Missouri License PlatesMissouri license plates are rectangular aluminum plates affixed to automobiles and other vehicles registered within the state. They are issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) and display a unique alphanumeric combination (the license plate number) assigned to the vehicle owner by this department. These license plates provide a visible means of identifying and tracking vehicles for regulatory, safety, and law enforcement purposes. Chapter 301 of the Missouri Revised Statutes mandates the use of license plates for all automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, trailers, and other motor vehicles used on public roadways in the state. Per this law, these vehicles must display valid and properly registered DOR-issued licenses; failure to comply with this requirement can result in fines and other penalties.
The Missouri Department of Revenue offers vehicle owners several kinds of license plates, which are grouped into two main categories:
Each vehicle is typically assigned two license plates and a set of color-coded expiration year tabs that indicate the expiration date of the vehicle's registration. These plates must be attached on the front and rear, clearly visible, clean enough to reflect light properly, and positioned between 8 and 48 inches from the ground with the plate number facing upright. However, trucks or large vehicles over 12,000 pounds are typically issued one plate, which should be displayed on the front. Trailers, motorcycles, and similar vehicles are also issued one plate, which may be attached horizontally or vertically on the vehicle's rear. The expiration year tabs must also be attached to the designated area on the license plates (usually the center).
Missouri License Plate Design and FormatsMissouri license plates are rectangular plates made of reflective aluminum material. Since the state began issuing these plates in 1911, their format and color scheme have continually changed over the years to the current bicentennial design adopted in 2018. This design features a dark blue six-character plate number on a reflective white background with red waves at the top, blue waves at the bottom, and the Great Seal of Missouri in the center. "MISSOURI" is written in blue at the top of the plate, with "BICENTENNIAL" right below it (both words are centered above the plate number), while "1821 * 2021" is written at the bottom of the plate, also in blue. The vehicle's registration month is also typically indicated at the top left corner of the plate - the first letter of the license plate number for passenger vehicles usually corresponds to the registration expiration month.
In addition to this standard design, specialty plates may feature additional custom graphics, emblems, or logos. While the basic design elements, such as the state name and general layout, typically remain consistent across these specialty plates, the additional graphic elements and text vary based on the specific theme or organization being represented on the plates.
Here are examples of Missouri license plate designs:
Standard plates (bicentennial design):
Specialty plates:
* Source: Missouri Department of Revenue
Missouri Vanity License PlateThe Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) offers registered vehicle owners the opportunity to personalize their license plates by customizing the alphanumeric combination they display with up to six characters (depending on the plate and vehicle type). This personalization option allows Missourians to express their individuality, interests, or sentiments through their vehicles.
You can check the availability of your desired customization and order these personalized plates through the DOR's Online Personalize Plate Reservation System. Orders can also be placed in person at any Missouri license office if your desired plate type is not listed on the online platform or by mailing either a Form 1716, Form 4601, or Form 570 (whichever is applicable) to
Motor Vehicle BureauYou will be charged an application fee, which varies based on the type of plate you wish to personalize. There is also a $15 reservation fee for each subsequent year you renew the personalized plate. Be aware that these fees are separate from regular costs incurred during vehicle registration and renewal processes. Also, you will be required to provide proof of an honorable discharge, active duty status, or any other applicable documentation if you wish to order a personalized military plate.
After you've chosen your desired plate number configuration and paid all applicable fees, the DOR team will review it to ensure that it follows state guidelines. The department typically rejects plate number configurations that are offensive, vulgar, disrespectful to any racial or ethnic group, or pose a risk to public safety.
Approved personalized plates are typically manufactured and delivered to a designated license office for pickup within six to eight weeks. Nevertheless, you can check the status of your order online if your application has been submitted for longer than three weeks.
Most Popular Missouri Special Plate NumbersHere are the most popular specialty license plate themes/designs in Missouri:
Missouri License Plate LookupA license plate lookup is a process of accessing information associated with a vehicle's license plate number. Through this process, you can obtain information like the vehicle's make, model, and year, its VIN, and registration status. License plate lookups may also provide details on the vehicle's owner; however, access to this information is restricted due to privacy laws. Missourians often utilize license plate lookups to obtain vehicle history reports or verify ownership before purchasing a used vehicle. License plate lookups can also be used to identify the owners of vehicles involved in accidents for insurance or legal purposes and for law enforcement investigations into criminal activities, traffic violations, or locating stolen cars.
The Missouri Department of Revenue may offer record searches upon request. These searches typically require either a license plate, title, or vehicle identification number. You will also have to complete and submit one of the following forms, depending on the type and scope of information you wish to access:
Contact the DOR at (573) 526-3669, Option 3, for more information on accessing vehicle information contained in its records.
