Missouri license plates expire every two years, and you renew them through your county assessor's office or online

Your Missouri plates are valid for two years from the month you receive them. When they expire, you have two main ways to renew: visit your county assessor's office in person, or renew online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website if you meet certain conditions. The online route is faster and requires no trip, but not every situation qualifies for it.

You will need your current registration card, proof that your vehicle passed its safety inspection (if required), and proof that you have paid your property taxes. If you are renewing by mail or online, you will also need to know your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current license plate number.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri plates expire every two years, and you can renew online through the Department of Revenue website or in person at your county assessor's office.
  • Online renewal is available only if your vehicle has no liens, you have no outstanding violations, and your address has not changed since your last registration.
  • You will need your current registration card, proof of a passing safety inspection, and proof of paid property taxes to renew.
  • Renewing online takes a few minutes and costs less than renewing in person because you avoid the county assessor's processing fee.
  • If you cannot renew online, you must visit your county assessor's office in person; there is no mail-in option for standard renewals.

When your plates expire and how to know the date

Your expiration date is printed on your registration card and on the plate itself. Missouri plates show the expiration month and year in the upper right corner. For example, a plate that reads "12/25" expires in December 2025.

You can renew your plates up to six months before they expire. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date or to spread out their vehicle costs across different months. If your plates have already expired, you can still renew them, but you should not drive the vehicle on public roads until the new plates arrive.

Renewing online through the Missouri Department of Revenue

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website, select "Online Services," and choose the vehicle registration renewal option. You will enter your VIN, license plate number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or tax ID. The system will pull up your registration information and show you the renewal fee.

Online renewal is available only if all of the following are true: your vehicle has no liens, you have no outstanding traffic violations or safety inspection failures, your address has not changed, and your vehicle does not require a new safety inspection. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, the online system will tell you that you must renew in person.

The online renewal fee is typically lower than the in-person fee because you are not paying the county assessor's processing charge. After you pay online, your new plates will be mailed to the address on file. Delivery usually takes one to two weeks.

Renewing in person at your county assessor's office

If you cannot renew online, you must visit your county assessor's office. Find the office location and hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website by searching for your county. Bring your current registration card, proof of a passing safety inspection (if your vehicle requires one), and proof that you have paid your property taxes for the current year.

The assessor's office will verify your information, collect the renewal fee, and issue you new plates on the spot. You can drive home with the new plates the same day. The fee varies slightly by county because each assessor's office charges a processing fee in addition to the state renewal fee, but the total is usually between $100 and $150 depending on your vehicle's weight and value.

If you have a lien on your vehicle, the lienholder must sign off on the renewal. Contact your lender to find out whether they will mail the signed form to you or whether you need to bring it to the assessor's office yourself.

Safety inspections and property tax requirements

Whether you need a safety inspection depends on your vehicle's age and type. Passenger vehicles that are four years old or newer do not require an inspection. Older vehicles, commercial vehicles, and vehicles with out-of-state titles may need one. The assessor's office can tell you whether your vehicle requires an inspection when you call or visit.

If an inspection is required, you must have it done before you renew your plates. Any Missouri-licensed inspection station can perform it. The inspection checks your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, and steering. It costs around $20 to $30 and takes about 15 minutes. You will receive a certificate or sticker showing that you passed.

You must also show proof that you have paid your property taxes. This is a state requirement, not a county one. If you have not paid your taxes, the assessor's office cannot process your renewal. Contact your county collector's office if you are unsure whether your taxes are current.

What to do if your plates have already expired

If your plates expired and you have not yet renewed them, do not drive the vehicle on public roads. Operating a vehicle with expired plates is a traffic violation and can result in a fine. However, you can still renew at any time after expiration.

If you were unable to renew before expiration because of a hardship, you may be able to request a waiver or extension from your county assessor's office. Call the office and explain your situation. Some offices will grant a short grace period or waive late fees in cases of medical emergency or other documented hardship, though this is not may provide.

Fees and what they cover

The renewal fee covers your registration for two more years and includes the cost of your new plates. The state portion of the fee is based on your vehicle's age, weight, and value. The county assessor adds a processing fee on top of the state fee. Online renewals typically cost $10 to $20 less than in-person renewals because you skip the county processing charge.

If you need to replace a damaged or lost plate before your renewal date, you can order a replacement plate from the assessor's office for an additional fee, usually around $15 to $25. If you are renewing and one of your plates is damaged, you can request a replacement at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my plates if I still owe money on my car?

If your vehicle has a lien, you cannot renew online. You must visit your county assessor's office in person. The lienholder must sign a form authorizing the renewal. Contact your lender to ask whether they will mail the signed form to you or whether you need to bring it in yourself.

What happens if I drive with expired plates?

Driving with expired plates is a traffic violation. If you are stopped, you can be fined. However, you can renew your plates at any time, even after they have expired. Do not drive on public roads until your new plates arrive or you have renewed in person.

How long does it take to get new plates after I renew online?

New plates mailed after an online renewal usually arrive within one to two weeks. During that time, you can drive using your current plates if they have not yet expired. If your plates have already expired, wait until the new ones arrive before driving on public roads.

Do I need a new safety inspection every time I renew my plates?

Not every renewal requires a new inspection. Passenger vehicles four years old or newer do not need one. Older vehicles, commercial vehicles, and vehicles with out-of-state titles may need an inspection. The assessor's office can tell you whether your vehicle requires one when you call.

Can I renew my plates by mail?

Missouri does not offer a mail-in renewal option for standard registrations. You can renew online through the Department of Revenue website if you are may be able to access, or you must visit your county assessor's office in person. Online renewal is usually faster and cheaper than going in person.