As a business and legal template writer with over a decade of experience drafting documents for vehicle transactions across the United States, I’ve helped thousands of Missouri residents complete private car, truck, and motorcycle sales correctly. One of the most frequent questions I receive is about Missouri vehicle bill of sale requirements and whether the official Missouri Department of Revenue Bill of Sale (Form 1957) is actually required. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know in 2025, provide a free Missouri bill of sale template, and include the exact fields the Missouri DOR accepts.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the downloadable templates are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed Missouri attorney or tax professional for your specific situation.
In Missouri, a bill of sale serves as legal proof of the transfer of ownership for a vehicle sold privately (not through a licensed dealer). While Missouri law does not mandate a bill of sale for every transaction, the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) strongly recommends — and in many cases effectively requires — one when you apply for a new title and registration.
According to the official Missouri DOR website: “A properly completed and signed Bill of Sale (Form 1957) or other proof of purchase is required when applying for title and registration” (Source: dor.mo.gov/forms/1957.pdf).
In practice, most license offices will ask for either:
The Missouri Department of Revenue still uses Form 1957 – Bill of Sale as its primary document for private party vehicle sales. As of November 2025, the latest version is dated 2023, but the fields remain unchanged from previous years.
You can download the official PDF directly from the DOR here: https://dor.mo.gov/forms/1957.pdf
Many people search for “bill of sale 1957” or “Missouri bill of sale form 1957” because the form number itself has become synonymous with the document.
Below is my professionally drafted, SEO-optimized, and Missouri-compliant vehicle bill of sale template that meets or exceeds all Missouri vehicle bill of sale requirements. It includes optional “as-is” language and odometer disclosure to keep you 100% compliant with federal and state law.
▼ DOWNLOAD FREE MISSOURI BILL OF SALE TEMPLATE (PDF & Word)
| MISSOURI VEHICLE BILL OF SALE | |
|---|---|
| Date of Sale | [MM/DD/YYYY] |
| Seller Name(s) | ______________________________ |
| Seller Address | ______________________________ |
| Buyer Name(s) | ______________________________ |
| Buyer Address | ______________________________ |
| Vehicle Year | __________ Make __________ Model __________ |
| VIN | _____________________________________ |
| Odometer Reading | __________ miles (No Tenths) ☐ Actual ☐ Exceeds Mechanical Limits ☐ Not Actual |
| Sale Price | $ __________.00 |
| As-Is Clause | ☐ The vehicle is sold “AS IS” with no warranties, expressed or implied. |
| Seller Signature | ______________________________ Date: _________ |
| Buyer Signature | ______________________________ Date: _________ |
To satisfy the Missouri DOR and avoid title delays, your MO DMV bill of sale must include:
Missouri is one of the few states that still calculates sales tax based on the actual sale price shown on the bill of sale rather than a presumed value — so an accurate price is essential.
Private party sales in Missouri are almost always “as-is” unless you explicitly offer a warranty. Including the phrase “The vehicle is sold AS IS without any warranties, express or implied” protects the seller from future claims about mechanical issues. I always recommend checking the “as-is” box on both Form 1957 and any custom as is bill of sale Missouri template.
Over the years, I’ve seen these frequent errors that delay Missouri title transfers:
I provide both formats because:
Both versions are 100% free and updated for 2025 Missouri requirements.
Do I need to notarize a bill of sale in Missouri?
No. Missouri does not require notarization for vehicle bills of sale.
Can I use a generic bill of sale for Missouri?
Yes, as long as it contains all required fields listed above. Many people successfully use my free template instead of Form 1957.
Is Form 1957 mandatory?
Not technically mandatory, but it is the safest and most widely accepted document at Missouri DMV offices.
What if the vehicle is a gift?
Use Form 1957 or write “Gift – $0” as the price and complete Form 4571 (Statement of Gift).
Whether you need the official Missouri Department of Revenue Bill of Sale, a customizable printable bill of sale Missouri residents trust, or a perfect auto bill of sale Missouri template with “as-is” protection — you now have everything required for a smooth private party sale.
Click below to download your free templates instantly:
DOWNLOAD FREE MISSOURI VEHICLE BILL OF SALE (PDF + Word)
Remember: This is not legal advice. For complex situations (liens, trusts, deceased owners), consult a Missouri attorney or visit your local license office.
Safe driving and happy selling!