Missouri plate renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV office

Missouri allows you to renew your license plate through three channels: the Missouri Department of Revenue website, by mail using a renewal notice, or by visiting a DMV office in person. Most people renew online because it takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home. Your new plate arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If your renewal notice has been lost or you need a plate sooner, the in-person route at a DMV office is faster — you can walk out with a temporary plate the same day.

The cost varies based on your vehicle type and whether you are renewing a standard plate, a specialty plate, or a plate that has expired. Standard passenger vehicle plates cost around $120 to $150 for a two-year renewal in most Missouri counties, though the exact amount depends on your county's local fees. If your plate has been expired for more than two years, you may owe a late penalty on top of the renewal fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if you have your renewal notice or vehicle information handy.
  • You will need your current plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), or the renewal notice that arrived in the mail to start the online process.
  • Renewal fees for a two-year plate typically range from $120 to $150 for standard passenger vehicles, but vary by county and vehicle type.
  • If you renew in person at a DMV office, you can receive a temporary plate when ready while your permanent plate is mailed to you.
  • Plates that have been expired for more than two years may trigger a late penalty in addition to the standard renewal fee.

Renewing online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website

Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dmv.mo.gov. You will need either your current license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN), or the renewal notice that was mailed to you. Enter the requested information and review the renewal details to confirm your vehicle and plate type are correct.

Once you have confirmed the details, you will pay the renewal fee using a credit card or debit card. The site accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new plate will be mailed to the address on file with the Missouri Department of Revenue within two to three weeks. During that time, your current plate remains valid.

If you do not have your renewal notice or cannot locate your plate number, you can look up your vehicle information using your VIN and driver's license number. The Missouri Department of Revenue website has a tool to retrieve this information before you start the renewal process.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can renew by mailing it back to the address printed on the notice along with your payment. Write a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash. Include the check or money order inside the envelope with the renewal notice.

Mail the envelope to the address listed on your renewal notice. Processing by mail typically takes four to six weeks from the date the Missouri Department of Revenue receives your payment. Your new plate will be mailed to you after processing is complete. Keep your current plate on your vehicle during this time — it remains valid until your new plate arrives.

If your renewal notice was lost or damaged, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 to request a replacement notice before mailing in your renewal.

Renewing in person at a Missouri DMV office

Visit your local DMV office with your current vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a valid photo ID. Bring your renewal notice if you have it, though it is not required. You can find your nearest DMV office location and hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website.

At the office, tell the staff member you are renewing your plate. They will verify your vehicle information, confirm your insurance is current, and process your payment. You will pay the renewal fee at the counter using cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The office will issue you a temporary plate on the spot — a paper plate you can display in your vehicle window while your permanent plate is being mailed.

Your permanent plate will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary plate is valid during this waiting period. In-person renewal typically takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

What documents and information you need to renew

For online renewal, you need your current plate number and VIN, or your renewal notice. For mail renewal, you need your renewal notice and a check or money order. For in-person renewal, bring your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, a valid photo ID, and ideally your renewal notice.

Proof of insurance must be current — it cannot be expired. Missouri requires all registered vehicles to carry liability insurance. If your insurance has lapsed, you will need to contact your insurance company and obtain a new proof of insurance document before you can renew your plate.

If you have moved since your last registration, bring proof of your current address such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement. The Missouri Department of Revenue will update your address on file during the renewal process.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Standard passenger vehicle plate renewal costs between $120 and $150 for a two-year renewal in most Missouri counties. The exact fee depends on your county of residence because each county adds its own local fee on top of the state fee. Some counties charge slightly more or less than others.

Specialty plates — such as personalized plates, veteran plates, or environmental plates — cost more than standard plates. The additional cost varies by plate type. If you are unsure of the exact fee for your vehicle and county, the Missouri Department of Revenue website has a fee calculator where you enter your county and vehicle type.

If your plate has been expired for more than two years, the Missouri Department of Revenue may assess a late penalty. The penalty amount varies depending on how long the plate has been expired. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue or visit your local DMV office to find out the exact penalty before you renew.

What to do if your renewal notice did not arrive

If you did not receive a renewal notice in the mail, you can still renew online using your plate number and VIN, or by visiting a DMV office in person. The renewal notice is a convenience — it is not required to renew.

If you want a replacement renewal notice mailed to you, call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407. They can verify your information and send a new notice to your address on file. This typically takes one to two weeks.

Alternatively, go to your local DMV office with your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and photo ID. Staff can look up your renewal information and process your renewal on the spot without needing the notice.

Temporary plates and what they cover

When you renew in person at a DMV office, you receive a temporary plate — a paper plate printed with your plate number and expiration date. This temporary plate is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent metal plate is being mailed to you.

Display the temporary plate in your vehicle window where it is visible to law enforcement. Do not remove your old plate; the temporary plate supplements it during the waiting period. Once your permanent plate arrives, remove the temporary plate and install the new permanent plate on your vehicle.

If you renew online or by mail, you do not receive a temporary plate. Your current plate remains valid and legal to use until your new plate arrives in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri plate if it has been expired for over a year?

Yes, you can renew an expired plate at any time. However, driving with an expired plate is illegal in Missouri, and you may be stopped by law enforcement. If your plate has been expired for more than two years, you may owe a late penalty in addition to the standard renewal fee. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to confirm the penalty amount before you renew.

How long does it take to receive my new plate after I renew online?

Your new plate typically arrives within two to three weeks after you complete your online renewal and payment. During this time, your current plate remains valid and legal to use. If you need a plate sooner, visit a DMV office in person to receive a temporary plate when ready.

What happens if my insurance lapses before my plate renewal is processed?

Your plate renewal will not be processed if your insurance is expired or lapsed. If you are renewing by mail or online and your insurance expires before the renewal is complete, contact your insurance company when ready to restore coverage. You may need to resubmit your renewal or contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to update your insurance information.

Do I need to remove my old plate before my new plate arrives?

No. Keep your old plate on your vehicle until your new plate arrives. If you renewed in person and received a temporary plate, display the temporary plate in your window alongside your old plate. Once your permanent plate arrives, you can remove both the old plate and the temporary plate and install the new one.

Can someone else renew my plate for me?

Yes, someone else can renew your plate by mail or online if they have your renewal notice or your plate number and VIN. For in-person renewal, the person visiting the DMV office will need your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a valid photo ID. They do not need a power of attorney document for plate renewal.