Missouri lets you renew your plates online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, but only if your vehicle passes certain conditions
You can renew Missouri plates online at dor.mo.gov using the online renewal system if your vehicle is registered in Missouri, your registration has not expired by more than one year, and you have no outstanding violations or liens on the vehicle. The process takes about 10 minutes and you can pay by debit card or credit card. New plates arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
Not every renewal qualifies for online renewal. If your registration has lapsed more than 12 months, if you have unpaid traffic violations or parking tickets, or if your vehicle failed inspection, you must renew in person at a Missouri license office or through the mail. The same applies if you are renewing a commercial vehicle, a vehicle with a salvage title, or plates that require a special designation.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your current registration is not expired by more than one year and you have no outstanding violations or liens.
- You will need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method to complete the renewal online.
- New plates ship to your address within two to three weeks after you pay; you can continue driving on your current plates until they arrive.
- If your registration has lapsed more than 12 months or you have unpaid violations, you must renew in person at a Missouri license office.
What you need before you start
Gather your current registration card, your vehicle's VIN (found on the dashboard or in your insurance documents), and a valid debit or credit card for payment. You will also need to know your Missouri driver's license number. Have these items ready before you log into the renewal system so you do not have to stop and search for them halfway through.
If you have moved since your last registration, update your address with the Missouri Department of Revenue before you renew online. You can do this on the same website. If you do not update your address first, your new plates will ship to your old address and you will have to contact the department to redirect them.
The online renewal process step by step
Go to dor.mo.gov and look for the vehicle registration renewal section. Click on the online renewal link and enter your vehicle's VIN and your Missouri driver's license number. The system will pull up your current registration information. Review it for accuracy—if anything is wrong, stop and contact a Missouri license office before you proceed, because submitting incorrect information can delay your new plates or cause them to be issued with errors.
Once you confirm your information is correct, the system will show you the renewal fee. Missouri charges a base registration fee that varies by vehicle weight and type; the exact amount will display on your screen before you pay. You can also see any additional fees for special plates or designations at this point. After you review the total, enter your payment information and submit. You will receive a confirmation number by email and on screen—save this number in case you need to check on your renewal status later.
How long it takes and what happens next
Processing takes one to three business days after you submit your payment. Your new registration card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive legally on your current plates until the new ones arrive, so there is no gap in your ability to use the vehicle. When your new plates come, remove the old ones and install the new ones yourself—Missouri does not require a mechanic or official to do this.
If your new plates do not arrive within four weeks, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue with your confirmation number. They can check whether the plates shipped and provide a tracking number if they have been mailed. If there was an error in your address or payment, the department will contact you by phone or email to correct it before your plates ship.
When online renewal is not an option
If your registration expired more than 12 months ago, the online system will not accept your renewal. You must renew in person at a Missouri license office or by mail. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and you can complete it at any license office in the state, not just the one in your county. Mail renewal requires you to send your registration card, a completed Form DOR 108, and a check or money order to the address listed on the form; this route takes four to six weeks total.
You also cannot renew online if you have unpaid traffic violations, parking tickets, or a lien on the vehicle. The system will tell you which issue is blocking your renewal. Resolve the violation or lien first—contact the court or the lienholder—then try the online renewal again. If you have questions about what is blocking your renewal, call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407.
Renewing plates for a vehicle you just bought
If you recently bought a used vehicle and need to register it for the first time in Missouri, you cannot use online renewal. First-time registration requires you to visit a Missouri license office in person with your bill of sale, proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and a completed Form DOR 108. The office will issue temporary plates on the spot and mail your permanent plates within two to three weeks. This process cannot be done online or by mail.
Once your vehicle has been registered in Missouri for at least one full year, future renewals can be done online as long as you meet the other conditions. Keep your registration card and renewal notices in your vehicle so you know when your registration expires and can renew before it lapses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my plates if my registration expired last year?
No. If your registration has been expired for more than 12 months, you must renew in person at a Missouri license office or by mail. The online system will not process a renewal that is more than one year overdue. Contact your local license office to find out whether you need an inspection or have other requirements before you can renew.
What if I move after I renew online but before my plates arrive?
Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue with your confirmation number and provide your new address. They can redirect your plates to the new address before they ship. If your plates have already shipped to your old address, you may be able to pick them up from the new resident or contact the post office to have them forwarded, though this is not may provide.
Do I have to remove my old plates myself?
Yes. Missouri does not require a mechanic or official to install new plates. You can remove the old plates and install the new ones yourself using a screwdriver. Keep the old plates—some people keep them as keepsakes, but you do not have to return them to the state.
What payment methods does the online renewal system take?
The Missouri Department of Revenue online renewal system accepts debit cards and credit cards. It does not accept checks, money orders, or electronic bank transfers. Have your card information ready before you start the renewal process.
Can I renew my commercial vehicle plates online?
No. Commercial vehicle registration, including trucks and vehicles registered for business use, must be renewed in person at a Missouri license office or by mail. Contact your local office for the specific documents and fees required for commercial renewal.