Find the right Missouri real estate form

Missouri real estate conveyances are governed primarily by Chapter 442 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. Missouri permits the transfer of land or any interest in land by deed executed by a person with authority to convey the property, or by that person’s agent or attorney (RSMo § 442.020).

Agricultural Land and Alien Ownership

Missouri places restrictions on ownership of agricultural land by certain foreign persons and entities (RSMo § 442.560). Non-citizens who are not U.S. residents and foreign corporations may acquire real estate in Missouri, except agricultural land or interests therein, subject to statutory limitations. Certain historic ownership exceptions apply in limited counties. Outside of agricultural land restrictions, individuals, corporations, and joint owners may hold and convey real property.

Forms of Conveyance and Legal Capacity

Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds are commonly used in Missouri. Corporations authorized to hold real estate may convey property under their corporate seal through authorized officers (RSMo § 442.060).

A husband and wife may convey real estate by joint deed properly acknowledged and certified (RSMo § 442.030). A minor under eighteen who is married to an adult with an interest in real estate may be deemed of age for purposes of joining in a conveyance affecting the spouse’s property (RSMo § 442.040).

Missouri law also permits conveyance of land even if it is held adversely by another; a person claiming title may convey his or her interest as though in actual possession (RSMo § 442.070).

Execution and Acknowledgment

To be recorded, a deed must be acknowledged by the grantor. Acknowledgments taken within Missouri may be made before a court having a seal, a judge, justice, clerk, or notary public (RSMo § 442.150). Acknowledgments taken in another state are valid if executed in accordance with that state’s laws.

The officer taking the acknowledgment must endorse a certificate on the instrument (RSMo § 442.180).

Recording and Local Requirements

Deeds must be recorded with the Recorder of Deeds in the county where the property is located. Missouri follows a notice recording system. A properly certified and recorded instrument imparts notice to all persons from the time of filing (RSMo § 442.390). An unrecorded instrument is valid only between the parties and those with actual notice until it is recorded (RSMo § 442.400).

Certain charter counties—such as Jackson, St. Charles, Jefferson, St. Louis County, and the City of St. Louis—may have additional local recording ordinances. It is advisable to confirm county-specific formatting and recording requirements before submission.

Because Missouri law includes specific rules regarding agricultural land ownership, corporate conveyances, and acknowledgment certification, and because priority depends on timely recording with the county Recorder of Deeds, careful compliance with statutory and local requirements is essential to ensure a valid and protected conveyance.