Missouri lets you renew most license plates online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, without visiting an office in person.
You can renew online if your vehicle registration is current, you have not had any address changes, and your vehicle has not been in an accident or had major repairs since your last registration. The process takes about 10 minutes and you pay by credit or debit card. Your new plate arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your registration has lapsed, you have moved, or your vehicle status has changed, you will need to renew in person at a Missouri license office or through the mail. The online system will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access when you enter your information.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your registration is current, your address has not changed, and your vehicle has no accident or repair history since last registration.
- You renew through the Missouri Department of Revenue website using your driver's license number and vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Payment is by credit or debit card, and your new plate arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If you are ineligible for online renewal, the system will tell you which documents you need and whether you must visit an office or can mail them in.
What You Need Before You Start
Have your Missouri driver's license number and your vehicle identification number (VIN) ready. Your VIN is on your registration card, your vehicle's title, or on the driver's side of the windshield. You will also need a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
If you have a commercial vehicle, trailer, or motorcycle, check the Missouri Department of Revenue website first — some vehicle types cannot renew online and must go through the mail or in person. The same applies if your plate is personalized or if you want to change your plate type.
Steps to Renew Online
Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue's online renewal portal. Enter your driver's license number and vehicle identification number. The system will pull up your registration and tell you whether you are may be able to access to renew online.
If you are may be able to access, review your vehicle information and address. If anything is incorrect, stop and contact the Missouri Department of Revenue by phone or visit an office in person — do not proceed with incorrect information. Once you confirm everything is correct, select your new plate type (if you want to keep your current plate, just select the renewal option), enter your payment information, and submit.
You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your new plate will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your current plate until the new one arrives.
When You Cannot Renew Online
The online system will reject your renewal if your registration has expired, your address on file does not match your current address, or your vehicle has been in an accident or had major repairs since your last registration. You will see a message telling you which issue applies.
If your registration has lapsed by more than one year, you will need to renew in person at a Missouri license office with your title, proof of insurance, and proof of residency. If you have moved, you can renew by mail by sending your registration card, proof of your new address, and a check to the Missouri Department of Revenue. If your vehicle was in an accident or had major repairs, you may need an inspection — the office will tell you what is required when you call or visit.
Fees and Payment
License plate renewal fees vary by vehicle type and weight. A standard passenger vehicle plate costs between $17 and $30 depending on your county. The Missouri Department of Revenue website shows the exact fee for your vehicle before you pay.
You pay by credit card or debit card during the online process. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. There is no additional fee for paying by card. If you prefer to pay by check or money order, you must renew by mail instead.
What Happens If Your Renewal Is Rejected
If the online system rejects your renewal, read the rejection message carefully — it will tell you the specific reason and what to do next. Most rejections are because your registration has expired, your address has changed, or your vehicle information does not match the state's records.
Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue by phone at 573-751-4509 if the rejection message is unclear or if you believe your information is correct. You can also visit a license office in person with your registration card and driver's license. Do not attempt to renew again when ready — the system will give you the same result until the underlying issue is fixed.
Tracking Your New Plate
Your confirmation email contains a confirmation number. You can use this number to check the status of your plate on the Missouri Department of Revenue website, though the system does not provide tracking updates the way a shipping service does. The standard delivery time is 7 to 10 business days from the date you renew.
If your plate does not arrive within 12 business days, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue. Bring your confirmation number and the date you renewed. They can check whether the plate was mailed and, if it was lost in transit, issue a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my plate if my registration expired more than a year ago?
No. If your registration has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a Missouri license office with your vehicle title, proof of insurance, and proof of residency. The online system will reject you when ready and direct you to the office renewal process.
What if I moved but have not updated my address with the state yet?
You cannot renew online. You must visit a license office in person or renew by mail. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). The office will update your address and process your renewal at the same time.
Do I have to keep my current license plate number?
No. During online renewal, you can request a new random plate or a personalized plate. If you want a personalized plate, you may need to renew in person or by mail because the online system has limited options. Check the website or call the Missouri Department of Revenue to confirm.
Can I renew online if my vehicle is financed?
Yes, as long as your registration is current and you meet the other may be able to access requirements. Your lienholder does not need to approve the renewal. If your lienholder's name is on your registration card and you have moved, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead.
What if my new plate arrives damaged or with the wrong information?
Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue with your confirmation number and a photo of the damaged plate. They will mail you a replacement at no charge. Do not use a damaged plate — it may not pass inspection.