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Adverse Possession Laws in Missouri

In Missouri, an action to recover land is barred after 10 years, and since August 28, 2024 owners can petition a court for fast removal of unlawful occupants of a home.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Missouri at a glance

Standard period
10 years
With color of title
10 years (same period)
Possession of part of a tract under color of title counts as possession of the whole tract (RSMo 516.040).
Property taxes required
No
The statute sets no property tax payment requirement.
Squatter removal law
Yes, verified petition and court order (2024)
Enacted by 2024 H.B. 2062, effective August 28, 2024; the sheriff enforces the order.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Missouri

How many years of possession are required for adverse possession in Missouri?

Standard period in Missouri: 10 years.

Is the adverse possession period shorter with color of title in Missouri?

With color of title in Missouri: 10 years (same period). Possession of part of a tract under color of title counts as possession of the whole tract (RSMo 516.040).

Does the occupant have to pay property taxes to claim adverse possession in Missouri?

No. Property taxes required in Missouri: no. The statute sets no property tax payment requirement.

Does Missouri have a special law for removing squatters?

Yes, verified petition and court order (2024). Squatter removal law in Missouri: yes, verified petition and court order (2024). Enacted by 2024 H.B. 2062, effective August 28, 2024; the sheriff enforces the order.

Where do the Missouri adverse possession laws come from?

The rules above come from RSMo 516.010, RSMo 516.040, RSMo 516.090 and RSMo 534.602. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

Good to know

Lands held for public, pious or charitable use, state land, and certain utility interests cannot be taken by adverse possession (RSMo 516.090).

What this means in practice

Courts usually require possession that is actual, open, continuous, exclusive and hostile (without the owner's permission) for the full statutory period. The person claiming the land generally has to prove each element, and courts read these requirements strictly.

Owners can protect themselves by inspecting vacant or rural land regularly, keeping boundary lines marked, and responding quickly to fences, buildings or other uses that cross the line. Written permission, such as a simple license or lease, can make a neighbor's use permissive instead of hostile.

Adverse possession does not usually transfer title automatically. The occupant often needs a court judgment, such as in a quiet title action, before the new ownership can be recorded. Boundary disputes between neighbors are often settled with a survey and a recorded deed instead of a lawsuit.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.