Missouri lets you renew your plates online through the DMV website, but only if your vehicle passes certain conditions
You can renew your Missouri license plates online at dmv.mo.gov if your vehicle is registered in Missouri, your registration has not expired by more than one year, and you do not need to change any information on your registration (such as address, owner name, or vehicle details). The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and you pay by credit or debit card. Your new plates arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
If your registration expired more than a year ago, if you need to update your address or vehicle information, or if you have unpaid traffic violations or parking tickets, you must renew in person at a Missouri DMV office or through the mail. The online system will tell you when ready if you are not may be able to access and direct you to the correct method.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your registration is current or expired less than one year ago, and you have no changes to make to your vehicle or owner information.
- You need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid credit or debit card to complete the transaction online.
- New plates arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can drive legally with your old plates until the new ones arrive.
- If the online system says you are not may be able to access, you can renew by mail or at a DMV office, but mail renewal takes longer.
- Missouri charges a renewal fee that varies based on your vehicle type and weight; the online system shows the exact amount before you pay.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather your current Missouri registration card, your vehicle's VIN (found on the dashboard or in your registration paperwork), and a valid credit or debit card. You will also need the license plate number from your current plates. Have these items in front of you before you log into the DMV website.
If you have moved since your last registration, you will not be able to complete the renewal online. The system requires your address to match what is on file. In that case, you must renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.
The step-by-step process on the DMV website
Go to dmv.mo.gov and look for the "Online Services" or "Renew Registration" link on the homepage. Click it and select "Renew License Plates." The system will ask you to enter your current plate number and VIN. It then pulls up your registration record and shows you whether you are may be able to access to renew online.
If you are may be able to access, the system displays your current registration information and the renewal fee. Review everything carefully—this is your final note to catch errors before you pay. Enter your payment information (credit or debit card only; Missouri does not accept checks or electronic bank transfers online). After you submit payment, you receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number in case you need to check on your order later.
Do not close the browser window until you see the final confirmation page. If your connection drops, go back to the DMV website and use your confirmation number to verify that your payment went through.
What happens after you pay and what to expect in the mail
Your new plates are printed and mailed to the address on file in your registration. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date your payment is processed. You can continue driving with your old plates during this time—there is no gap in your legal registration. When your new plates arrive, remove the old ones and install the new ones. Keep the old plates or turn them in to a DMV office if you prefer, though Missouri does not require you to return them.
If your new plates do not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DMV at 573-526-2407 with your confirmation number. Have your registration card and VIN ready. The DMV can check the status of your order and reissue plates if they were lost in the mail.
When the online system will not let you renew
The online renewal system blocks you if your registration expired more than 12 months ago. Missouri considers this a lapsed registration, and you must renew in person at a DMV office with proof of vehicle insurance and a valid ID. Bring your registration card, VIN, and proof of insurance. The in-person process takes about 30 minutes.
You also cannot renew online if you have outstanding parking tickets, unpaid traffic violations, or child support arrears on file with the state. The DMV system checks these records automatically. If you have any of these issues, you must resolve them before you can renew. Contact the court or agency that issued the ticket or judgment to find out how to pay or set up a payment plan.
If you need to change your address, add or remove an owner, or update vehicle information (such as a new engine), you cannot use the online system. Go to a DMV office or renew by mail and provide the required documents for the change you are making.
Mail renewal as an alternative if online does not work
If you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you can renew by mail. Request a renewal form from the DMV by calling 573-526-2407 or visiting a DMV office in person. Fill out the form, include your payment (check or money order made out to "Missouri Department of Revenue"), and mail everything to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope, so send it early if your registration is about to expire.
Mail renewal requires the same documents as online renewal, plus any additional paperwork if you are making changes to your registration. For example, if you moved, include proof of your new address. If you added a new owner, include a bill of sale or title transfer document. The DMV website lists all required documents for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my registration is expired?
Yes, as long as it expired less than one year ago. If it expired more than 12 months ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office with proof of insurance and a valid ID.
What if I get an error message when I try to pay online?
First, check that your credit or debit card is valid and has not expired. Make sure you entered the card number and expiration date correctly. If the error continues, try a different card or call the DMV at 573-526-2407 to renew by phone or mail instead.
Do I have to install the new plates myself?
Yes. When your new plates arrive, remove the old ones and attach the new ones using the bolts or screws that came with them. Keep the old plates or turn them in to a DMV office. You can drive legally with your old plates until the new ones arrive.
What if my address changed since my last registration?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail and provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
How do I check if my new plates were delivered?
Contact the DMV at 573-526-2407 with your confirmation number and registration card. They can tell you whether your plates were mailed and provide tracking information if available. If plates were lost in the mail, the DMV can reissue them.