A quiet title, also known as a try title or a trespass to try title, is a legal action that establishes ownership of a piece of property in the event that ownership is contested or could possibly be contested. In the case of a vehicle, it usually means that the title was either lost or the former owner of the vehicle never titled the vehicle in their name before selling it to the current owner. In Missouri, obtaining a quiet title without an attorney is possible, but you run a significantly higher risk of losing the property.
Visit the Circuit Court of the County and ask for the paperwork necessary to file a petition. If you don't think anyone will contest the title, ask for a "Complaint to Quiet Title by Adverse Possessor with Unknown Defendants". If you know of someone contesting the title, ask for a "Complaint to Quiet Title by Person Claiming Adverse Possession".
Fill out the petition. If any of it is confusing, hire an attorney who has experience in property law. If someone else will be contesting the petition, it is highly suggested that you hire an attorney.
File the petition at the Circuit Court of the County. A "lis pendens" (public notice that a suit is pending) will then be recorded in the Recorder of Deeds Office. Anyone coming forward to make a claim to the property will then have a chance to be heard by the court. After all claims are heard, judgement on the case will be made by the court. The entire process can take anywhere from three to six months.
