What you need to bring to renew Missouri plates
Missouri lets you renew your plates by mail, online, or in person at your local license office. The documents you need depend on which method you choose, but the core requirement is the same: your current registration card (the pink or white card that came with your plates) and proof that your vehicle passed its safety inspection if your county requires one.
If you're renewing by mail or online, you'll also need a valid payment method — a check, money order, or credit/debit card depending on the channel. If you go in person, you can pay with cash, check, card, or money order. Your vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and current odometer reading are also required for online renewal.
Missouri does not require a vehicle inspection sticker for most counties, but a handful of urban areas do. St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and Kansas City all require a current safety inspection. If you live in one of these areas, bring proof that your vehicle passed — usually a sticker on your windshield or a receipt from the inspection station.
Key Takeaways
- You need your current registration card and a valid payment method; safety inspection proof is required only in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and Kansas City.
- Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website is the fastest option if your registration is current and your vehicle has no liens.
- Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your packet, so send it at least three weeks before your plates expire.
- In-person renewal at your local license office is when ready if you bring all required documents and payment.
- If your vehicle has a lien, you must renew in person or by mail because the lienholder's name appears on the registration.
Renewing online through the Missouri Department of Revenue
Online renewal is available at dor.mo.gov under the vehicle registration section. You'll need your registration card, your vehicle's VIN, the current odometer reading, and a credit or debit card. The system will ask you to confirm your address and vehicle information, then process your payment when ready.
Online renewal works only if your registration is not expired, your vehicle has no outstanding liens, and you're not changing your address. If any of these conditions don't explore, you'll need to renew by mail or in person. The new plates ship to your address within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the transaction.
Missouri charges a renewal fee that varies based on your vehicle's weight and age. The state does not publish a flat rate online; you'll see the exact amount when you enter your vehicle information into the renewal system.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, send your current registration card, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a completed Form DOR 108 (process for Vehicle Registration) to your county assessor's office. You can read Form DOR 108 from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or pick one up at any license office.
Include a note with your name, phone number, and email address so the office can contact you if there's a problem. Mail your packet at least three weeks before your plates expire — processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives it, and mail delivery adds time on both ends.
If your vehicle has a lien, include a copy of the lien release or a letter from the lienholder stating they have no objection to the renewal. Without this, the office will hold your renewal until they can verify the lien status.
Renewing in person at a license office
Walk-in renewal at your county license office is the fastest method if you have all your documents. Bring your registration card, proof of a current safety inspection (if required in your county), and payment in cash, check, card, or money order. You'll fill out a short form, pay the fee, and receive your new plates or stickers on the spot.
Missouri license offices are run by individual counties, so hours and locations vary. Search "Missouri license office" plus your county name to find the nearest one and confirm their hours before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins only; others require an appointment. Call ahead if you're unsure.
If your vehicle has a lien, bring the lienholder's written consent or a lien release document. The office will not process your renewal without proof that the lienholder approves.
Safety inspection requirements by county
Most Missouri counties do not require a vehicle safety inspection for registration renewal. However, St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and Kansas City all require a current inspection sticker before you can renew your plates.
If you live in one of these areas, take your vehicle to any state-certified inspection station. The inspection checks your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, and exhaust system. It costs between $15 and $25 depending on the station. Once you pass, the station will give you a sticker to place on your windshield and a receipt showing the inspection date.
Bring the inspection sticker or receipt when you renew your plates, whether you're going in person, by mail, or online. If you renew online and live in one of these counties, you'll be asked to confirm that your vehicle has a current inspection.
What to do if your registration is expired
If your plates have already expired, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. When you renew an expired registration, Missouri may charge a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. The amount varies by how long the registration has been expired.
If your plates expired more than a few months ago, call your county assessor's office before you renew to ask whether a late fee applies and how much it will be. Some counties waive late fees under certain circumstances.
Do not drive with expired plates. If you're stopped, you can be cited. Renew as soon as possible, either by visiting a license office in person or by mailing your renewal packet.
Vehicles with liens
If your vehicle has a lien (meaning the bank or lender still owns it until you pay off the loan), the lienholder's name appears on your registration card. You cannot renew online if a lien is listed. You must renew by mail or in person.
Bring a written statement from the lienholder saying they have no objection to the renewal, or bring a lien release document if the lien has been paid off. If the lien has been satisfied, ask your lender for a release letter and send it to your county assessor's office along with your renewal packet. The office will update your registration to remove the lienholder's name.
If you're unsure whether a lien still exists on your vehicle, contact your lender or call your county assessor's office. They can tell you what name appears on the registration and whether you need additional documents to renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to renew plates in Missouri?
The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and age. Missouri does not publish a single flat rate. When you renew online, the system will show you the exact amount based on your vehicle information. For mail or in-person renewal, call your county assessor's office to ask what the fee will be.
Can I renew my plates before they expire?
Yes. Missouri allows you to renew up to six months before your registration expires. Renewing early can be useful if you want to avoid a rush or if you're planning a trip and want to make sure your plates are current.
What if I lost my registration card?
You can still renew by mail or in person, but you'll need to provide your vehicle's VIN and proof of ownership. Bring your driver's license and vehicle title, or call your county assessor's office to ask what documents they need. You cannot renew online without your registration card.
Do I need to take my vehicle to the license office?
No. You do not need to bring your vehicle to renew your plates. Renewal is a paperwork process only. The only exception is if your county requires a safety inspection — in that case, you take your vehicle to an inspection station, not the license office.
How long do new plates take to arrive if I renew online?
Online renewal plates ship within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the transaction. Delivery typically takes another 5 to 7 business days depending on where you live in Missouri. If your plates expire before they arrive, you can print a temporary registration from the Missouri Department of Revenue website to display in your vehicle.