Eligibility for Missouri License Plates
Owners must title and register a vehicle within 30 days of purchasing a car or establishing residency in Missouri. A $25 penalty applies on the 31st day and increases by $25 per month up to a maximum of $200 (RSMo § 301.020).
- Residency: New residents submit an out-of-state title, a no-tax-due statement from the county assessor (confirming no outstanding personal property tax), proof of insurance, and a state-issued ID. Passenger vehicles require two plates: one in front and one in back (RSMo § 301.130).
- Vehicle: All vehicles with an out-of-state title require an identification number and odometer (ID/OD) inspection at a Missouri authorized inspection station. Vehicles with a “salvage” title must pass a vehicle examination before titling. Lienholders retaining the original title must provide written documentation before issuing a one-year registration.
- Applicant: The title owner completes and signs the Missouri Application for Title and License (Form 108). A power of attorney is required if someone else signs on behalf of the owner.
- Plate Categories: Standard, personalized, and specialty plates are available for all applicants. Disabled veteran plates provide one free set for veterans honorably discharged from military service with a VA-confirmed service-related disability. Former prisoner of war plates are also free. Military specialty plates (Purple Heart, Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star, and others) require proof of the corresponding award.
How to Get a License Plate in Missouri?
All titling and first registration occur at a Missouri license office. The online channel described below covers renewals only.
- Bring the certificate of title (or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin), signed Form 108, proof of insurance, odometer disclosure statement, and no-tax-due statement from the county. Out-of-state vehicles also require a completed ID/OD inspection.
- Vehicles older than ten model years or with 150,000 miles or more on the odometer must pass a biennial safety inspection at a Missouri authorized inspection station, no older than 60 days. Even-year vehicles are inspected in even calendar years; odd-year vehicles in odd years.
- Residents of St. Louis City, Jefferson County, St. Charles County, or St. Louis County must also present a current emissions inspection.
- Pay the $8.50 title fee, $9 processing fee, registration fee based on horsepower or weight, and the 4.225% state sales tax plus local sales tax. You will receive plates, registration tabs, and a title receipt; the actual title arrives by mail from the Department of Revenue.
- Registration renews annually or biennially (for one year or two years). The department sends a renewal notice before expiration. Renewals can be done online, by phone (573-751-1957), by mail, or at any license office.
How Much Does a License Plate Cost in Missouri?
Registration fees are set by taxable horsepower for passenger vehicles and by gross weight for trucks, so two similarly sized vehicles may have different price tags in the DOR fee chart.
- Passenger vehicles range from $18.25 (under 12 HP, including electric and low-speed vehicles) to $51.25 (72+ HP) for one-year registration, each plus a $9 processing fee. Two-year plates double the registration fee with an $18 processing fee.
- Trucks cost from $15.75 (local 6,000 lbs) to $100.75 (beyond local 24,000 lbs) for one year. Motorcycles cost $8.75 (two-wheel) or $10.25 (three-wheel), plus $9 for processing.
- Missouri does not impose a county registration surcharge. Personal property tax is a separate county obligation, not a component of the registration fee.
- Personalized and specialty plates have an annual application fee of $15. Disabled veteran plates (one set) and former prisoner of war plates are exempt from all plate and processing fees.
- Title transfer costs $8.50 plus $9 for processing. Late titling incurs a $25 monthly penalty as described in the eligibility section above, capped at $200.
Can I Get a License Plate Online in Missouri?
The Missouri Online Registration and Titling (MORE) portal handles registration renewals, not first titles or plates. Eligibility depends on whether your county assessor’s office electronically transmits property tax data to the Department of Revenue; a list of participating counties is posted on the portal.
Online renewals accept debit and credit cards (2.0% plus $0.25 convenience fee). You can print a temporary registration receipt valid for 30 days; new tabs arrive by mail. Personalized plate reservations are also available online through Missouri Plates4U.
For specialty plate applications by mail, send the completed form and $15 fee to:
- Motor Vehicle Bureau, PO Box 569, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0569. Allow six to eight weeks for personalized and specialty plates; a letter will direct you to pick up plates at your designated license office.
If your county participates in MORE and your renewal is straightforward, renew online; the license office is intended for first registrations, titling, and any transactions requiring original documents.