Section 301.301. Stolen license plate tabs, replacement at no cost, when, procedure, limitation. Section 301.302. Missing license plate tab, no citation issued, when. Section 301.310. Owner may be instructed to replace plate-cancellation of registration-waiver of cost-penalty. Section 301.320. Other plates prohibited. Section 301.330. 1971 Missouri License Plate $ 21.99. 1971 Missouri License Plate $ 21.99 ← Previous 1 2 3 Next. About Missouri License Plates. Dor.mo.gov Year Tabs. Most Missouri license plates require an expiration year tab, which is color-coded and includes the expiration year of the registration. The tabs are issued when a new or renewal registration transaction is processed. Click here for information on how to replace stolen license plates or tabs. Most Missouri license plates require an expiration year tab, which is color-coded and includes the expiration year of the registration. The tabs are issued when a new or renewal registration transaction is processed. Click here for information on how to replace stolen license plates or tabs.

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SUMMARY: Missouri License Plates

You can apply for MO license plates by registering your vehicle in person at a licensing office or through your vehicle dealer. You'll renew your tags by renewing your registration online, by mail, or in person. You can transfer Missouri plates when you get a new vehicle. You must replace license plates or tabs if they are lost, stolen, or damaged.

Read below for more information about license plates and tags in Missouri.

Looking for personalized or vanity plates? Find complete details on our Missouri Specialty Plates and Specialty Plate Applications pages.

Applying for disabled parking access? Our Disabled Plates and Placards page has more information about eligibility and applications.

Types of Missouri License Plates

Most vehicles are required to display MO license plates form the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR).

Some vehicles must have a tag both on the front AND the rear. Others will only need a rear license plate. The MO DOR will issue the correct number of tags for your vehicle.

In addition to license plates, you'll receive a color-coded registration tab showing the plate's expiration date to put on your license plate.

Specialty Plates

In addition to standard license plates, the MO DOR offers: Twain compliant software.

Personalized plates.
Organizational plates.
Military honor plates.

To learn more about Missouri tag options, see our Types of Special MO Plates page. Visit our Special Plates Application page for more information about applying.

You may be eligible for handicap parking plates if you have a disability. Get complete details from our Disability Placards and Plates page.

Temporary Tags and Permits

A temporary tag allows you to operate your vehicle for up to 30 days while waiting for your MO license plates.

Your vehicle dealer will give you a temporary tag if you do not have license plates to transfer.

If you buy a vehicle in a private sale, you can get a temporary permit in person at MO license office. You will need:

A valid safety inspection certificate dated within the last 60 days UNLESS any of the following apply:
- You present a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO).
- You are NOT a Missouri resident.
- The permit is for a trailer.
A current insurance identification card.
1 document from the list below:
- The vehicle title signed over to you.
- The MSO.
- A bill of sale or notice of sale.
- An Application for Missouri Title and License (Form DOR-108).
Payment for fees:
- $5 permit fee.
  AND
- $6 processing fee.

Attach the temporary tag where you would normally attach the license plate.

Apply for License Plates in MO

Applying for MO license plates is part of the vehicle registration process.

You'll need to title and register your vehicle with the MO DOR no more than:

30 days from the day you establish Missouri residency.
OR
30 days from the date you buy a vehicle.

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Renew Your License Plates

You'll renew your Missouri license plates by renewing your vehicle registration.

You should get a registration reminder, but even if you don't, you must renew your plates before your tab expires.

Our Registration Renewal page has detailed information about renewal methods, requirements, and fees.

Replace Missouri Plates or Tabs

If your license plates or expiration decals have been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can order replacements from the MO DOR either:

By mail.
In person.

You MUSTreport lost or stolen plates to your local law enforcement agency.

To order replacement license plates and/or tabs, you will need:

A notarized Application for Replacement Plate(s) and Tab(s) (Form 1576).
Payment for replacement fees:
- Replacement fees:
  - Stolen plate or tabs: Are replaced for free (no more than 2 replacements per year).
  - License plate: $8.50 per plate.
  - Set of tabs: $11 per set.
- Processing fee: $6 for ALL transactions.

Submit your order:

By mail to the address on the form.
OR
In person at a MO license office.

You will receive a Replacement Plate Permit that allows you to operate your vehicle while waiting for your replacement license plates.

NOTE: If you find your missing plates or tabs after ordering replacements, they will be invalid and you must surrender them to the MO DOR.

Transfer or Surrender Tags

You can transfer your license plates from a vehicle you own or owned to another vehicle in your name when you register the vehicle you've just bought.

The fee to transfer plates is $2, PLUS any other taxes, title, or registration fees that apply.

Let your vehicle dealer or MO license office agent know that you have tags to transfer.

You CANNOT transfer license plates to the person who buys your vehicle.

If you no longer need your license plates because you have moved to another state, you can do any of the following:

Destroy and recycle them.
Surrender them in person at a Missouri license office.
OR
Surrender them by mail to:

Missouri Department of Revenue
ATTN: License Plate Surrender
301 West High Street, Room 370
Jefferson City, MO 65105

You must surrender lost, stolen, or damaged license plates when you order replacements.

You may have to surrender plates if you get a different plate type, such as a disability parking plate or personalized plate.

Fees for License Plates in MO

New standard license plates AND annual renewal:
- Passenger vehicles: Varies by taxable horsepower. See our Vehicle Registration page for a complete list.
- Motorcycles (2 wheels): $8.75 + $6 processing fee.
- Motorcycles (3 wheels): $10.25 + $6

Missouri License Plate Tab Colors