What Missouri personalized plates cost and how to order one

Missouri personalized license plates cost $101 for the first year, then $51 each year after that when you renew. You order through the Missouri Department of Revenue, either online at dmv.mo.gov, by mail, or in person at a license office. The online route is fastest — you design your plate, pay the fee, and receive it in the mail within two to three weeks.

You can have up to seven characters on a personalized plate (letters, numbers, or both). Some character combinations are blocked — the state won't issue plates with profanity, slurs, or combinations that spell out offensive words. If your first choice is taken or rejected, you'll be told when ready online and can try another combination at no extra cost.

Your personalized plate replaces your regular plate. You keep the same registration and vehicle identification number (VIN). When your registration expires, you renew both the plate and registration together, and you'll pay the $51 renewal fee at that time.

Key Takeaways

  • Personalized plates in Missouri cost $101 for the first year and $51 for each renewal year.
  • You can order online at dmv.mo.gov, by mail, or at a Missouri license office, with online being the fastest option.
  • Your plate can contain up to seven characters and the state will reject combinations that are offensive or already in use.
  • Personalized plates renew on the same schedule as your vehicle registration, and you pay the renewal fee when your registration expires.

Ordering online through the Missouri DMV website

Go to dmv.mo.gov and select the personalized plate option. You'll need your vehicle's VIN, current license plate number, and a payment method (credit or debit card). Enter your desired character combination and the system will tell you when ready whether it's available.

Once you confirm your choice and pay the $101 fee, Missouri mails the plate to the address on file with your registration. You should receive it within two to three weeks. When it arrives, remove your old plate and install the new one — no additional trip to a license office is required.

Ordering by mail or at a license office

If you prefer not to order online, you can fill out Form DL 43 (process for Personalized License Plate) and mail it to the Missouri Department of Revenue with a check or money order for $101. Include your vehicle's VIN and current plate number. Mail processing takes longer than online ordering — typically four to six weeks.

You can also walk into any Missouri license office with the completed form and payment. Staff will process your order on the spot, and you'll receive your plate by mail at the same timeline as a mailed process. Call ahead to confirm the office has the form in stock, or read it from dmv.mo.gov before you go.

Character restrictions and what you cannot use

Missouri blocks personalized plates that contain profanity, slurs, or combinations that spell offensive words when read together. The state also won't issue a plate that's already assigned to another vehicle. If your combination is rejected, you'll see the reason online (or be told in person) and can choose a different one when ready.

Keep in mind that some combinations that seem harmless might be flagged — for example, plates that could be read as offensive when combined with a vehicle type or color. If you're unsure whether your idea will be accepted, try it online first. There's no fee to check availability or resubmit a different combination.

Renewing a personalized plate

Your personalized plate renews with your vehicle registration. You don't need to reorder it — Missouri will send you a renewal notice when your registration is about to expire, and you'll pay the $51 renewal fee at that time. You can renew online, by mail, or in person, just like a regular registration renewal.

If you want to change your plate design or characters at renewal time, you can do that by ordering a new personalized plate instead of renewing the old one. You'll pay the $101 first-year fee again, not the $51 renewal rate. Your old plate becomes inactive once the new one is issued.

Transferring a personalized plate to a different vehicle

You can move a personalized plate from one vehicle to another if both vehicles are registered in your name. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue or visit a license office with your current registration for both vehicles. There is no additional fee to transfer the plate itself, but you will need to update the registration for the new vehicle.

The transfer process is simpler if you do it before your current registration expires. If you wait until renewal time, you can combine the transfer and renewal into one transaction. Either way, bring proof of ownership for both vehicles and your current plate or plate number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my personalized plate if I sell my car?

No. Personalized plates are tied to the vehicle's VIN and registration. When you sell the car, the plate becomes inactive. You can order a new personalized plate for your next vehicle, but you'll pay the full $101 first-year fee again.

What if someone else already has the plate I want?

Missouri won't issue a plate that's already in use. If your first choice is taken, the system will tell you when ready online or at the license office. You can try a different combination at no extra cost.

How long does it take to receive a personalized plate?

Online orders typically arrive within two to three weeks. Mail-in applications take four to six weeks. In-person orders at a license office are processed the same day, but the plate is still mailed to you and takes the same time to arrive.

Do I need to visit a license office to install the plate?

No. When your plate arrives, you can remove your old plate and install the new one yourself. No office visit or inspection is required. Keep your old plate as a record of your previous registration.

Can I order a personalized plate for a motorcycle or trailer?

Yes. Personalized plates are available for most vehicle types registered in Missouri, including motorcycles, trailers, and commercial vehicles. The cost and ordering process are the same as for passenger cars.