Renewing your Missouri plates online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Missouri license plates through the Missouri Department of Revenue without visiting an office. Most people renew online at dmv.mo.gov using their vehicle registration number and last four digits of their Social Security number. You can also renew by mail or in person at a license office, though online is fastest — you'll receive your new plates in about two weeks.
Renewal notices arrive about 60 days before your plates expire. The notice shows your renewal important date, current registration fee, and a barcode you can use to renew online or by mail. If you've lost the notice, you can still renew using your vehicle identification number (VIN) and personal information.
Your plates expire on the last day of the month shown on your current registration sticker. Driving with expired plates is a traffic violation in Missouri, so plan to renew before that date arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at dmv.mo.gov takes about 10 minutes and new plates arrive within two weeks.
- You need your vehicle registration number, last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- Mail renewal uses the renewal notice that arrives 60 days before expiration and takes about three weeks total.
- In-person renewal at a license office is the fastest option if you need plates when ready, though most people do not.
- Registration fees vary based on vehicle weight and type, and some vehicles may have access to for reduced renewal fees.
Renewing online through the Missouri DMV website
Go to dmv.mo.gov and select "Renew Registration" from the homepage. You'll be asked for your vehicle registration number (found on your current registration card) and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your vehicle information and show the renewal fee.
Review the information on screen to confirm it's correct. If your address has changed, update it before paying. Then choose your payment method — Missouri DMV accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. After payment processes, you'll see a confirmation number on screen and receive an email receipt.
Your new plates will be mailed to the address on file within 10 to 14 business days. You can continue using your current plates until the new ones arrive. If you need to check the status of your order, return to dmv.mo.gov and select "Check Registration Status" to enter your confirmation number.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your plates expire. The notice includes a payment stub with a barcode, your vehicle information, and the renewal fee amount. Fill out the stub with any changes to your address or vehicle information, then mail it with a check or money order to the address printed on the notice.
Do not send cash through the mail. Include only the payment stub — you do not need to send your registration card or plates. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your expiration date to allow time for processing and delivery.
Processing takes about one week after the Missouri DMV receives your payment, then another week for mailing. If your renewal notice was lost, you can request a duplicate by calling the Missouri DMV at 573-526-2407 or visiting dmv.mo.gov.
Renewing in person at a Missouri license office
Visit any Missouri license office with your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid photo ID. Bring your renewal notice if you have it, though it's not required. You can find your nearest office and current wait times at dmv.mo.gov under "Find a License Office."
Tell the staff member you're renewing your registration. They'll verify your information, confirm your address, and process your payment. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You'll receive your new plates on the spot or within a few days if the office needs to order them.
In-person renewal is useful if your expiration date is very soon or if you need to update your vehicle information and want when ready confirmation. Most people find online renewal faster and more convenient.
What happens if your plates expire before you renew
Driving with expired plates is a traffic violation in Missouri. An officer can stop you and issue a citation, which carries a fine. The fine amount depends on how long your plates have been expired and whether you have other violations on your record.
If you realize your plates have expired, renew when ready through any of the three methods above. Online renewal is fastest if you need to get legal plates quickly. Once your payment processes, you can print a temporary registration document from dmv.mo.gov to carry in your vehicle while you wait for your physical plates to arrive by mail.
If you were stopped before renewing, you can often show proof of renewal to the officer or bring documentation to traffic court to have the citation dismissed or reduced.
Registration fees and what affects the cost
Missouri registration renewal fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not its actual weight. The GVWR is listed on your vehicle's door jamb or in your owner's manual. Passenger cars typically cost less to renew than trucks or SUVs.
Some vehicles may have access to for reduced fees. Vehicles that are 20 years old or older pay a lower renewal fee. Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles may also may have access to for reduced rates. Your renewal notice will show your specific fee, or you can calculate it on dmv.mo.gov before you renew.
If you've made changes to your vehicle — such as adding a trailer or changing the GVWR — your fee may change. The Missouri DMV will calculate the new fee based on your updated vehicle information.
Renewing plates for commercial or specialty vehicles
Commercial vehicles, trailers, and vehicles with specialty plates (such as disabled veteran plates or personalized plates) follow the same renewal process but may have different fee structures. Renew online at dmv.mo.gov, by mail using your renewal notice, or in person at a license office.
If you have a personalized plate and want to keep the same number, make sure to renew before your expiration date. If your plates expire, you may lose the personalized number. Specialty plates like disabled veteran or conservation plates have their own renewal rules — check your renewal notice or call 573-526-2407 to confirm what applies to your vehicle.
Commercial vehicle owners should renew at least one month before expiration to allow time for processing, especially if your vehicle operates across state lines or requires inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my plates if my registration card is lost?
Yes. You can renew online using your vehicle identification number (VIN) and last four digits of your Social Security number, or in person at a license office with your photo ID and proof of insurance. You do not need your registration card to renew.
What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?
Update your address during the renewal process. Online, you can change it before paying. By mail, write your new address on the renewal stub. In person, the staff member will update it for you. Your new registration card will be mailed to your updated address.
Do I need to have my vehicle inspected to renew plates?
Missouri does not require vehicle inspections for registration renewal. You only need proof of current insurance. Some other states require inspections, but Missouri does not.
How long can I drive on expired plates before it becomes a violation?
You cannot legally drive on expired plates at all. Driving with expired plates is a traffic violation from the moment your registration expires. Renew before your expiration date to stay legal.
Can I renew plates for a vehicle I'm selling?
You can renew if you still own the vehicle, but it's usually not worth the cost. If you're selling soon, skip renewal and transfer the plates to your new vehicle instead. Contact the Missouri DMV for transfer procedures.