer title. Who that is depends on whether there is a valid will, how the title was held (sole owner, joint owners, or a beneficiary designation), and whether the estate must go through probate or can use a simplified transfer procedure.

Key Missouri law references

• Missouri probate and estate administration rules: Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 473 (Administration of Estates) — https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=473
• Missouri motor vehicle and titling rules: Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 301 (Registration of Motor Vehicles) — https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=301
• Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) handles vehicle titles and provides local license offices for submitting title transfers — https://dor.mo.gov/

Step-by-step process (typical)

1. Locate the title and related papers. Find the vehicle title, the decedent’s will (if any), the death certificate, and any loan or lien paperwork. The original title is the main document you will need for a straightforward transfer.
2. Determine the type of ownership shown on title. If the title named the parent as the sole owner, the vehicle becomes part of the parent’s probate estate. If the title listed joint owners with right of survivorship, the surviving joint owner typically becomes sole owner automatically—bring the title and certified death certificate to the DOR office. If the title contains a named beneficiary or a transfer-on-death designation, follow the instructions on the title or check with the Missouri DOR.
3. Decide whether formal probate is needed. If the estate is large, contains real estate, or there is a will that someone will contest, the estate likely needs formal probate and the probate court will appoint a personal representative. If the estate is small and the decedent left only modest personal property, Missouri permits simplified procedures in some cases (see Chapter 473). If probate is required, the personal representative (executor/administrator) will have letters testamentary or letters of administration from the probate court; those letters are the document you present to the DOR to retitle the vehicle.
4. If no formal probate, use a small-estate or affidavit procedure when available. Missouri has statutory procedures that let heirs collect certain personal property without formal administration in qualifying situations. If the vehicle qualifies, an affidavit or other court form may substitute for letters. Check Chapter 473 for the statutory procedures and confirm requirements with your local probate court or the Missouri DOR before relying on an affidavit.
5. Gather required documents to take to the Missouri DOR license office. Typical items you will need to present include:
   • Original vehicle title signed by whoever is transferring interest (if applicable)
   • Certified copy of the decedent’s death certificate
   • Letters testamentary or letters of administration (if the estate is in probate) OR the appropriate small-estate affidavit/court paperwork if using a simplified transfer
   • Photo ID for the person applying for title
   • Odometer disclosure (if required by the title or federal/state rules)
   • Lien release, if a security interest appears on the title but has been satisfied
   • Payment for title fees, registration, and any applicable taxes
6. Complete the DOR title application and pay fees. At the license office you will complete a title application. If you are receiving title as an heir or as the personal representative, the DOR will record the new owner(s) and issue a new title. If taxes or fees apply, you will pay them at that time.
7. If multiple heirs share the vehicle, resolve ownership before retitling. If multiple people inherit the vehicle, you must either agree how to divide ownership, sell the vehicle and split proceeds, or have one heir buy out the others. If heirs cannot agree, the personal representative or a probate court may need to resolve the conflict.

When probate is likely required

Probate is likely required if the decedent owned the vehicle solely and the estate has other assets or creditors, or if you anticipate disputes among heirs. If the decedent exclusively owned the vehicle and there is no small-estate route available, a personal representative appointed by the probate court must transfer title.

Common complications and how to handle them

• No original title: Obtain a duplicate title through the Missouri DOR prior to transfer.
• Outstanding lien: Get a written lien release from the lienholder or provide documentation showing the lien was satisfied.
• Disagreement among heirs: Consider mediation, settlement, or ask the probate court for instructions.
• Vehicle is registered in another state: You may need to follow that state’s transfer rules or contact Missouri DOR for guidance about retitling into Missouri.

Estimated timeline and costs

Retitling at a DOR office can be completed in a single visit if you have all required documents. If probate is required, the process can take weeks to months depending on court schedules and whether creditors must be notified. Expect standard Missouri title and registration fees; confirm current fee amounts with the Missouri DOR.

When to consult an attorney

Consider hiring an attorney experienced in probate or estate administration if any of these apply: the estate is large or complex, heirs dispute the inheritance, creditors make claims, real property or business interests are involved, or you need help filing probate paperwork. An attorney can help interpret the statutes in Chapter 473 and represent you in court if necessary.