Missouri renews license plate tags by mail, online, or in person at your local license office

Missouri sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before your tag expires. You can renew using that notice by mail, through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, or by visiting a license office in person. The method you choose depends on whether your vehicle information has changed and how quickly you need the new tag.

Your renewal notice shows your current registration number, vehicle details, and the fee amount due. Keep this document—you'll need the information to renew online or by phone. If you've lost the notice, you can still renew, but you'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration number.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri sends renewal notices about 30 days before expiration, and you can renew by mail, online at dor.mo.gov, or at a license office without an appointment.
  • Online renewal takes minutes and is available 24/7, but you cannot renew online if your vehicle information has changed or if your registration has lapsed more than 60 days past expiration.
  • Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your payment, so send it at least two weeks before your tag expires.
  • In-person renewal at a license office is fastest and handles registration changes, but you must bring your renewal notice, proof of insurance, and a valid ID.
  • If your tag has already expired, you can still renew, but driving with an expired tag is illegal and can result in a traffic stop and fine.

Renewing online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your vehicle information has not changed. Go to dor.mo.gov, find the vehicle registration section, and select the renewal option. You'll enter your registration number and the last four digits of your VIN to pull up your account. The system will show your current fee and allow you to pay by debit card or credit card.

Online renewal is not available if your vehicle information has changed—for example, if you've changed your address, added or removed a vehicle owner, or changed your insurance company. It's also not available if your registration has lapsed more than 60 days past the expiration date. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

After you complete online renewal and payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new tag will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally during this time if your previous tag was current when you renewed.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

Mail renewal is straightforward if you have your renewal notice. Write a check or money order for the amount shown on the notice, sign the back of the notice where indicated, and mail both to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash through the mail.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the Missouri Department of Revenue receives your payment. To avoid driving with an expired tag, mail your renewal at least two weeks before expiration. Include your renewal notice, your check or money order, and nothing else—do not send your registration card or insurance documents unless the notice specifically asks for them.

If you're renewing for the first time after a lapse of more than 60 days, mail renewal is not available. You must renew in person at a license office.

Renewing in person at a Missouri license office

Visit any Missouri license office to renew your tag on the spot. No appointment is needed. Bring your renewal notice, proof of current insurance, and a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID). If you don't have your renewal notice, bring your vehicle registration card and your VIN.

License offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by location. You can find your nearest office and its hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Processing time at the office is usually 15 to 30 minutes, and you'll receive your new tag before you leave.

In-person renewal is required if your vehicle information has changed, if your registration has lapsed more than 60 days, or if you need to add or remove vehicle owners. It's also the fastest option if your tag expires soon and you don't want to wait for mail delivery.

What happens if your tag expires before you renew

Driving with an expired tag is illegal in Missouri. If you're stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a traffic citation and fine. The amount of the fine varies depending on how long your tag has been expired and the officer's discretion, but it typically ranges from $50 to $200 in addition to any renewal fees you owe.

If your tag has expired, you can still renew it at any time. However, if your registration has lapsed more than 60 days past expiration, you cannot renew online or by mail—you must go to a license office in person. Bring your expired registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID.

Some insurance companies may drop your coverage if your registration lapses, so contact your insurer when ready if your tag has expired. You cannot legally drive without both current registration and active insurance.

Understanding Missouri license plate tag fees

Missouri license plate tag renewal fees depend on your vehicle's weight and type. Passenger vehicles typically cost between $100 and $150 per year, but the exact amount is based on the vehicle's gross weight rating. Your renewal notice shows the fee you owe for your specific vehicle.

Some vehicles may have access to for reduced fees. Vehicles owned by disabled veterans, senior citizens over 65, or nonprofit organizations may pay lower rates. If you believe you may have access to for a reduced fee, ask about it when you renew in person or contact the Missouri Department of Revenue before you mail your payment.

The fee covers your registration and tag for one year from the expiration date of your current tag. If you renew early, your new tag's expiration date is still based on your original expiration date, not the date you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri tag if I just moved to a different state?

No. Once you move out of Missouri, you must register your vehicle in your new state. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department to register your vehicle there. You cannot renew a Missouri tag for a vehicle you no longer keep in Missouri.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online or by mail without the notice if you have your registration number and VIN. If you're renewing by mail, write your registration number and VIN on a piece of paper, include it with your check, and mail it to the address on your most recent registration card. For in-person renewal, bring your registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID.

How long does it take to get my new tag after I renew online?

Your new tag arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online payment. You can drive legally with your expired tag during this time as long as your previous registration was current when you renewed.

Can I renew my tag if my insurance has lapsed?

You cannot renew your registration without proof of current insurance. If your insurance has lapsed, contact your insurance company to reinstate it or find a new policy before you renew. You'll need to show proof of insurance when you renew in person or include a copy with a mail renewal.

What if my vehicle's information changed since my last registration?

If your address, vehicle ownership, or insurance changed, you must renew in person at a license office. Bring your renewal notice, proof of the change (such as a new insurance card or utility bill for address changes), proof of current insurance, and a valid ID. Online and mail renewal cannot process registration changes.