You can also perform reverse license plate searches online via third-party websites, like RecordsFinder, that offer comprehensive vehicle reports on Missouri-registered vehicles in compliance with state and federal privacy laws, for a nominal fee.
What Do I Need to Get a License Plate in Missouri?Missouri license plates are only issued to vehicles titled and registered with the state's Department of Revenue. Be aware that you must initiate this process within 30 days of purchasing a new vehicle or 30 days from when you become a Missouri resident (for new residents).
You will need to submit the following documents to any Missouri license office to register your vehicle and get your license plates:
Titling and registration fees are determined by your vehicle type, value, applicable taxes, preferred registration validity period (the DOR offers vehicle one or two-year registration options), and payment method. License plates are usually processed after all required documents and fees have been correctly submitted.
You can direct inquiries concerning obtaining Missouri license plates to the DOR online or by calling (573) 526-3669.
Differences Between a Passenger License Plate and a Commercial License Plate in MissouriUnder Missouri law, any motor vehicle designed or regularly used to transport freight, merchandise, or more than eight passengers at a time is considered a commercial vehicle. However, shuttle buses and vanpools are exempt from this categorization. On the other hand, passenger vehicles generally refer to motor vehicles used for daily commuting, family transportation, or recreational activities. These typically include, but are not limited to, pickups, automobiles, and SUVs.
The table below highlights the differences between license plates issued for passenger vehicles and ones issued for commercial vehicles in Missouri:
| Features | Passenger License Plate | Commercial License Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Use | Personal or non-commercial use | Business or commercial use |
| Vehicle Type | Cars, SUVs, personal trucks | Trucks, trailers, buses |
| Plate number arrangement |
Six-character license plate number with "AB1 C2D" serial format * specialty and personalized plates may have less than six characters |
Six-character license plate number. Serial formats vary by vehicle type and include "12A B3C" (apportioned vehicles), "123 45B" (buses), "12A 345" (commercial trailers), "12A 3BC" (trailers), and "12A 3BC" (trucks) |
| Design & Color |
Dark blue plate number over white background with red waves at the top, blue waves at the bottom, and the state seal in the middle. "MISSOURI" is screened at the top of the plate with "BICENTENNIAL" right beneath it (but still above the plate number), and "1821 * 2021" is screened at the bottom at the bottom of the plate. Registration month is embossed at the top left corner. * design and background features/logos may vary for specialty license plates |
Same as passenger license plates. However, most commercial plates do not indicate the vehicle's registration month at the top left corner of the plate. |
| Use Limitations | Typically intended for non-commercial purposes | Typically used for business and commercial purposes |
| Requirements for obtaining |
* additional documentation may be required depending on specific circumstances |
Same as passenger license plates |
How to Renew License Plate in MissouriYou must renew your vehicle registration no later than the last day of its expiration month to maintain the validity of your license plates. This registration is typically valid for one year; however, you may get a two-year registration for a vehicle with an even model year in an even-numbered year or a vehicle with an odd model year in an odd-numbered year. The Department of Revenue (DOR) usually sends renewal notices that outline the documents and steps needed to renew your plates before this date. Note that while the notice serves as a reminder, it's your responsibility to renew your registration before it expires, even if you don't receive one. To this end, the department provides a Renewal Requirements Inquiry System that you can use to obtain a list of the requirements for your license plate renewal.
You will typically need the following documents to initiate the renewal process:
The DOR currently offers four renewal options:
You can contact the DOR via email to verify your eligibility for online renewals. Your request should include your name, the year and make of your vehicle, the last five digits of your VIN, current plate number, and registration expiration date
Processing times vary by location and renewal method and may take a few hours to three weeks or more. However, if you renew online and do not get your new expiration tabs within 14 business days, you can request replacements in person at any local license office or by mailing a completed Form 1576 to the DOR's central office. Note that you may be charged a processing fee for this replacement.
How to Transfer a License Plate in MissouriUnder Missouri law, license plates can only be transferred from an old vehicle to a new one owned by the same individual - this new vehicle must also be registered with the state's Department of Revenue (DOR). When there's a complete change of ownership, the seller's license plates cannot be transferred to the purchaser.
License plate transfers can be done in person at any Missouri license office. You will need to submit the following documents:
Be aware that the DOR may request additional documentation at the time of your application. The cost of transferring your license plates varies based on factors like vehicle type, declared value, applicable taxes, and processing fees. You can contact your local licensing office for more information on transferring your plates and available registration credit transfer options. Queries can also be directed to the DOR online or by calling (573) 526-3669.
