Missouri license plates 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 plates expire. The notice tells you the renewal fee, which varies based on your vehicle type and any special plate program you use. You do not have to wait for the notice to renew — you can renew up to six months early if you prefer.

The three renewal paths are mail, the Missouri Department of Revenue website, and in-person visits to a license office. Mail and online are fastest for most people because you avoid waiting in line. In-person renewal is necessary only if your vehicle information has changed, if you want to switch plate types, or if you cannot renew online for technical reasons.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri license plates expire every two years on the date shown on your current plate, and renewal notices arrive about 30 days before expiration.
  • You can renew online at dor.mo.gov, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at any Missouri license office without an appointment.
  • The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type; the renewal notice shows the exact amount you owe.
  • Online and mail renewal take five to seven business days; in-person renewal is when ready if you bring proof of insurance and a valid ID.
  • If your vehicle information changed — registration address, ownership, or vehicle details — you must renew in person or contact the Department of Revenue first.

Renewal by mail using your notice

The renewal notice Missouri sends you includes a payment envelope and instructions. Write a check or money order for the amount shown, place it with the notice in the envelope, and mail it. Do not send cash. The Department of Revenue processes mail renewals in the order received, which usually takes five to seven business days after they receive your envelope.

Mail renewal works only if your vehicle information is still correct — same address, same owner, same vehicle details. If you moved, changed ownership, or modified the vehicle (for example, added a trailer or changed the engine), you cannot use the mail form and must renew online or in person instead.

Online renewal through the Department of Revenue website

Go to dor.mo.gov and select the license plate renewal option. You will need your current plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The system confirms your vehicle information on file and calculates your renewal fee.

Online renewal is available as long as your address and vehicle details match what the Department of Revenue has on record. If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, it means your information needs updating; in that case, renew in person or call the Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 to correct your record first. Online renewals process within five to seven business days, and your new plates ship to your address.

In-person renewal at a license office

You can walk into any Missouri license office during business hours without an appointment. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. The office staff will verify your vehicle information, collect payment, and issue your new plates when ready — you can drive away with them the same day.

In-person renewal is necessary if your address changed, if you want to switch from standard plates to a specialty plate (such as disabled veteran or conservation), or if you need to update vehicle information before renewing. It is also the fastest option if you cannot wait for mail or online processing. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours; some have extended hours on certain days. Check the Department of Revenue website for your local office location and hours.

What happens if your plates expire before you renew

Driving with expired plates is a traffic violation in Missouri. If you are stopped, you face a fine and the officer may cite you. If your plates have expired but you have already submitted a renewal by mail or online, you can show the officer your renewal notice or a receipt from your online submission as proof that renewal is pending.

If you miss the expiration date and have not yet renewed, renew when ready — either online, by mail, or in person. There is no grace period. The renewal fee does not change if you renew after expiration, but you should not drive the vehicle on public roads until your new plates arrive or you receive them in person.

Specialty plates and plate changes during renewal

If you hold specialty plates — disabled veteran, conservation, university, or another type — you renew them the same way as standard plates. The renewal notice will show your specialty plate type and the correct fee. If you want to switch from specialty plates to standard plates, or from standard to specialty, you must renew in person at a license office and request the change.

Some specialty plates have additional requirements or annual fees. For example, disabled veteran plates require proof of disability status, and conservation plates support wildlife programs. The license office staff can explain the requirements for any plate type you are interested in and help you switch during your renewal visit.

Renewal fees and what they cover

Missouri renewal fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) — the maximum weight it can safely carry, including passengers and cargo. Passenger cars typically pay less than trucks or commercial vehicles. The renewal notice shows your specific fee, which covers two years of registration and plates.

If you own a vehicle registered in Missouri but live out of state, you still renew through Missouri. If you move out of Missouri and register your vehicle in another state, you do not renew Missouri plates — instead, you register with your new state. If you are unsure whether your vehicle is still registered in Missouri, call the Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The lender's interest in the vehicle does not prevent renewal. You renew plates based on your current registration, regardless of loan status. If the lender requires you to maintain insurance, make sure your proof of insurance is current when you renew in person.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the notice to renew. You can renew online at dor.mo.gov using your plate number and VIN, or visit a license office in person with your registration card, proof of insurance, and ID. The office staff can look up your renewal fee and process the renewal when ready.

How long does it take to receive new plates after online renewal?

New plates ship to your address within five to seven business days after the Department of Revenue processes your payment. Shipping typically takes another three to five business days, so expect your plates within two to three weeks total. You can continue driving with your current plates until the new ones arrive.

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

No. Once you sell the vehicle, you are no longer responsible for renewal. The new owner must register the vehicle in their name. If you receive a renewal notice after selling, contact the Department of Revenue to remove the vehicle from your record.

What if my vehicle's information changed since my last registration?

Contact the Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 or visit a license office to update your record before renewing. Changes include address, ownership, vehicle modifications, or engine replacement. The office will update your file and then process your renewal.