What You Need to Know About Renewing Missouri Plates
Missouri lets you renew your license plates by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. The method you choose depends on whether your vehicle passed inspection, whether your address changed, and how soon you need the new plates. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office — you do not have to go in person unless the DMV asks you to.
Renewal notices arrive about 30 days before your plates expire. The notice tells you the fee, your renewal important date, and which method works for your situation. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew, but you will need to know your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration number.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Missouri DMV website is the fastest method and works if your vehicle passed inspection and your address has not changed.
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires a completed form, payment, and proof of a current safety inspection.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary only if your inspection is expired, your address changed, or the DMV requests additional documents.
- Your renewal fee depends on your vehicle type and weight; the amount appears on your renewal notice or the DMV website.
- Expired plates can result in a traffic stop and fine, so renew before your expiration date rather than after.
Renewing Online Through the Missouri DMV Website
Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes. Go to dmv.mo.gov, select "Renew a Vehicle Registration," and enter your vehicle identification number and registration number. The system will pull up your record and show you the renewal fee.
Online renewal works only if three things are true: your vehicle has a current safety inspection (passed within the last 12 months), your address on file has not changed, and you have not had any violations or holds on your registration. If any of these do not explore to you, the system will tell you to renew by mail or in person instead.
After you pay online with a debit or credit card, the DMV mails your new plates to the address on file. Plates typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving with your old plates until the new ones arrive, as long as your registration has not expired.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal works for most situations and takes about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. Start by completing Form DOR-108 (process for Vehicle Registration Renewal), which you can read from dmv.mo.gov or request by phone at 573-526-2407.
Include the completed form, your renewal notice (if you received one), proof of a current safety inspection, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address shown on your renewal notice. Do not send cash.
If you did not receive a renewal notice, include a copy of your vehicle title or a recent registration document so the DMV can locate your record. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works even if your inspection is recent or your address changed — just make sure to include the proof of inspection and your new address on the form.
Renewing in Person at a DMV Office
Visit a DMV office if your inspection has expired, if you need to update your address or vehicle information, or if the DMV sent you a letter asking you to come in. Bring your current registration, proof of a current safety inspection, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment for the renewal fee.
Processing times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Some offices have walk-in service; others require an appointment. Check dmv.mo.gov to find the office nearest you and see whether appointments are available. Bring all required documents to avoid a second trip.
If your inspection is expired, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person or get a new inspection first, then renew by mail or online. Safety inspections are performed at authorized repair shops and gas stations throughout Missouri, not at the DMV.
Understanding Renewal Fees and What They Cover
Renewal fees vary based on your vehicle type (passenger car, truck, motorcycle, commercial vehicle) and, for some vehicle types, the vehicle weight. A standard passenger car renewal costs less than a heavy truck renewal. Your renewal notice shows the exact fee you owe.
The renewal fee covers registration for one year from your expiration date. If you renew before your plates expire, the new registration runs for 12 months from the old expiration date, not from the date you renew. If you renew after your plates have expired, you may owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee.
Some vehicle owners may have access to for reduced fees — for example, disabled veterans may pay a lower rate. If you think you may have access to for a reduced fee, ask at a DMV office or call 573-526-2407 to confirm before you renew.
What to Do If Your Inspection Is Expired
Missouri requires a safety inspection every 12 months. If your inspection expired, you cannot renew your registration online or by mail. You must get a new inspection first, then renew in person or by mail.
Safety inspections are performed at authorized repair shops, service stations, and some tire shops. The inspection checks your brakes, lights, windshield, wipers, horn, and other safety equipment. An inspection costs between $10 and $20 depending on the shop. Once you pass, the shop gives you an inspection certificate or sticker.
Bring the inspection certificate or sticker to a DMV office to renew in person, or include a copy with your mail renewal process. Do not wait until your registration expires to get an inspection — renew before the expiration date to avoid driving with expired plates.
Scam Alerts and Safety Information
Do not use third-party websites that claim to renew your plates for you. These sites charge extra fees and are not affiliated with the Missouri DMV. The only official way to renew online is through dmv.mo.gov. Scammers sometimes create websites that look like the real DMV site but steal your personal information or payment details.
The Missouri DMV will never contact you by email or text message asking you to renew your registration or verify your information. If you receive an unsolicited email or text claiming to be from the DMV, do not click any links or provide any information. Report it to the Missouri Attorney General's office.
If you receive a renewal notice in the mail, check that it came from the Missouri DMV. The notice includes the DMV's mailing address and phone number. If you are unsure whether a notice is real, call 573-526-2407 to confirm before sending payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my plates if my vehicle inspection expired?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail with an expired inspection. You must get a new safety inspection at an authorized shop first, then renew in person at a DMV office or by mail. The inspection takes about 15 minutes and costs $10 to $20.
What happens if I drive with expired plates?
Driving with expired plates is a traffic violation. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation, which may result in a fine. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this. If your plates have already expired, renew as soon as you can and carry proof of your renewal process if you are stopped.
How long do new plates take to arrive in the mail?
Online renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. You can drive with your old plates until the new ones arrive, as long as your registration has not expired.
Do I need to visit the DMV if I moved to a new address?
If you moved, you can renew by mail or in person, but not online. Include your new address on the renewal form and bring proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement). Online renewal only works if your address on file has not changed.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew without the notice. If renewing online, enter your vehicle identification number and registration number. If renewing by mail, include a copy of your vehicle title or recent registration document so the DMV can locate your record. Call 573-526-2407 if you need help finding your information.