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

Missouri sends renewal notices 30 to 60 days before your plate expires. You can renew through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, by mail using the notice they send you, or by visiting a license office in person. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and you'll receive your new plate within two weeks. The fee depends on your vehicle type and whether you're renewing a standard plate or a specialty plate.

You do not need to visit an office if you renew online or by mail — both routes handle everything remotely. However, if your vehicle information has changed, if you're renewing after your plate has already expired, or if you have an outstanding violation or registration hold, you may need to go in person or contact the department first to resolve the issue.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri sends renewal notices 30 to 60 days before expiration; use that notice to renew by mail or as a reference for online renewal.
  • Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes.
  • Your new plate arrives by mail within two weeks of approval; you can continue driving on your current plate until it arrives.
  • If your plate has already expired, you cannot renew online and must visit a license office or contact the department by phone.
  • Specialty plates (personalized, veteran, conservation) follow the same renewal process but may have different fees.

Renewing online through the Missouri Department of Revenue

Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website and select the vehicle registration renewal option. You'll need your current plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the last four digits of your Social Security number or federal employer identification number. The system will pull up your vehicle record and show the renewal fee based on your vehicle's weight and type.

Pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. Once your payment processes, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new plate will be mailed to the address on file within two weeks. You can continue driving on your current plate during this time — there is no gap in your registration.

Online renewal is not available if your plate has already expired, if you have an outstanding registration hold, or if your vehicle information needs to be updated. In those cases, you'll need to renew by mail or visit a license office.

Renewing by mail using your renewal notice

When your renewal notice arrives, it includes a return envelope and payment instructions. Fill out the form, include your payment (check or money order), and mail it back to the address shown on the notice. Do not send cash through the mail.

Mail renewal takes longer than online — typically three to four weeks from the time the department receives your envelope. Send your renewal at least four weeks before your plate expires to avoid driving on an expired registration. Keep a copy of your renewal notice or take a photo of it in case you're stopped before your new plate arrives.

If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail by contacting the Missouri Department of Revenue to request a duplicate notice, or you can renew online instead.

Renewing in person at a license office

Visit your local Missouri license office with your current registration card and a valid photo ID. Bring your renewal notice if you have it. The staff will verify your vehicle information, collect the renewal fee, and process your process on the spot. You'll receive a temporary registration receipt valid for 30 days while your new plate is mailed to you.

In-person renewal is necessary if your plate has already expired, if you have a registration hold, or if your vehicle information has changed since your last renewal. It's also the fastest way to get a temporary receipt if you need to drive when ready after renewal.

Find your nearest license office on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Some offices accept walk-ins; others operate by appointment. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need to schedule a time.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Missouri renewal fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and vehicle type. A standard passenger car typically costs between $15 and $30 to renew, but trucks, RVs, and commercial vehicles have different rates. Specialty plates — personalized plates, veteran plates, conservation plates, and others — may have an additional fee on top of the base renewal cost.

The renewal notice you receive shows the exact fee for your vehicle. If you're renewing online, the fee appears before you pay. If you're unsure of your vehicle's GVWR, check your vehicle registration card or the driver's side door jamb of your vehicle.

What to do if your plate has already expired

If your plate expired and you did not renew before the expiration date, you cannot renew online. You must either visit a license office in person or call the Missouri Department of Revenue to discuss your options. Driving on an expired plate is a violation and can result in a ticket.

When you renew after expiration, you may owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. The amount varies depending on how long the plate has been expired. The license office or department staff can tell you the total amount due when you contact them.

If you were unable to renew because of a registration hold — for example, due to unpaid traffic violations or child support — you'll need to resolve that issue first. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to find out what's blocking your renewal.

Specialty plates and personalized plates

If you have a personalized plate, veteran plate, conservation plate, or other specialty plate, you renew it the same way as a standard plate — online, by mail, or in person. The renewal process is identical; the only difference is the fee, which is higher for specialty plates.

When you renew a personalized plate, your custom characters stay the same unless you request a change. If you want to change your personalized plate to a standard plate, or vice versa, you'll need to visit a license office or contact the department, as online and mail renewal will not give you that option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on my old plate while I wait for my new one to arrive?

Yes. Your registration remains valid until the expiration date shown on your renewal notice. You can drive on your current plate for up to two weeks while your new plate is in the mail. If you renewed in person, you'll receive a temporary registration receipt valid for 30 days.

What if I move to a different address before my plate arrives?

Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue with your new address as soon as possible. If your new plate has already been mailed, the post office may forward it, but calling the department ensures they have your correct address on file. You can update your address online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website.

Do I need to renew my plate every year?

Yes. Missouri requires annual renewal of vehicle registration and license plates. Your renewal notice will show the expiration date. If you miss the important date, you'll need to renew late and may owe an additional fee.

What happens if I lose my renewal notice?

You can still renew online or in person without the notice — you'll just need your plate number, VIN, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you prefer to renew by mail, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to request a duplicate notice.

Can I renew my plate if I'm out of state?

Yes. You can renew online from anywhere, and you can renew by mail from out of state using your renewal notice. In-person renewal requires you to visit a Missouri license office, so that option is not available if you're not in the state.