Missouri personalized plates let you choose your own characters instead of using the random combination the state assigns
A personalized license plate in Missouri is one where you pick the letters and numbers yourself, within certain rules. Instead of receiving a plate like "ABC 1234," you might request "SOPHIA1" or "JAZZ4EVR." The Missouri Department of Revenue handles these requests, and you can order one when you renew your registration or at any time during your registration period.
The process takes a few weeks because the state checks your request against their rules and against plates already taken. You pay a one-time personalization fee on top of your regular registration cost, and then you renew that personalized plate every two years along with your vehicle registration.
Key Takeaways
- You choose up to seven characters (letters, numbers, or both) for your plate, and the state checks whether your choice is available and follows their content rules.
- Personalized plates cost an additional fee beyond your regular registration renewal, and you must renew them every two years.
- You can order through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, by mail, or in person at a license office, and the state will mail your new plate to you.
- The state rejects requests that are offensive, impersonate government agencies, or spell out words they consider inappropriate — the rules are not published in full, so rejected requests sometimes surprise people.
How to request a personalized plate online or by mail
The fastest route is the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Go to dor.mo.gov, find the personalized license plate section, and enter your proposed characters. The system tells you when ready whether that combination is available. If it is, you can complete the order right there, pay the fee with a credit or debit card, and the state mails the plate to your address.
If you prefer to order by mail, read the personalized plate request form from the same website, fill it out with your vehicle information and your chosen characters, and mail it to the address on the form along with a check or money order for the fee. Processing takes longer by mail — typically three to four weeks instead of one to two weeks online.
You can also visit a Missouri license office in person and request a personalized plate there. Bring your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. The staff will check availability on the spot and take your payment, though you still wait for the plate to arrive by mail.
What characters you can use and what the state will reject
Missouri allows up to seven characters on a personalized plate. You can use letters A through Z and numbers 0 through 9. Spaces and punctuation marks are not allowed, and you cannot use special symbols.
The state rejects requests that are vulgar, sexually explicit, or that they judge to be offensive to a group of people. They also reject plates that impersonate law enforcement or government agencies — so you cannot request "POLICE," "SHERIFF," or anything that looks official. Requests that spell out drug references or that promote illegal activity are rejected as well.
The exact list of forbidden words and phrases is not published, so sometimes a request gets rejected for reasons that are not obvious. If your first choice is denied, the state will tell you it is unavailable, but they may not explain why. You can submit a different request, and the state processes it the same way.
The cost and renewal process
The personalization fee in Missouri is a one-time charge when you first order the plate. This fee is separate from your regular vehicle registration renewal cost. Both fees are due at the time you place your order.
When your registration expires two years later, you renew the personalized plate the same way you renew any registration — online through the Missouri Department of Revenue, by mail, or in person at a license office. The personalization fee is not charged again at renewal; you only pay the standard registration renewal cost. Your personalized characters stay the same unless you request a change.
If you want to change your personalized plate to different characters before your registration expires, you can request a new plate at any time. You will pay the personalization fee again for the new design.
How long it takes to receive your plate
Online orders typically arrive within one to two weeks. Mail orders take three to four weeks because the state has to receive your form, process it, and then produce and mail the plate. In-person orders at a license office fall somewhere in between — usually two to three weeks.
During this time, you can continue driving your vehicle on your current registration. You do not need a temporary plate or any special permission. When your personalized plate arrives, straightforward remove your old plate and install the new one.
What happens if someone else requests your plate first
Personalized plates are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. If you request a combination and someone else has already requested it, the state will tell you it is unavailable. You cannot reserve a plate or put your name on a waiting list.
If you have your heart set on a particular combination, order it as soon as you know you want it. The longer you wait, the greater the chance someone else will request the same thing. Popular short combinations and common words tend to be taken quickly.
Transferring a personalized plate to a different vehicle
You can transfer your personalized plate to another vehicle you own. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue with your current plate number, your vehicle identification number (VIN) for the new vehicle, and proof that you own both vehicles. There is typically a transfer fee, though it is less than the original personalization fee.
You must transfer the plate before your current registration expires. If your registration lapses, the plate is considered inactive and you lose the right to use it. You would have to request it again from scratch, and if someone else has taken it in the meantime, you cannot have it back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a personalized plate with only numbers, or only letters?
Yes. You can use any combination of letters and numbers up to seven characters total. "12345" or "SOPHIA" are both valid requests, as long as they follow the content rules and are not already taken.
What if my personalized plate request is rejected and I don't know why?
The state does not always explain rejections in detail. Try a different combination and resubmit. If you believe your request was rejected unfairly, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue directly to ask for clarification.
Do I have to renew my personalized plate every two years?
Yes. Personalized plates renew on the same schedule as your vehicle registration. If you do not renew, the plate becomes inactive and you lose the right to use those characters. You can request the same combination again later, but someone else may have taken it.
Can I keep my personalized plate if I sell my vehicle?
No. The plate is tied to your vehicle registration. When you sell the car, the new owner gets a new registration and a new plate. You can transfer your personalized plate to another vehicle you own, but not to someone else's vehicle.
How much does a personalized plate cost in Missouri?
The personalization fee varies and is set by the state. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website for the current fee, as it may change. This fee is in addition to your regular registration renewal cost.