Missouri License Plate Lookup Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Missouri adheres to the provisions of the Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), which prohibits the disclosure of a motor vehicle registrant's personal information without their express consent. This personal information includes the vehicle registrant's name, address, photograph, telephone number, driver identification number, and Social Security Number. Per state law, this information may only be released under specific circumstances, most of which involve law enforcement, government, and insurance investigations.
Therefore, you can only locate the owner of a vehicle using a license plate number if you have a permissible and valid reason for accessing this personal information. Notwithstanding this, you can still access public records on more than 269 million registered across the United States using a plate number or VIN here through third-party websites like RecordsFinder.
You can replace your lost Missouri license plates by completing and submitting a notarized Form 1576 (Application for Replacement Plate and Tab) to any Missouri license office. You will be charged a replacement fee (determined by the type and number of plates being replaced) and a $6 processing fee. The completed form and fees can also be submitted to the Department of Revenue via mail to:
Missouri Department of RevenueNotifying your local law enforcement or the Missouri State Highway Patrol about the missing license plates is also a good idea.
When police officers, state troopers, and other law enforcement officials in Missouri run license plates, they can access information like:
Free license plate searches are helpful for researching a car's history. Many Missourians utilize these services when purchasing used cars to confirm information like the car's make and model, year, tank size, engine type, body style, and price and to make sure that the vehicle isn't being sold with a cloned VIN.
You can perform license plate searches using RecordsFinder and other similar third-party websites that comply with Missouri's privacy laws regarding motor vehicle information disclosure.
Vehicle registration (and, by extension, license plates) in Missouri are typically valid for a 12-month period and have to be renewed annually. However, the Department of Revenue may offer vehicle owners a two-year registration option – this is usually applicable for vehicles with an even-numbered model year registered in an even-numbered year and ones with an odd-numbered model year registered in an odd-numbered year. Nevertheless, regardless of your registration validity period, you must renew your registration and license plates by the last day of your registration expiration month. The DOR charges a $5 late renewal penalty for renewals after the registration expiration month.
In addition to this late renewal fee, you can be charged with committing a class B misdemeanor offense for driving without a valid registration in Missouri. This offense carries a statutory penalty of fines of up to $1,000, jail time of up to six months, or a combination of fines and jail time.
Per Section 301.120 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, you are required to return your license plates to the Department of Revenue under the following circumstances:
Returning these plates is essential to prevent their misuse. You can return your license plates in person to any Missouri license office or mail them to the DOR's central office at:
Missouri Department of RevenueIn some situations (usually for vehicle owners who have moved out of state), the DOR may allow you to destroy and recycle your unexpired license plates yourself. However, it is advisable to get the go-ahead from the department before doing so. Call the DOR at (573) 526-3669 for more information.
Under Missouri law, if you move your vehicle to another state, you must return your license plates to the Department of Revenue within 90 days or when the reciprocity period granted by the new state ends. These plates should be returned to any Missouri license office in person or mailed, with a note explaining the reason for the return, to the DOR's central office at:
Missouri Department of RevenueThe department may also allow you to destroy and recycle unexpired license plates yourself in your new location to prevent their misuse. You can get more information on this option by calling (573) 526-3669.
Missouri license plates follow the standard size of 12 inches by 6 inches used for passenger vehicles across the country, while plates for motorcycles are 7 inches by 4 inches.
The DOR also sometimes issues a "Temporary Third License Plate" for cars with rear license plates that are obstructed from view by devices like bike racks or luggage racks. These temporary third license plates are printed on non-secure, white paper and have a dimension of 11 inches by 8½ inches. They are typically placed inside the car's rear window in a way that ensures they are visible from outside without blocking the driver's view (out of the rear of the vehicle).
The DOR allows dealers to sell temporary permits to customers who buy vehicles (including trailers and motorcycles) from them and do not have any plates to transfer to these vehicles. These temporary permits are typically valid for up to 30 days from the purchase date; however, certain qualified dealers may issue 60 or 90-day permits under specific conditions determined by the department. Once issued, you must visibly and securely display the temporary permit on the rear of your vehicle, just like regular license plates. Note that you only get one temporary permit per vehicle, and it becomes invalid once you apply for the vehicle's title. Also, these permits cannot be obtained for junk vehicles.
It is unlawful to drive with an invalid or expired temporary permit; penalties may include fines, citations, and potential consequences for your driving record or vehicle registration.
Here are the steps to renew license plates in Missouri:
You should take the following steps if your Missouri license plates get lost or stolen:
You will be charged a $6 processing fee and a separate replacement fee, determined by the type and number of plates (and tabs) requested. The DOR may waive this replacement fee for stolen plates or tabs; however, you will still have to pay the processing fee.