Missouri plate renewal happens by mail, online, or in person at your local DMV office

Missouri sends you a renewal notice in the mail 30 to 60 days before your plate expires. You can renew using that notice, online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, by mail, or by visiting an office in person. The method you choose depends on whether your vehicle information has changed and how quickly you need the new plate. Most people renew online or by mail without leaving home.

Your renewal notice includes your vehicle identification number (VIN), current plate number, and the expiration date. Keep this notice handy — you will need the information on it to renew, whether you go online or use the mail. If you cannot find your notice, you can still renew, but you will need to provide your VIN and vehicle registration number instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri sends renewal notices 30 to 60 days before expiration, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person using that notice.
  • Online renewal through the Department of Revenue website is the fastest method and works if your vehicle information has not changed.
  • You must pay the renewal fee, which varies based on your vehicle type and weight, plus any applicable local taxes.
  • If your vehicle information changed — new address, ownership transfer, or vehicle modifications — you may need to renew in person or by mail with supporting documents.
  • Plates expire on the last day of the month shown on your plate, and driving with an expired plate can result in a traffic stop and fine.

Renewing online through the Missouri Department of Revenue

Online renewal is the fastest option if your vehicle registration details have not changed. Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website, select the vehicle registration section, and choose "renew registration." You will enter your plate number or VIN, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your current registration and show you the renewal fee.

You pay the renewal fee using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Missouri charges a convenience fee for online payment — this fee varies but is typically a few dollars. Once payment clears, you will receive a confirmation email with a temporary registration document. Your new plate will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on the temporary document until the physical plate arrives.

Online renewal does not work if you have a commercial vehicle, a vehicle registered out of state, or if your registration has been suspended or revoked. It also does not work if you need to add or remove a vehicle owner, change your address, or report a vehicle as salvaged or junked.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

Mail renewal takes longer than online but requires no trip to an office. Fill out the renewal notice Missouri sent you, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash through the mail. Include only the notice and payment — do not send your registration card or other documents unless the notice specifically asks for them.

Mail processing typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date Missouri receives your envelope. Your new plate will arrive separately, usually within a week after processing completes. During this time, you can drive on your current plate as long as it has not yet expired. If your plate expires before your new one arrives, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to request a temporary registration document.

The renewal fee amount is printed on your notice. If you are unsure of the fee or your notice is lost, call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 to confirm the amount before mailing payment.

Renewing in person at a Missouri DMV office

Visit your local Missouri DMV office if your vehicle information has changed, if you need to add or remove an owner, or if you prefer to handle renewal face-to-face. Bring your renewal notice, a valid photo ID, proof of insurance, and your vehicle registration card. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.

Office wait times vary by location and time of day. Many Missouri DMV offices are busiest mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. You can check wait times and book an appointment online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Some offices accept walk-ins, but appointments are recommended to reduce your time in the office.

In-person renewal is processed when ready. You will pay the renewal fee, receive a temporary registration document, and your new plate will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. This method is fastest if you need to make changes to your registration at the same time.

Understanding Missouri plate renewal fees and taxes

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's type and weight. Passenger vehicles typically cost less to renew than trucks or commercial vehicles. Missouri also charges local taxes on vehicle registration in some counties — the tax rate varies by location and is added to your base renewal fee. Your renewal notice shows the total amount due, including any local taxes.

If you own a vehicle with a specialty plate — personalized, disabled, military, or conservation — the renewal fee may differ from standard plates. Specialty plates sometimes cost more to renew. Check your renewal notice for the exact fee, or call the Missouri Department of Revenue if you are unsure.

Payment methods depend on how you renew. Online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices, though some locations may have restrictions — call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods at your specific office.

What to do if your renewal notice did not arrive

If you did not receive a renewal notice 30 to 60 days before expiration, you can still renew online or by mail. For online renewal, use your VIN and the last four digits of your Social Security number instead of the notice. For mail renewal, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to request a renewal form, or visit an office in person with your vehicle registration card and photo ID.

Renewal notices sometimes get lost in the mail or sent to an old address. If you recently moved, update your address with the Missouri Department of Revenue as soon as possible so future notices reach you. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

Do not wait until your plate expires to renew. Driving with an expired plate is a traffic violation and can result in a fine. If your plate has already expired and you did not receive a notice, renew when ready by visiting an office, calling the Department of Revenue, or using online renewal if your registration is still active in the system.

Scam alert: Fake renewal notices and phishing emails

The Missouri Department of Revenue does not contact you by email or text message to renew your registration or collect payment. If you receive an email or text claiming to be from Missouri DMV asking you to click a link and pay a fee, it is a scam. Delete it when ready and do not click any links.

Scammers sometimes mail fake renewal notices that look similar to official Missouri notices but direct you to send payment to a private address or website. Official renewal notices come from the Missouri Department of Revenue and include the state seal. They direct you to the official Missouri Department of Revenue website or a specific DMV office address. If you are unsure whether a notice is real, call the Missouri Department of Revenue directly at 573-526-2407 before sending any payment.

Never give your Social Security number, date of birth, or payment information to anyone who contacts you unsolicited about vehicle registration. The only time you should provide this information is when you initiate contact with the official Missouri Department of Revenue website or office.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I drive with an expired plate?

Driving with an expired plate is a traffic violation. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation, which typically results in a fine. If your plate expired recently and you have already submitted a renewal, carry your renewal confirmation or temporary registration document to show the officer that you have taken action.

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

Yes. The lender does not have to approve renewal. You can renew your registration as long as the vehicle is registered in your name and your registration has not been suspended for unpaid tickets or other violations.

Do I need to renew my plate if I sold my vehicle?

No. Once you sell your vehicle, you should notify the Missouri Department of Revenue that the vehicle is no longer yours. Do not renew the registration. If the new owner does not transfer the registration into their name, you may be held responsible for violations or tickets on that vehicle.

How long does my new plate take to arrive after I renew online?

Your new plate typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after you renew online. You will receive a temporary registration document when ready that you can use to drive legally until the physical plate arrives. If your plate does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Can I renew my plate before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail at any time during your registration year, not just after the notice arrives. However, renewing early does not extend your expiration date — your new plate will expire on the same date as your current plate would have. Renew only when you receive the notice or when your plate is about to expire.