Renewing Your Missouri License Plate Online or by Mail
You can renew your Missouri license plate without visiting a DMV office. The Missouri Department of Revenue sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before your plate expires, and you can complete the renewal through their website, by mail, or at an authorized license office. The online method is fastest — you pay the renewal fee, print your temporary registration, and your new plate arrives in the mail within two to three weeks.
If you renew online at dmv.mo.gov, you will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current license plate number, and a payment method. The renewal fee varies based on your vehicle type and weight. Passenger vehicles typically cost between $15 and $30, though commercial vehicles and trailers have different rates. You can also renew by mail using the renewal notice you received, or in person at any Missouri DMV office or license office.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri sends renewal notices 30 days before your plate expires, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV or license office.
- Online renewal at dmv.mo.gov takes about 15 minutes and your new plate arrives within two to three weeks.
- You will need your VIN, current plate number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- If you renew before your plate expires, you can print a temporary registration to use when ready while waiting for your new plate.
- Renewal fees depend on vehicle type and weight, and Missouri does not charge a separate fee for personalized or vanity plates.
What You Need to Renew Online
Gather these items before you start the online renewal process. You will need your current license plate number, your vehicle's VIN (found on your registration or the driver's side dashboard), and the renewal notice the state mailed to you. If you cannot find the renewal notice, you can still renew using just your plate number and VIN.
You will also need a valid payment method — Missouri accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The state does not accept checks or money orders for online renewal. If you do not have a credit or debit card, you can renew by mail or in person instead.
Steps to Renew Online
- Go to dmv.mo.gov and select "Renew a License Plate" from the menu.
- Enter your license plate number and vehicle VIN when prompted.
- Review your vehicle information and confirm it is correct.
- Select your renewal type — standard plate, personalized plate, or specialty plate (if applicable).
- Enter your payment information and complete the transaction.
- Print your temporary registration when ready after payment confirms.
- Watch for your new plate in the mail within two to three weeks.
The temporary registration you print is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your new plate is in transit. Keep it in your vehicle. If your new plate does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Missouri DMV at 573-526-2407 to check the status.
Online renewal is complete once your payment processes. You do not need to take any further action except to watch for your plate in the mail. The state will send tracking information to the email address on file if you provided one during renewal.
Renewing by Mail or In Person
If you prefer not to renew online, use the renewal notice mailed to you. Fill out the form, include your payment (check or money order), and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time the state receives your payment, so send it at least six weeks before your plate expires.
You can also renew in person at any Missouri DMV office or authorized license office. Bring your renewal notice, current registration, and payment method. In-person renewal is when ready — you will receive your new plate the same day if the office has it in stock, or within two weeks if they need to order it. No appointment is needed for plate renewal at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Renewal Fees and Specialty Plates
Standard passenger vehicle plate renewal costs between $15 and $30 per year, depending on your vehicle's weight. Trucks, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles have different rates. Missouri publishes a full fee schedule on dmv.mo.gov, organized by vehicle class.
If you have a personalized or vanity plate, the renewal fee is the same as a standard plate — Missouri does not charge extra. Specialty plates (such as military, conservation, or university plates) also renew at the standard rate. If you want to change your plate type during renewal, you can do so online or by contacting the DMV directly.
What Happens If Your Plate Expires
Driving with an expired plate is illegal in Missouri and can result in a traffic citation. If your plate expires and you have not renewed it, you cannot legally operate the vehicle on public roads. The state does offer a grace period of a few days in some cases, but you should not rely on it — renew before the expiration date printed on your registration.
If you miss the renewal important date, you can still renew using any of the three methods above. There is no penalty fee for late renewal in Missouri, but your vehicle remains unregistered until the renewal is complete. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving an expired plate, you may receive a citation regardless of whether you have already submitted your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my plate if it is damaged or faded?
Yes. You can request a replacement plate during renewal at no extra cost. When you renew online, select the option to replace a damaged plate. By mail or in person, mention the damage on your form or to the license office staff, and they will issue a new plate as part of your renewal.
What if I sold my vehicle or no longer own it?
Do not renew the plate. Instead, contact the Missouri DMV to surrender or cancel the registration. You can do this online at dmv.mo.gov, by mail, or in person. If you have already paid for a renewal you no longer need, you may be able to request a refund within a certain timeframe — contact the DMV for details.
How long does online renewal take to process?
Online payment processes when ready, and you can print your temporary registration right away. Your new physical plate arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you need the plate sooner, renewing in person at a DMV office may get you a plate the same day, depending on stock availability.
Can I renew my plate if my address changed?
Yes. Update your address with the Missouri DMV before or during renewal. You can change your address online at dmv.mo.gov, by mail using a change-of-address form, or in person at a DMV office. Your renewal notice will be mailed to your old address unless you update it first.
What if I have a vanity plate and want to keep the same number?
Renew as you normally would — your vanity plate number stays the same during renewal. If you do not renew and let the plate expire, the number may become available for someone else to claim. Renew before expiration to keep your personalized number.