Why Use a Free Missouri License Plate Lookup

A free Missouri license plate search from VinCheck.info unlocks important details that help you make smarter vehicle decisions. With just a plate number, you can access valuable background data, including:

• Vehicle Specs: view the vehicle’s make, model, year, trim, and body style, ideal for verifying listings or buyer claims.
• Title History: Spot red flags like salvage, rebuilt, junk, or flood-branded titles issued by Missouri DOR and other  agencies.
• Accident Records: Check for reported collisions, including major damage, airbag deployment, and total loss events.
• Mileage Insights: Compare recorded odometer readings to detect possible rollbacks or tampering.
• Market Value Estimates: Get up-to-date vehicle valuation to avoid overpaying or underselling.
• Lien & Loan Status: See if the car has any open liens, financial obligations, or past repossessions.
• Use Type: Learn whether the vehicle was privately owned, leased, part of a fleet, or used commercially.
• Active Recalls: Find out if the vehicle has any open manufacturer recalls that could affect safety or performance.
• Theft Check: Confirm if the car was ever reported stolen in Missouri or across state lines.
• Sales History: Track ownership changes, title transfers, and movements between states.

Using VinCheck.info’s free Missouri plate lookup can protect you from scams, hidden issues, and costly mistakes—whether you’re buying, selling, or validating a vehicle’s history.

Sample Vehicle History Report

Missouri License Plates

In Missouri, every motor vehicle must be properly titled and registered with the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) to legally receive license plates. Most vehicles are issued two plates—one for the front and one for the rear—except motorcycles and trailers, which only require a rear plate. License plates must be securely mounted, visible, and unobstructed, following Missouri Revised Statutes § 301.130. Covering any part of the plate—such as the state name, expiration sticker, or registration number—with a frame or tinted cover can result in a fine.

Standard Missouri License Plate Design and Serial Format

Missouri’s current standard plate design reflects the state’s natural beauty and history. Key features include:

• A blue gradient background with the Missouri state bird (Eastern Bluebird) and state flower (Hawthorn)
• “MISSOURI” displayed at the top center in bold blue lettering
• A six-character alphanumeric serial (e.g., AB1-C2D) in black text
• A reflective finish for improved nighttime visibility
• Tabs or stickers placed on the rear plate to show expiration month and year

This modernized plate pays homage to Missouri’s wildlife while maintaining a clean, readable layout.

Types of Missouri License Plates

Standard & Personalized Plates

Missouri residents can choose between standard, personalized, and specialty plates. Personalized (vanity) plates allow up to six characters, with combinations subject to approval for appropriateness and availability. You can perform a Missouri license plate lookup or check availability through the official DOR Personalized Plate Search Tool.

Popular personalized plate options include:

• Missouri Bicentennial
• Show-Me State (standard design)
• Route 66 and Historic Missouri
• Missouri State Parks
• Organ Donor, Breast Cancer Awareness, and other causes

Disability Plates & Placards

The state offers both permanent and temporary disability license plates and placards for qualified individuals. These display the universal access symbol and may be issued in combination with personalized plate designs.

Military & Veteran Plates

Missouri honors service members and veterans with a wide selection of military plates, including:

• Veteran (all branches)
• Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star
• Gold Star Family
• Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross (requires documentation)
• Retired Military and Disabled Veteran plates

Veterans can apply through the Missouri Veterans Commission or DOR, depending on the plate type.

Collegiate Plates

Show school spirit with collegiate plates supporting Missouri’s higher education institutions, such as:

• University of Missouri (Mizzou)
• Missouri State University
• Saint Louis University
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Truman State University

Collegiate plates typically support scholarship funds or student programs.

Organizational & Special Cause Plates

Organizations may sponsor plates that raise awareness or funds for various causes. Popular options include:

• Support Our Troops
• Missouri State Trooper Foundation
• Autism Awareness
• Missouri Humane Society
• Amateur Radio Call Sign plates

Transferring License Plates in Missouri

Replacing your old vehicle? You can transfer your existing plates to a new one.

Bring:

• Certificate of Title or MSO
• Application Form 108
• Safety/emissions inspection (if required)
• Proof of insurance

Fees:

• Plate transfer: $2
• Title: $8.50
• Processing: $9–$18

Tax credit tip: Trading in a vehicle out of state? Bring proof (title copy or secure POA) to get credit on Missouri sales tax.

