Except as provided in chapter 454, RSMo, or chapter 517, RSMo, the lien of a judgment commences upon entry of the judgment, continues for a period of ten years, and is revived by a revival of the judgment.
Rule 74.08.Judgment Lien.
Part I · Rule 74: Judgments, Orders and Proceedings Thereon · Last amended January 1, 2003 · Last verified July 22, 2026
In one sentenceRule 74.08 establishes that a Missouri judgment creates a lien on the debtor's property beginning at entry, lasting ten years, and capable of being extended through revival.
Full Text of Rule 74.08
Amendment History
Adopted May 22, 1987, eff. Jan. 1, 1988. Amended May 15, 1998, eff. Jan. 1, 1999. Amended Feb. 27, 2002, eff. Jan 1, 2003.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 74.08 is short but has outsized consequences for anyone trying to collect on, or trying to sell property subject to, a Missouri judgment. Except for the exceptions carved out in chapter 454 and chapter 517 of the Missouri statutes, a judgment automatically creates a lien the moment it is entered. That lien lasts ten years.
The rule also builds in a way to keep the lien alive past that ten-year mark: it can be revived. Revival is governed by Rule 74.09, which sets out who can seek revival and the procedure for doing so. Without revival, the lien lapses at the ten-year mark, which is why judgment creditors who want to preserve their collection leverage need to track that deadline closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a judgment lien start in Missouri?
The lien commences upon entry of the judgment.
How long does a judgment lien last?
Ten years from entry, unless it is revived under Rule 74.09.
Can a judgment lien be extended past ten years?
Yes, through revival of the judgment, which restarts the lien under the procedure in Rule 74.09.
Are there exceptions to this ten-year lien rule?
Yes. The rule expressly excepts liens governed by chapter 454 or chapter 517 of the Missouri statutes.
Does the lien attach automatically, or does the creditor have to record something?
The rule states the lien commences upon entry of the judgment itself, without describing any separate recording step as a condition of the lien's existence.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Missouri State & Federal Court Rules, adopted by the
Supreme Court of Missouri. Last verified July 22, 2026. ·
Official source
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