If you live in the state of Missouri, you can register your vehicle with the Department of Revenue. When you apply for license plates, you can receive the state’s standard plate or choose a specialty design.

Sample Missouri License Plate

Types of License Plates in Missouri

Residents of Missouri should register their vehicles with the Department of Revenue (DOR).

In the application process, you can choose from the following types of license plates:

Standard License Plate: This plate has a white and blue background with dark blue lettering and the state emblem in the center.
Specialty License Plate: Choose from a variety of organizational, charitable, and military license plates.
Personalized License Plate: For an additional fee, you can create your own license plate number.
Disability License Plate & Placard: Only people with a disability are eligible.

All vehicles must have license plates on both the front and rear. Additionally, rear license plates must have registration stickers placed in the top corner.

Temporary License Plates in Missouri

You will need temporary MO license plates to drive a newly purchased vehicle legally until your standard license plates have been processed.

Licensed dealers can provide you with temporary plates or you can go to the nearest licensing office to pick them up.

When picking up temporary plates, you’ll need the following:

Proof of insurance
Valid ID (i.e., Missouri driver’s license)
Safety inspection (valid within the last 60 days)
Bill of sale
Payment for fees
- Permit fee: $5
- Processing fee: $3.50

Missouri temporary plates are valid for 30 days only.

Applying for License Plates in Missouri

There are two situations in which you need to apply for license plates in Missouri:

You have bought a new vehicle
You have become a new resident of Missouri

In both situations, you will have 30 days to register your vehicle with the DOR.

You must title and register your vehicle to receive your license plates. You may require the following to apply for plates:

Odometer disclosure statement
Lien documentation (if applicable)
Vehicle inspection documents (if applicable)
Proof of insurance
Valid ID
Completed application forms
Payment for registration fees

Contact or visit your county’s licensing office for more details about registering your vehicle.

Specialty License Plates in Missouri

Specialty plates in Missouri allow you to have a custom design on the rear of your vehicle. The following is a list of some of the plates available to you:

Charitable License Plates
- Knights of Columbus
- Helping School
- Breast Cancer Awareness
Collegiate License Plates
- Webster University
- Missouri State University
Military License Plates
- Military Veterans
- Air Force
- Purple Heart
Historic License Plates
- Hot rods
- Antique vehicles

There are additional fees for these plates on top of the standard registration fees. For example, organizational plates can be registered for an additional $15 and renewed for $15. Other plates, such as the historic plates, cost $25.25 to register.

Personalized License Plates in Missouri

You are permitted to create a custom license plate number in Missouri. You can check to see if the plate number you want is available online.

You must follow the DOR’s guidelines in order for your application for personalized plates to be approved:

Up to 6 characters (i.e., letters and numbers)
No profanity or indecent suggestions
Must be available to register

The fee for personalizing your license plate is $15 in addition to any registration fees.

Disability License Plates in Missouri

If you have a disability, you may be eligible for disability license plates or placards in Missouri.

Placards are available to people with both temporary and permanent disabilities. But disability license plates are only issued to people with permanent disabilities and to organizations that provide transportation services for people with disabilities.

Renewing License Plates in Missouri

You should renew your vehicle’s registration with the DOR before the expiration date on your rear license plate.

You may receive a reminder in the mail, but you are responsible for renewing your vehicle before the date expires, to avoid any unnecessary late fees.

Surrendering License Plates in Missouri

If you have damaged license plates, or if you upgrade to a specialty plate, you must surrender your old ones.

You may also have to surrender your plates if you cancel your vehicle’s insurance or decide to move out of state.

Transferring License Plates in Missouri

You can only transfer your plates to a new vehicle. You cannot transfer your license plates to a new person.

You must bring all the documents for registering your new vehicle, in addition to payment for the transfer fee ($2).

If you sell your vehicle and do not intend to purchase a new one, you’ll have to surrender your license plates.

Replacing License Plates in Missouri

If your license plates have been stolen, you must obtain a police report and bring it with you to apply for new plates.

You can apply for replacement license plates either in person or by mail.

