Renewing Missouri plates online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Missouri license plates through the Missouri Department of Revenue in three ways: online at dmv.mo.gov, by mail using the renewal notice they send you, or in person at a license office. Online renewal is fastest — you can complete it in minutes and your new plates arrive by mail within two weeks. Mail renewal takes about three weeks from the time the department receives your envelope. In-person renewal at a license office is when ready if you need plates the same day, though you may wait in line.

You must renew before your current registration expires. Missouri sends renewal notices 30 to 60 days before expiration, and that notice contains everything you need to renew by mail or online. If you have moved, changed your vehicle, or have unpaid traffic violations or child support obligations, you may not be able to renew online and will need to visit a license office instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal at dmv.mo.gov is the fastest option and takes about two weeks for plates to arrive by mail.
  • You will need your renewal notice, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method to renew online.
  • Mail renewal uses the prepaid envelope included with your renewal notice and takes about three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a Missouri license office gives you new plates the same day but requires a valid ID and proof of vehicle inspection if your registration has expired.
  • If you cannot renew online due to violations, address changes, or other holds, you must visit a license office in person.

Online renewal through the Missouri DMV website

Go to dmv.mo.gov and select "Renew Registration" from the main menu. You will need your renewal notice (the form Missouri mailed you), your vehicle identification number, and a credit or debit card. The system will ask you to enter your name, date of birth, and driver's license number to verify your identity. You do not need to create an account — the transaction is one-time.

The fee varies depending on your vehicle type and weight. Passenger cars typically cost between $10 and $20 for a two-year renewal, though the exact amount appears on your renewal notice. Once you pay, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new plates will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 10 to 14 business days. You can continue driving on your current plates until the new ones arrive.

Mail renewal using your renewal notice

Your renewal notice includes a prepaid envelope addressed to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Fill out the renewal form that came with the notice, include your payment (check or money order only — no credit cards by mail), and mail the envelope. Do not send cash. The department processes mail renewals in the order received, which typically takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your envelope.

Keep a copy of the form and your payment confirmation for your records. If you are renewing before your current registration expires, you do not need a vehicle inspection. If your registration has already expired, you will need a current inspection before renewing by mail — in that case, visit a license office instead.

In-person renewal at a Missouri license office

Bring your renewal notice, a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID), proof of vehicle inspection if your registration has expired, and your payment method. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card at a license office. Walk-in service is available at all Missouri license offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will receive your new plates before you leave.

Find your nearest license office and its hours at dmv.mo.gov. Some offices are busier than others — calling ahead can tell you the current wait time. If your registration has expired, you must have a current vehicle inspection completed by a Missouri-licensed mechanic before the office can renew your plates.

What to do if you cannot renew online

The online system will reject your renewal if you have unpaid traffic violations, child support obligations, or certain other holds on your record. You will see a message explaining why you cannot renew online. In these cases, you must visit a license office in person. Bring your renewal notice, valid ID, and proof of payment or resolution of the issue (such as a receipt showing a violation was paid).

If you have moved since your last registration, you may also be unable to renew online. Update your address at a license office first, then you can renew online or by mail. If you have changed vehicles, you cannot renew your old registration online — you must register the new vehicle instead, which requires a visit to a license office with the vehicle's title and proof of inspection.

Renewing plates after your registration expires

If your registration has already expired, you cannot drive the vehicle legally. You must renew in person at a license office. Before you go, have a current vehicle inspection completed by a Missouri-licensed mechanic — the inspection must be dated after your registration expired. Bring the inspection certificate, your renewal notice, valid ID, and payment to the license office.

You will pay a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. The amount of the late fee depends on how long your registration has been expired. Once you renew, you can drive when ready with your new plates. If you do not have a renewal notice because your registration expired more than a year ago, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 to request a new notice before visiting a license office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri plates if I still owe money on my vehicle loan?

Yes. The lender's interest in the vehicle does not prevent you from renewing your registration. You only need the vehicle title to register a vehicle for the first time; renewal does not require the title. Renew through any of the three methods without contacting your lender.

What happens if I lose my renewal notice?

You can still renew online or in person without the notice — you only need your vehicle identification number and valid ID. If you want to renew by mail, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 to request a replacement notice, or visit a license office to renew in person instead.

How long can I drive on expired plates while waiting for my new ones?

Once your registration expires, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. If you renew online or by mail before expiration, you can drive on your current plates until the new ones arrive. If your registration has already expired, you must renew in person at a license office before driving again.

Do I need a vehicle inspection to renew my plates?

Only if your registration has expired. If you renew before expiration, no inspection is required. If your registration has already expired, you must have a current inspection completed by a Missouri-licensed mechanic before renewing. The inspection must be dated after your registration expired.

Can someone else renew my plates for me?

For online or mail renewal, no — you must submit the renewal yourself. For in-person renewal, another person can renew on your behalf if they bring your renewal notice, a valid photo ID of their own, and your payment method. Some license offices may ask for written permission from you as well.