Title Searching in Missouri
Overview
Minimum Title Search Requirements
27 years. Search must be made at a Registered Title Plant (a set of geographically indexed records registered with the DIFP) unless a search from the plant cannot be obtained at a reasonable cost in a reasonable time. MO Rev Stat § 381.071.
Other
There is no problem with procuring O&E reports for an agent that is not licensed in MO. The issue is what they intend to do with the O&E. They cannot examine them themselves and they cannot use them as the basis for any title insurance. If they are simply order managing them, then that would be fine. Please find out from them what the purpose is and if anything involves them issuing a title insurance product or any type of examination, then we won’t be able to help them.
- Additional Requirements for REO Searches -- No
- Special Searches Required (Code, HOA, Utilities)? -- St. Louis taxes/special benefit districts
- Plant or other search restrictions -- Plants required unless written evidence that plant provider cannot meet reasonable turn times
Attorneys
Attorneys are exempt geographical and minimum time period restrictions. They may rely upon a personal inspection of the records in the courthouse and use the best title evidence available in any county where the search. Mo. Ann. Stat. § 381.071.1(1).
