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Missouri · TitleMissouri old deeds of trust: the 20-year bar on power-of-sale foreclosure

Missouri cuts off old deeds of trust in two ways. No suit, action or power-of-sale proceeding to foreclose a mortgage or deed of trust securing an obligation to pay money or property can be had once that obligation is barred by Missouri's statutes of limitation. And in any event none can be had after 20 years from the date the last maturing obligation secured by the instrument is due on its face – unless, before the 20 years run out, the owner of the debt, or someone for it, files a duly verified affidavit, or a written instrument acknowledged like a deed, showing the amount due and owing (RSMo 516.150).

What the statute sets

  1. Debt barred (516.150)

    No foreclosure once the secured obligation is barred by limitations.

  2. 20 years (516.150)

    No foreclosure 20 years after the last maturing obligation is due on the face of the instrument.

  3. Keeping it alive (516.150)

    A verified affidavit or acknowledged instrument of the amount due, filed before the 20 years end.

What the TC does with an old deed of trust on a Missouri title

  • Ask the title company for the old mortgage's maturity date and any recorded extension.
  • Ask whether the title company treats the lien as expired under the statute.
  • If it doesn't, get a payoff or a release from the holder or its successor before closing.

Questions about old Missouri deeds of trust

When can an old Missouri deed of trust no longer be foreclosed?

Once the debt is barred by the statute of limitations, and in any event 20 years after the last maturing obligation is due on the face of the instrument (RSMo 516.150).

How does a Missouri lender extend the 20 years?

By filing, before the 20 years end, a verified affidavit or an acknowledged instrument showing the amount due and owing (RSMo 516.150).

Related guides

Track each old lien and the title company's decision as title tasks in ClosingCode.

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Source: RSMo 516.150 (revisor.mo.gov), read October 30, 2026.

General information, not legal advice. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm or brokerage. This guide is not a substitute for the advice or services of an attorney.