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

Missouri sends renewal notices about 30 days before your tags expire. The notice includes your renewal fee, which varies based on your vehicle's weight and type. You can renew online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, by mail using the notice, or by visiting a license office in person. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes a few minutes; mail takes about two weeks; in-person renewal is when ready.

Your tags expire on the last day of the month shown on your current sticker. Driving with expired tags is illegal in Missouri and can result in a traffic stop and fine. If you miss the renewal window, you can still renew, but you may owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri tags renew every two years, and the Department of Revenue mails a renewal notice about 30 days before expiration.
  • You can renew online at the Missouri Department of Revenue website, by mail using your renewal notice, or in person at a license office.
  • Online renewal is the fastest method and typically takes only a few minutes; mail renewal takes about two weeks.
  • If you renew after your tags expire, you will owe a late fee on top of the standard renewal fee.
  • Your vehicle must pass an emissions test in certain Missouri counties before you can renew your tags.

Renewing Online Through the Missouri Department of Revenue

The Missouri Department of Revenue website allows you to renew your tags without leaving home. Go to dor.mo.gov, select the vehicle registration renewal option, and enter your license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN). The system will pull up your renewal notice and current fee. You can pay by credit card or debit card. Once approved, you will receive new tags by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal requires that your vehicle has no outstanding violations, holds, or safety issues flagged in the system. If the system rejects your renewal, it will tell you why—usually because of an unpaid ticket, lien, or failed emissions test. In that case, you will need to resolve the issue before renewing or visit a license office in person.

Renewing by Mail Using Your Renewal Notice

The renewal notice Missouri sends you includes everything you need to renew by mail. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include your current tags or a copy of your registration if you are renewing early.

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the Department of Revenue receives your envelope. To avoid late fees, mail your renewal at least three weeks before your tags expire. If you are close to the expiration date, online renewal or an in-person visit is safer.

Renewing in Person at a Missouri License Office

You can walk into any Missouri license office and renew your tags on the spot. Bring your current registration, proof of insurance, and a valid photo ID. If your vehicle requires an emissions test, you must have a passing test result or take your vehicle to an emissions testing station first. Payment is when ready, and you will receive your new tags before you leave.

License office hours and wait times vary by location. Some offices are busier than others, especially near the end of the month or during peak renewal periods. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website for your nearest office and its hours before you go.

Emissions Testing Requirements in Missouri

Missouri requires emissions testing for vehicles registered in certain counties, primarily in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas. If your vehicle is registered in one of these counties, you must have a passing emissions test before you can renew your tags. The test is valid for two years and must be completed within 90 days before your renewal date.

You can take your vehicle to any state-certified emissions testing station. The test costs around $20 to $30 and takes about 15 minutes. Once you pass, the testing station will provide a certificate or electronic record that the Department of Revenue can access. If you fail the test, you will need to repair your vehicle and retest before renewing your tags.

What Happens If Your Tags Expire

Driving with expired tags is a traffic violation in Missouri. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation, which typically results in a fine. The amount varies but can range from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on how long your tags have been expired and whether you have other violations.

You can still renew your tags after they expire, but you will owe a late fee on top of the standard renewal fee. The late fee is usually around $10 to $20, though it varies. Renew as soon as possible to avoid additional fines or being stopped again.

Changing Information on Your Registration

If your address, name, or vehicle information has changed since your last renewal, you may need to update your registration before renewing your tags. Changes like a new address or name change require a visit to a license office or submission of updated documents by mail. The renewal notice will indicate if changes are needed.

If you are renewing online and your information has changed significantly, the system may not allow you to complete the renewal. In that case, visit a license office in person or contact the Department of Revenue for guidance on what documents to submit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tags before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You can renew online or in person anytime during the two-year registration period, even if you have not received your renewal notice yet. You will need your license plate number and VIN to renew online, or your current registration and proof of insurance to renew in person.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the notice to renew. You can renew online using your license plate number and VIN, or visit a license office with your current registration and proof of insurance. The office can look up your renewal fee and process the renewal when ready.

How long do new tags take to arrive by mail?

New tags typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online, or two to three weeks if you renew by mail. If your tags expire before they arrive, you can print a temporary registration from the Department of Revenue website to carry in your vehicle.

Do I need to renew my tags if I sell my vehicle?

No. When you sell your vehicle, the new owner is responsible for renewing the tags. You should notify the Department of Revenue of the sale to avoid being held responsible for violations or tickets on the vehicle after you sell it.

What if my vehicle fails the emissions test?

You cannot renew your tags until your vehicle passes the emissions test. You will need to repair the vehicle and retest at a certified emissions testing station. Once you have a passing result, you can renew your tags online, by mail, or in person.