Missouri Boat, RV & Powersports Guide

Private-party title transfer, registration, lien search, sales tax, and USCG documentation rules for Missouri.

Title Required

✅ Yes

State issues boat title

Bill of Sale

✅ Required

For all transfers

Sales Tax

4.23%

On boat purchases

State Agency

Official Site ↗

Title & Registration in Missouri

Missouri requires a certificate of title for boats and personal watercraft. When you purchase a vessel, the seller must sign the title over to you. You then have a limited window to apply for a new title in your name.

Apply at a local license office within 30 days with the out-of-state title, Form 93 application, and local tax payment.

Lien Search in Missouri

Before completing any private-party purchase, run a lien search to confirm the vessel has no outstanding loans or encumbrances.

Missouri Official Lien Search ↗

For USCG-documented vessels, also search the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC).

Bill of Sale Requirements

Missouri requires a bill of sale to transfer title. Your bill of sale should include:

Hull Identification Number (HIN) or VIN
Make, model, and year of the vessel
Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller
Purchase price and date of sale
Odometer reading (motorhomes/RVs)
Signatures of both parties
Notarization if required by Missouri

Sales Tax on Boats & Powersports in Missouri

Missouri charges 4.23% sales tax on boat and powersports purchases. Sales tax is typically collected when you register the vessel with the state. Some counties add additional local taxes. Check with your local Missouri agency for the full rate.

USCG Documentation in Missouri

Vessels on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers used commercially may be USCG documented.

USCG-documented vessels carry a Certificate of Documentation (COD) issued by the National Vessel Documentation Center. This is recognized internationally and is preferred by lenders for boats over 26 ft. Even with USCG documentation, Missouri may still require state registration for operation on in-state waters.

Apply for USCG Documentation →