When you order replacement license plates, you’ll need the following:

Completed Form 1567
Surrender any remaining plates
Replacement fees
- Stolen Plates: Free (with police report)
- License Plate: $8.50
- Processing Fee: $3.50

Damaged or lost plates should also be replaced right away.

Overview of Costs for License Plates in Missouri

The following fees are required for registering vehicles in Missouri:

Standard License Plate (+ Renewal):
- Motorcycles: $8.75
- RVs: $32.25
- Trailers: $7.50
- Vehicles: Taxed by horsepower
Replacements:
- Stolen: Free
- License Plates: $8.50
- Stickers: $8.50
Other Fees:
- Transfer Fee: $2
- Processing Fee: $3.50

Look Up License Plates in Missouri

If you want to find an available license plate number, you can use FindByPlate to search in your state.

You can also search a vehicle’s history if you know the license plate and the state the vehicle is registered in.

Car Ownership in Missouri

Missouri ranks 28 in the list of states with the highest rates of car ownership.
93.50% of households in Missouri have at least one vehicle. Idaho and Wyoming are tied for the number one spot with 96.20% of households having at least one vehicle in these two states. Overall, the national average of vehicle ownership in the US is 91.70%.
Missouri ranks 34 in the US for electric vehicle ownership. Approximately 0.18% of all registered vehicles in Missouri are electric vehicles. California is the state with the most electric vehicles (1.61%), followed by Hawaii in second place (1.32%).
Missouri ranks 40 in the list of most expensive states to own a car in the US.
The average cost of annual full coverage car insurance in Missouri is $2,323.
The average cost of a check engine light-related car repair in Missouri is $378.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Missouri a 2-plate state?

Yes, Missouri is a 2-plate state. Most motor vehicles in Missouri are required to display two license plates, one on the front and one on the rear of the vehicle. The exceptions are motorcycles, historic vehicles with Year of Manufacture registration plates, and commercial vehicles weighing 18,000 lbs or more.

Why does Missouri have two license plates?

Missouri and 30 other states in the US require two license plates, front and rear, as this makes it easier for law enforcement officers, particularly highway patrol, to see and identify the plates, whichever direction a vehicle may be traveling in.

When did Missouri go to 2 license plates?

Missouri has required 2 license plates since at least the 1940s.

Why did Missouri change license plates?

In 2016, Missouri began reissuing license plates to commemorate the state’s bicentennial with a new design.

How much are tags in Missouri?

The renewal fee for passenger vehicle tags is based on the vehicle’s horsepower. For example, for vehicles with 36-47 HP, tags are $33.25 for one year and $66.50 for 2 years.

Can you transfer plates in Missouri?

Missouri allows limited transfers of license plates to new vehicles in certain situations. However, if there is a change in ownership, the seller’s license plates are not transferable to the buyer.

Do I need an inspection to renew my tags in Missouri?

Yes, you need to submit a certificate of inspection and approval when you apply for title and license or registration renewal. The Missouri safety inspection and/or emissions inspection certificate is valid for 60 days.

When are vehicle inspections due in Missouri?

Emissions inspections and safety inspections are due every 2 years. Vehicles with registrations expiring in even years must be inspected in even calendar years. For example, if your vehicle’s model year is 2022, you will need vehicle inspections in 2024, 2026, and so on.

How much is a Missouri vehicle inspection?

A vehicle inspection is $12 for passenger vehicles and trucks and $10 for motorcycles. Authorized inspection stations in Missouri display a large yellow sign with black lettering.

Can I renew my Missouri tags online?

You can renew your Missouri tags online. If a pin number is present on the renewal notice you get in the mail, you can renew your vehicle registration at www.plates.mo.gov. You will need the renewal form, a paid personal property tax receipt, vehicle insurance proof, and a vehicle safety inspection form (if applicable). Additionally, residents of the greater St. Louis area need an admissions inspection certificate. You will also need a debit or credit card or e-check for fees. Once the payment goes through, you’ll get a printable receipt and your renewal tags will arrive in the mail.

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