301.192. 1. In addition to any other requirements of section 301.190, when application is made for a certificate of ownership for a motor vehicle or trailer seven years old or older and the value of vehicle does not exceed three thousand dollars, for which no record of any prior application for a certificate of ownership exists in the records of the director of revenue or for which the records of the director of revenue reflect incomplete or conflicting documentation of ownership, the director of revenue may issue a certificate of ownership, not less than thirty days after receiving the completed application, provided it is accompanied by:

(1) An affidavit explaining how the motor vehicle or trailer was acquired and the reasons a valid certificate of ownership cannot be furnished;

(2) Presentation of all evidence of ownership in the applicant's possession;

(3) Title verification from a state in which the vehicle was previously titled or registered if known, provided the vehicle was so previously titled or registered;

(4) A notarized lien release from any lienholder of record;

(5) A vehicle examination certificate issued by the Missouri state highway patrol, or other law enforcement agency as authorized by the director of revenue. The vehicle examination shall include a verification of the vehicle's identification number and a determination that the vehicle has not been reported stolen in Missouri or any other state. The fee for the vehicle examination certificate shall be twenty-five dollars and shall be collected by the director of revenue at the time of the request for the application;

(6) A statement certifying the odometer reading of the motor vehicle if less than ten years of age; and

(7) A surety bond or a suitable financial security instrument in a form prescribed by the director of revenue and executed by the applicant and a person authorized to conduct surety business in this state. The bond shall be an amount equal to two times the value of the vehicle as determined by the Kelly Blue Book, NADA Used Car Guide or two appraisals from a licensed motor vehicle dealer. The bond shall be for a minimum of one hundred dollars and conditioned to indemnify any prior owner or lienholder and any subsequent purchaser of the vehicle or person acquiring any security interest in it, and their respective successors in interest, against any expense, loss or damage including reasonable attorneys fees, by reason of the issuance of the certificate of ownership of the vehicle or on account of any defect in or undisclosed security interest upon the right, title and interest of the applicant in and to the vehicle. Any such interested person has a right of action to recover on the bond for any breach of its conditions, but the aggregate liability of the surety to all persons shall not exceed the amount of the bond. The bond shall be returned at the end of three years, unless the department has been notified of the pendency of an action to recover on the bond.

2. Upon satisfaction with the genuineness of the application and supporting documents, the director of revenue shall issue a new certificate of ownership. The certificate of ownership shall appropriately be designated with the words "BONDED VEHICLE".

(L. 1990 H.B. 1279)

Effective 7-1-91