Missouri license plates renew every two years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at your local license office

Your Missouri license plates expire on the date printed on the registration card that came with your vehicle. The state sends you a renewal notice about 30 days before that date. You have three ways to renew: through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, by mailing your renewal notice with payment, or by visiting a license office in person. The fastest route is online if you have your renewal notice and a valid payment method.

Renewal costs depend on your vehicle type and weight. Passenger cars typically cost between $100 and $150 for the two-year period, but commercial vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles have different rates. If your vehicle is financed or leased, your lienholder or leasing company may need to be notified, though this is usually handled automatically by the state.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri sends renewal notices about 30 days before your plates expire, and you can renew online at dor.mo.gov, by mail, or at a license office.
  • Online renewal takes minutes if you have your renewal notice and a credit or debit card, and your new plates arrive by mail within two weeks.
  • If you renew by mail, send your completed renewal notice with a check or money order to the address printed on the notice.
  • You cannot legally drive with expired plates, so renew before the expiration date on your registration card to avoid a traffic stop and fine.
  • If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can still renew online or in person by providing your vehicle identification number and driver's license number.

Renewing online through the Missouri Department of Revenue

The Missouri Department of Revenue website at dor.mo.gov has a dedicated renewal portal. You will need your renewal notice (which shows your vehicle information and renewal fee), your driver's license number, and a valid credit or debit card. The process takes about five minutes: enter your information, review the fee, and submit payment. You will receive a confirmation number when ready.

After you submit online, the state mails your new registration card and plates to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 10 to 14 business days. You can continue driving with your current plates during this time as long as your current registration has not yet expired. If you need plates faster, some license offices offer in-person renewal with plates issued the same day, though availability varies by location.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

If you prefer not to renew online, use the renewal notice the state sent you. The notice includes a payment envelope and instructions. Write a check or money order for the amount shown on the notice, sign the notice where indicated, and mail both to the address printed on the envelope. Do not send cash through the mail.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal because of postal delivery time. Plan for 7 to 10 business days for the state to receive your payment, process it, and mail your new plates back to you. Send your renewal at least three weeks before your plates expire to avoid driving with expired registration. If your renewal notice is lost or damaged, you can still renew by mail by calling the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-751-4509 to request a replacement notice.

Renewing in person at a Missouri license office

You can renew your plates at any Missouri license office. Bring your renewal notice, your driver's license, and payment (cash, check, or card accepted at most locations). If you do not have your renewal notice, bring your vehicle title or registration card and your driver's license. The staff will look up your vehicle and process the renewal on the spot.

In-person renewal is the only way to get new plates the same day. If your current plates are damaged, missing, or you want a personalized plate, you must renew in person. Processing takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Find your nearest license office and current hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website.

What happens if your plates expire before you renew

Driving with expired license plates is illegal in Missouri. A traffic officer can stop you for expired plates alone, and you face a fine. The fine amount varies but typically ranges from $50 to $200 depending on how long the plates have been expired and whether you have prior violations. You are also at risk in an accident: your insurance may deny a claim if you were driving with expired registration.

If your plates have already expired and you have not yet renewed, renew when ready through any of the three methods above. You can renew online or by mail even after expiration, and your new registration will be valid from the date you renew. If you are stopped while driving with expired plates, you can show the officer your renewal confirmation number (if you renewed online) or your renewal notice as proof that you have begun the process, though this does not may provide you will avoid a citation.

Renewing a vehicle with a lienholder or lease

If your vehicle is financed through a bank or credit union, or if you are leasing, the lienholder or leasing company is listed on your registration. You can still renew your plates yourself through any of the three methods. The state automatically notifies the lienholder when you renew, so you do not need to contact them separately.

If your lienholder requires a specific type of plate or has restrictions on your registration, those restrictions will appear on your renewal notice. Follow the instructions on the notice. If you have questions about what your lienholder requires, contact them directly before renewing, as some lienholders have specific renewal important date that differ from the state important date.

Renewing if you did not receive a renewal notice

The state mails renewal notices to the address on file with your registration. If you moved and did not update your address, or if the notice was lost in the mail, you can still renew without it. Online renewal through dor.mo.gov allows you to enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and driver's license number to look up your vehicle and proceed with renewal. You will see the renewal fee on screen before you pay.

If you prefer to renew in person or by mail without a notice, call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-751-4509 to request a replacement notice or to confirm your renewal information. Have your VIN and driver's license number ready. If your address has changed, update it before renewing so your new registration card and plates arrive at the correct location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri plates before the expiration date?

Yes. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at any time after you receive your renewal notice, which arrives about 30 days before expiration. Renewing early does not cost extra and does not change your expiration date—your new plates will expire two years from your current expiration date, not two years from the renewal date.

What if I lost my license plates or they are damaged?

You can renew in person at a license office and request replacement plates at the same time. Bring your renewal notice and driver's license. Replacement plates cost extra (typically $10 to $15) in addition to your renewal fee. If your plates were stolen, you may need to file a police report first; ask the license office staff what documentation they need.

Do I need to renew my registration card too?

Your registration card and license plates renew together. When you renew your plates, the state mails you a new registration card with the same expiration date. Keep the new card in your vehicle at all times. You are required by law to show both your registration card and driver's license if stopped by police.

How much does it cost to renew Missouri license plates?

Passenger car plates cost between $100 and $150 for two years, depending on vehicle weight and county. Motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and trailers have different rates. Your renewal notice shows the exact fee for your vehicle. Some counties charge slightly different amounts, so the fee varies by location.

Can someone else renew my plates for me?

Yes, if you renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, have someone mail your signed renewal notice and payment on your behalf. For in-person renewal, another person can bring your renewal notice, your driver's license, and payment to a license office, though some offices may require you to sign a power of attorney form. Online renewal requires your personal information and cannot be done by someone else.