What is a License Plate Replacement in Missouri?
The Missouri Department of Revenue reissues license plates and tabs when the originals are lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed. The replacement goes through its own collection and affidavit process, separate from the annual or biennial registration renewal.
- Trigger conditions include loss, theft, physical destruction, and damage to the point of illegibility. New residents transferring plates from other states and owners changing vehicle class follow the titling and registration path, not replacement.
- The owner must submit a sworn affidavit to the Director of Revenue within 5 days of the loss, theft, damage, or destruction. RSMo § 301.300 sets this deadline.
- Replacement plates receive a new plate number. Missouri does not reissue the original number on standard replacement plates.
- Most passenger vehicles and light trucks have two plates (front and rear) according to RSMo § 301.130. Each replacement plate costs $8.50, so replacing both costs $17.00 before processing.
When Do You Need to Replace Your Missouri License Plate?
A vehicle cannot legally drive on Missouri highways without properly displayed, legible plates. The 5-day affidavit window in § 301.300 is the strictest deadline in the replacement process.
- Plates that are missing, stolen, damaged, or destroyed must be reported by sworn affidavit within 5 days. The same affidavit covers tabs.
- For stolen plates, the DOR recommends reporting to local law enforcement or the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The law requires an affidavit, not a police report, but a report ensures the old number is flagged in law enforcement databases.
- Missouri does not publish a separate grace period for plates that have simply faded or become illegible. The requirement in § 301.130 that plates must be “clearly visible” and their reflective qualities must not be impaired applies at all times.
- New residents have 30 days from establishing residency in Missouri to title their vehicle. The DOR titling page describes the documents and fees for this transaction.
How to Get a Replacement License Plate in Missouri
Gather your current registration information, valid photo ID, and (for stolen plates) any law enforcement report number. The notarized affidavit mentioned in the trigger conditions discussion above is the primary document.
- In person: Visit any Missouri license office. Submit a completed and notarized Form 1576 (Application for Replacement Plate(s) and Tab(s)), pay the plate fee and $9.00 processing fee, and receive replacement plates on the spot. Surrender any remaining damaged plates at the counter.
- By mail: Send the notarized Form 1576 and payment to the Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau, PO Box 100, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0100. The DOR does not publish a specific processing time for replacement applications sent by mail.
- Online: Missouri’s online portal covers only registration renewals, not replacements. The MORE online renewal system cannot process Form 1576 or accept the sworn affidavit required by § 301.300.
The in-person route is the only channel that ensures same-day receipt of plates.
Can You Replace Missouri License Plate Online?
No. Missouri does not offer online license plate replacements. The MORE online renewal portal handles annual and biennial tab renewals but cannot process the notarized affidavit required by § 301.300 for lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed plates.
The alternative in person is any Missouri license office. The DOR operates contract license offices in all 114 counties and the City of St. Louis. Visit with a notarized Form 1576, pay at the counter, and leave with new plates.
The mail route requires:
- A completed and notarized Form 1576 indicating the reason for replacement.
- Payment of the $8.50 plate fee (per plate) plus $9.00 processing fee, by check or money order payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue.
For replacement, plan a visit to a license office. Mail works if an office is unavailable, but only in person ensures same-day plates.
How Much is License Plate Replacement in Missouri?
The plate fee is moderate, but a $9.00 processing fee applies to each replacement transaction regardless of the number of plates in the order. Stolen plate cases receive a discount on the plate fee itself.
- Plate replacement: $8.50 each. Vehicles with two plates (passenger cars, light trucks up to 12,000 pounds) pay $17.00 for both plates. Vehicles with one plate (motorcycles, trailers, trucks over 12,000 pounds) pay $8.50.
- Tab replacement costs $8.50 per set. The fee is the same whether one tab or both are replaced.
- $9.00 processing fee is added to each replacement transaction. Form 1659A (DOR’s schedule of various fees) confirms this figure.
- Stolen plates are eligible for up to two free replacement sets per year (the $8.50 plate fee is waived). The $9.00 processing fee still applies.
- No additional county fees apply. Missouri sets replacement fees by state law, and no local surcharges are added at the license office.
- Notary services at the license office, if needed for Form 1576, cost $2.00.