You can renew your Missouri license plate online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website if your vehicle is registered in Missouri and your plate is not expired by more than two years
The Missouri Department of Revenue lets you renew most standard passenger vehicle plates online without visiting an office. You go to the state's online renewal system, enter your vehicle information and current plate number, pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and receive your new plate by mail within one to two weeks. This works for regular plates, not for specialty plates, commercial plates, or plates that have been expired for longer than two years.
The online process is faster than going in person and you can do it from home at any time. However, you will need your current registration documents and a valid payment method. If your registration has changed—your address, vehicle information, or ownership—you may need to handle that separately or in person before renewing the plate.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri's online renewal system is at the Department of Revenue website and works for standard passenger vehicle plates that are not expired by more than two years.
- You need your current vehicle registration information and plate number to start the renewal, plus a credit or debit card to pay the fee.
- New plates arrive by mail in one to two weeks, so plan ahead if you need the plate by a specific date.
- Specialty plates, commercial plates, and plates expired longer than two years require in-person renewal at a Missouri license office.
- If your registration information has changed, you may need to update it before or during the renewal process.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather your current vehicle registration document (the paper or digital copy you received when you last registered the vehicle) and your current license plate number. You will also need a valid credit card or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The fee varies depending on your vehicle type and weight, but you will see the exact amount before you complete the payment.
If your vehicle information has changed since your last registration—such as a new address, a change in ownership, or modifications to the vehicle itself—you may not be able to complete the renewal online. In that case, you will need to visit a Missouri license office in person or contact the Department of Revenue to update your registration first.
Steps to renew your plate online
Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website and look for the vehicle registration or license plate renewal section. You will enter your vehicle identification number (VIN), current plate number, and the last four digits of the vehicle owner's Social Security number or the business tax ID if the vehicle is registered to a business. The system will pull up your registration record.
Review the information on screen to make sure it matches your current vehicle and address. If anything is incorrect, you may need to stop and contact the Department of Revenue or visit in person to correct it before renewing. Once you confirm the information is correct, you will see the renewal fee amount and can proceed to payment. Enter your credit or debit card details and submit the payment.
After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this confirmation for your records. Your new plate will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within one to two weeks. You can continue using your current plate until the new one arrives.
When you cannot renew online
Specialty plates—such as personalized plates, veteran plates, or environmental plates—must be renewed in person at a Missouri license office. The same applies to commercial plates, truck plates, and any other non-standard plate type. If your plate has been expired for more than two years, the online system will not process the renewal, and you will need to visit an office.
If your registration has lapsed or if there are outstanding violations, tickets, or holds on your vehicle record, the online system may reject your renewal. In these cases, you will need to resolve the issue first, either by paying fines or contacting the Department of Revenue, before you can renew online or in person.
What happens after you pay online
Your payment is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email with your transaction details and confirmation number. The Department of Revenue will begin preparing your new plate for mailing. During this time, your current plate remains valid and legal to use on the road.
Your new plate will arrive at the address on your registration within one to two weeks. Once it arrives, remove the old plate and install the new one. Missouri does not require you to return the old plate, but you should keep it or dispose of it safely. If your new plate does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Department of Revenue with your confirmation number to check the status.
Updating your address or vehicle information during renewal
If you have moved since your last registration and your address on file is outdated, you can update it during the online renewal process. The system will ask you to confirm or change your address before you pay. Make sure the address you enter is correct, because your new plate will be mailed to that address.
If you need to change other registration details—such as adding or removing a co-owner, updating the vehicle's weight class, or changing the vehicle itself—you may not be able to do this online. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue or visit a license office to make those changes before renewing your plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my plate if it expired more than two years ago?
No, the online system only works for plates expired two years or less. If your plate has been expired longer than that, you must visit a Missouri license office in person to renew it. You may also face additional penalties or fees for the lapsed registration.
How long does it take to receive my new plate after I pay online?
New plates are mailed within one to two weeks of payment. If you do not receive your plate within three weeks, contact the Department of Revenue with your confirmation number to check on the status of your order.
Can I renew a personalized or specialty plate online?
No, specialty plates including personalized plates, veteran plates, and environmental plates must be renewed in person at a Missouri license office. The online system only handles standard passenger vehicle plates.
What if my registration information is wrong in the system?
If the information that appears during the online renewal does not match your current vehicle or address, do not complete the renewal. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue or visit a license office to correct your registration first, then renew your plate.
Do I need to return my old plate after the new one arrives?
No, Missouri does not require you to return your old plate. You can keep it or dispose of it safely. Once your new plate arrives, straightforward remove the old one and install the new one on your vehicle.