I have been batting heads with the Missouri Department of Revenue over the procedure for getting a title for a trike in Missouri. I am starting to make a little headway with them. The main thing I want is a letter, on their letter head, stating what kind of paperwork is required to obtain a title. Members in Missouri can then take a copy of this letter with them when they go to the Highway Patrol and Jefferson City to apply for a title. The information they sent required a title for the frame and I advised them that we make our own frames and they agreed that all we would need was receipts for the material used to construct the frame. I have pasted thier letter below. It still isn't to my liking but it is getting better.
BROTHERS OF THE THIRD WHEEL
JIM SICKLER CEO
THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO YOUR QUESTION TO MVBMAIL CONCERNING THE TITLING PROCEDURE OF A 3 WHEEL VEHICLE.
TYPE OF VEHICLE
Since this is a 3 wheel vehicle, it is classified as a motorcycle/tri-cycle. If you will refer to the back of your Vehicle Examination Certificate (Form 551) you will see a list of the MAJOR COMPONENT PARTS for a motorcycle. The list includes the FRAME, MOTOR, AND TRANSMISSION.
Since this vehicle is constructed by you and not by a recognized manufacturer, it will be considered a SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED VEHICLE. Refer to the definition shown (page 5) in the instruction packet that was sent to you. This definition is also shown on the back of the 551.
To obtain a title you will need to follow the procedures as described in the information packet.
1. You will need to purchase a VEHICLE EXAMINATION CERTIFICATE (FORM 551) from your local license office. The fee for this form is $25.00 & $2.50 processing fee.
2. You will need to call your local Highway Patrol Office (see listing in information packet) to schedule an appointment for the inspection of your SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED VEHICLE.
3. You will need to provide proof of ownership for the FRAME.
Since the FRAME is a major component part you will need to provide the following:
A. A descriptive notarized bill of sale. This must include:
1. The sellers name & address
2. The buyers name & address
3. A description of the part (i.e.--frame)
4. The year/make & vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle the FRAME came from.
5. The amount paid for the part.
6. The amount of tax collected by the seller (tax will be due at time of titling if seller did not collect taxes)
7. The total amount paid to the seller.
B. The title to the FRAME must be submitted. If the FRAME came from a vehicle that you own then you will need to surrender the title. If you bought the FRAME then the seller must assign the title to you. (The title should always stay with the FRAME)
4. You will need to provide proof of ownership for the MOTOR.
Since the MOTOR is a major component part you will need to provide the following:
A. A descriptive notarized bill of sale. This must include:
1. The sellers name & address
2. The buyers name & address
3. A description of the part (i.e.--motor)
4. The year/make & vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle the MOTOR came from.
5. The amount paid for the part.
6. The amount of tax collected by the seller (tax will be due at time of titling if seller did not collect taxes)
7. The total amount paid to the seller.
B. A photo copy of the title to the vehicle the MOTOR came from.
If the MOTOR came from a vehicle that you own then a copy of that title must be submitted.
5. You will need to provide proof of ownership for the TRANSMISSION.
Since the TRANSMISSION is a major component part you will need to provide the following:
A. A descriptive notarized bill of sale. This must include:
1. The sellers name & address
2. The buyers name & address
3. A description of the part (i.e.--transmission)
4. The year/make & vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle the TRANSMISSION came from.
5. The amount paid for the part.
6. The amount of tax collected by the seller (tax will be due at time of titling if seller did not collect taxes)
7. The total amount paid to the seller.
B. A photo copy of the title to the vehicle the TRANSMISSION came from. If the TRANSMISSION came from a vehicle that you own then a copy of that title must be submitted.
6. You will also note that on the back of your Form 551 there is a list of EXAMPLES OF SOME ESSENTIAL COMPONENT PARTS. If you have replaced any of these parts then you will need to submit a corresponding receipt/bill of sale for each item. The receipt/bill of sale must include the following:
1. Sellers name & address
2. Buyers name---will not reject if address is not shown for the buyer
3. A description of the item being sold (i.e. fender/gas tank)
4. Amount paid for the item
5. The amount of tax collected by the seller (tax will be due at time of titling if seller did not collect taxes)
6. Total amount paid
7. After you have your vehicle inspected by the authorized officer you will then need to submit the following to the address provided for you on the back of the Form 551:
A. an application for title completed & signed
B. all required supporting documents for proof of ownership for all parts used.
C. $8.50 title fee & $2.50 processing fee.
D. state tax due at the rate of 4.225% on all parts that you used if the receipt shows no tax being collected by the seller. (PLEASE NOTE THAT AN INDIVIDUAL CAN NOT COLLECT ANY SALES TAX UNLESS THEY HAVE A SALES TAX LICENSE).
E. local tax is due (according to your local rate) on all parts that you used if the receipt shows no tax being collected by the seller.
F. $7.50 & $2.50 processing fee for the assigned Identification number