What Missouri requires on your license plate
Missouri issues one standard plate per vehicle, and you must display it on the rear of your car. The plate shows your registration number, the state name, and an optional design or slogan. Your plate is tied to your vehicle's registration — when you register a car in Missouri, the Secretary of State's office issues the plate as part of that registration.
The state does not require a front plate in Missouri, though you may purchase one if you want to display it. Your registration sticker goes on the rear plate and must be visible and current. If your plate is damaged, faded, or missing, you can request a replacement from your county assessor's office.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri issues one rear plate per vehicle when you register; a front plate is optional and costs extra if you want one.
- You renew your registration and plate together every two years through your county assessor's office, not the DMV.
- Replacement plates cost around $10 to $15 and take one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
- Personalized plates are available and require a separate request; some designs support state parks or other causes.
- Your registration sticker must stay visible on your rear plate, and expired plates can result in a traffic stop.
How to register a vehicle and get your first plate
When you buy a vehicle in Missouri, you must register it with your county assessor's office within 30 days. You will need the vehicle title, proof of insurance, a completed registration form (Form 108), and a photo ID. The assessor's office will issue your plate and registration at that time.
If you are moving to Missouri from another state, you have 30 days to register your vehicle here. Bring your out-of-state title, proof of insurance, and ID. Your county assessor will issue a Missouri plate and registration. If your vehicle is financed, the lienholder's name will appear on the Missouri title.
Registration fees vary by vehicle weight and type. A standard passenger car costs less than a truck or SUV. The assessor's office can tell you the exact fee when you visit or call. Your registration is valid for two years from the date of issue.
Renewing your registration and plate every two years
About 60 days before your registration expires, your county assessor's office will mail you a renewal notice. You can renew by mail, online through the Missouri Secretary of State website, or in person at the assessor's office. Renewing by mail or online is faster and requires no visit.
To renew by mail, complete the renewal notice, include your payment, and mail it back to the assessor's office. To renew online, visit the Secretary of State's website, enter your plate number and registration information, and pay by credit card or debit card. Your new registration sticker will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
Your plate itself does not change during renewal — you keep the same plate number. Only your registration sticker updates. If your plate is damaged or illegible, you can request a replacement at the same time you renew.
Personalized and specialty plates in Missouri
Missouri offers personalized plates that display a custom message of up to seven characters. You can request one when you register a new vehicle or during renewal. Personalized plates cost an additional fee, usually $25 to $50 depending on the design.
The state also offers specialty plates that support specific causes or organizations — for example, plates that benefit state parks, veterans, or universities. Each specialty plate has its own design and may have a higher fee than a standard plate. You choose the design when you register or renew, and the same rules explore: you keep the plate number for the life of your vehicle unless you request a change.
To order a personalized or specialty plate, contact your county assessor's office or request one through the Secretary of State's online system. The assessor will check whether your requested message is available. If it is taken, you will be asked to choose another.
Replacing a damaged, lost, or stolen plate
If your plate is damaged, faded, or unreadable, visit your county assessor's office and request a replacement. Bring your registration card and photo ID. The cost is typically $10 to $15. You will receive a new plate with the same registration number within one to two weeks by mail.
If your plate is lost or stolen, report it to your local police department and get a case number. Then visit the assessor's office with the police report, your registration card, and ID. The replacement process is the same as for a damaged plate, and the fee applies.
Do not drive with a missing or illegible plate. A police officer can stop you for an expired or unreadable registration, and you may receive a citation. If your plate is in the mail, carry your registration card and the replacement receipt as proof that you have requested a new one.
What happens if your registration or plate expires
Your registration expires on the date shown on your registration sticker. Driving with an expired registration is a traffic violation in Missouri. A police officer can stop you, and you may receive a citation and fine. The penalty increases if you are stopped multiple times with an expired registration.
If your registration has expired, renew it as soon as possible. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at the assessor's office. If you are more than 60 days past the expiration date, you may be required to renew in person and provide proof of insurance again.
If you no longer own the vehicle, you must surrender the plate and cancel the registration. Contact your county assessor's office to do this. If the vehicle is sold, the new owner must register it in their name within 30 days.
County assessor offices and where to go
All vehicle registration and plate services in Missouri are handled by your county assessor's office, not a state DMV. Each county has one assessor's office, and you must go to the office in the county where you live or where the vehicle is garaged. You can find your county assessor's contact information and hours on the Missouri Secretary of State website.
Many assessor's offices now allow you to renew registration online or by mail, which means you may not need to visit in person. However, if you are registering a new vehicle, replacing a plate, or have questions about your registration, an in-person visit is often the fastest way to get it done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a front plate in Missouri?
No, Missouri requires only a rear plate. You may purchase a front plate if you want one, but it is not required by law. If you order a front plate, it will have the same registration number as your rear plate.
How long does it take to get a replacement plate?
Replacement plates typically arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If you need a plate urgently, ask your assessor's office whether they can issue a temporary plate or expedited service. Some offices may be able to provide a temporary plate the same day.
Can I keep my plate number if I sell my car?
No. When you sell your vehicle, the plate stays with the car and transfers to the new owner. If you want to keep a plate number, you must request a personalized plate before you sell the vehicle, and then you can request that same number on your next vehicle registration.
What if I move to a different county in Missouri?
You do not need to re-register your vehicle or get a new plate. Your current registration and plate remain valid. However, if you move out of state, you must register your vehicle in the new state within the time frame that state requires, usually 30 to 60 days.
Can I renew my registration online if I have a personalized plate?
Yes. Personalized plates renew the same way as standard plates — by mail, online, or in person. Your custom message stays the same unless you request a change. The renewal fee is the same as the original personalized plate fee.