Missouri lets you renew most passenger vehicle plates online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, without visiting an office or mailing anything in.
You can renew online if your vehicle is registered in Missouri, your registration has not expired more than one year ago, and you have no outstanding violations or fees on your account. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs the standard renewal fee (which varies by vehicle type and county), and you receive your new plates by mail within two to three weeks.
Some vehicle types — commercial trucks, trailers, and vehicles with special plates — cannot renew online and must use the mail or visit a license office in person. If your registration is more than one year expired, you will also need to visit an office or mail in an process, because the online system will not process it.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at dor.mo.gov if your registration is current or expired less than one year and you have no unpaid violations or fees.
- You will need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check).
- The renewal fee depends on your vehicle type and the county where it is registered, and you pay it at the time of renewal.
- Your new plates arrive by mail in two to three weeks; you can continue driving with your current plates until they arrive.
- Commercial vehicles, trailers, and specialty plates must renew by mail or in person at a Missouri license office.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather your current registration card and your vehicle's VIN before you go to the renewal page. The VIN appears on your registration card, your vehicle's title, and on the dashboard at the bottom of the windshield on the driver's side. You will also need a valid payment method: a debit card, credit card, or bank account information for an electronic check.
Have your email address ready. Missouri sends a confirmation email after you complete the renewal, and you may need it later if there are questions about your order. If your address has changed since your last registration, update it during the renewal process — do not wait until after you submit.
Steps to Renew Online
Go to dor.mo.gov and look for the vehicle registration renewal section. Click the link to renew your plates online. You will be asked to enter your vehicle's VIN and your current registration number (found on your registration card). The system will pull up your registration record.
Review the information on the screen. Confirm your vehicle type, current address, and the county where the vehicle is registered. If anything is wrong, you can correct it before you pay. Select the number of years you want to renew for — Missouri allows one-year or two-year renewals. Enter your payment information and submit.
You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number. Your new plates will be mailed to the address on file, and you can use your current plates legally until the new ones arrive.
What Happens If Your Registration Is Expired
If your registration expired less than one year ago, you can still renew online using the same process. The system will accept your renewal and charge the standard fee with no penalty or late charge.
If your registration expired more than one year ago, the online system will not process your renewal. You must visit a Missouri license office in person or mail in a paper process. When you renew after a lapse of more than one year, you may be required to provide proof of vehicle inspection and proof of insurance, depending on how long the registration has been expired. Contact your local license office or check dor.mo.gov for the specific documents you need.
Vehicles That Cannot Renew Online
Commercial trucks (Class 7 and Class 8), trailers, and vehicles with specialty plates — such as disabled veteran plates, personalized plates, or environmental plates — must renew by mail or in person. If you try to renew one of these vehicles online, the system will tell you it is not available for online renewal and direct you to the other options.
Vehicles with a lien on the title also cannot renew online in some cases. If your vehicle has a lien and the online system will not accept your renewal, contact your lienholder (usually your lender) to confirm they have released the lien, then try again or visit a license office.
When Your New Plates Arrive
New plates are mailed to the address on your registration within two to three weeks of approval. During that time, you can legally drive with your current plates. You do not need to do anything when the new plates arrive — straightforward install them on your vehicle and dispose of the old ones or keep them as backups.
If your new plates do not arrive within four weeks, or if they arrive damaged, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at the phone number on dor.mo.gov. Have your confirmation number ready. The department can check the status of your order and reissue plates if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my plates if I have a traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
No. The online system will reject your renewal if you have an outstanding violation or unpaid fine on your driving record. You must resolve the ticket or fine first, either by paying it or by contacting the court that issued it. Once it is cleared from your record, you can renew online.
What if my address changed since my last registration?
You can update your address during the online renewal process. Enter your new address when prompted, and your new plates will be mailed there. If you do not update it during renewal, you can change your address separately at a license office or by mail.
Do I have to renew for two years or can I just do one year?
Missouri allows you to choose one-year or two-year renewals online. The two-year option costs more upfront but spreads the cost over two years. You can pick whichever fits your situation.
What if the online system says my vehicle cannot renew online?
Your vehicle type may not be may be able to access for online renewal, or your registration may be too far expired. The system will tell you which option to use instead — usually mail or visiting a license office. Follow the instructions on the screen for the next step.
Can I renew before my registration expires?
Yes. Missouri allows you to renew up to six months before your current registration expires. Renewing early does not cost extra, and your new registration period begins when your current one ends.