Buying New Missouri License Plates

If you’re not transferring plates, bring all standard documents plus:

• Personal property tax receipt or non-assessment
• Proof of insurance
• Safety/emissions inspection, if applicable

Fees Summary:

• Title: $8.50
• Sales Tax: 4.225% + local rate
• Registration: Based on weight or horsepower
• Processing: $9–$18

Temporary Permit Options

Need to drive while waiting for plates? Missouri offers 30-day or 60-day temporary permits.

What you need:

• Proof of ownership (signed title, bill of sale, or Form 108)
• Valid safety inspection (if required)
• Insurance card
• Fee: $5 permit + $9 processing

Note: Temporary permits aren’t valid for junk vehicles or after your title application is submitted.

Renew Missouri Plates Online

• Skip the Line – No more waiting at license offices
• Renew from Home – Available 24/7
• Fast & Secure Payment – Use E-Check (lowest fee), debit, or credit card
• Temporary Receipt Available – Valid for up to 30 days

E-Check: Only $0.50 fee
Credit/Debit Card: 2.0% + $0.25 fee

Eligibility for Online Renewal

You may qualify for online renewal if:

✅ You have a PIN from your renewal notice
✅ Your county has submitted your property tax info to the Department
✅ You have a paid personal property tax receipt showing the vehicle
✅ Your registration is not expired, or expired less than 90 days
✅ You use E-Check, debit, or credit card

Didn’t Get a Renewal Notice?

You can still renew online by entering vehicle and plate information through the alternate login. If that fails, try one of the following:

• In Person: Visit any Missouri License Office
• By Mail or Phone: Call 573-751-1957 (Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)

Replace Stolen Missouri License Plates or Tabs

If your Missouri license plates or registration tabs are lost or stolen, you may be eligible for up to two free replacements per year (a $6 processing fee applies).

Steps to Replace Stolen License Plates or Tabs in Missouri

1. Complete and notarize the Application for Replacement Plates/Tabs (Form 1576) — be sure to state “stolen” as the reason.
2. Pay the $6 processing fee.
3. Notify law enforcement, such as your local police department or the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP).

Where to Submit Your Application

• In person: Visit any Missouri license office
• By mail:
  Missouri Department of Revenue
  Motor Vehicle Bureau
  PO Box 100
  Jefferson City, MO 65105-0100

Prevent License Plate and Tab Theft

• Park in well-lit areas
• Attach plates using all four screws
• Use theft-resistant or specialty screws
• Install clear plastic covers (ensure all plate details remain visible)

If your plates or tabs are missing, report it immediately to law enforcement or the MSHP.

Title and Register Your Vehicle in Missouri

Under Missouri law, all vehicles must be titled and registered within 30 days of purchase or moving into the state. Missing this deadline will result in a $25 late fee, increasing by $25 every 30 days up to $200 maximum.

What You’ll Need:

• Certificate of Title (signed over to you) or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO)
• Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108)
• Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 3019), if applicable
• Lien Release (Form 4809), if applicable
• ID/OD Inspection (for out-of-state titles)
• Proof of Missouri insurance
• Safety inspection, unless exempt (see exemption rules below)
• Payment of all title, registration fees, and sales tax

Use the Missouri Sales Tax Calculator to estimate your total registration costs.

Missouri Title and Registration Fees

New Missouri Residents

Just moved to Missouri? You also have 30 days to title and register your vehicle.

Required documents:

• Out-of-state title or lienholder documents
• Form 108
• ID/OD inspection
• Safety and emissions inspection (if required in your area)
• Missouri insurance card
• Personal property tax receipt or non-assessment letter
• LES (for military, if not claiming Missouri residency)
• Form 5834 if your lienholder holds the title

Missouri Safety & Emissions Inspection Requirements

Missouri requires biennial inspections:

• Vehicles with even model years inspected in even years
• Odd model years inspected in odd years
• Exempt if under 10 years old and under 150,000 miles

Emissions Inspections Required in:

• St. Louis City
• St. Louis County
• St. Charles County
• Jefferson County

Imported Vehicles into Missouri

If you’re importing a vehicle from a foreign country or U.S. territory:

Documents Required:

• Foreign title or MSO
• U.S. Customs Form 7501
• DOT HS-7 form
• Form 108 (Title and License)
• Missouri insurance
• ID/OD inspection
• General Affidavit (Form 768) if vehicle was out of state for 60+ days
• Safety/emissions inspection (within 10 days of return)

These applications are only processed by mail or at the Jefferson City DOR office.

Military Personnel (Out of State)

Stationed outside Missouri? You can still title/register your vehicle.

Submit:

• Title or MSO
• Form 108
• Missouri insurance
• LES (if not claiming Missouri residency)
• ID/OD inspection or VIN verification by commanding officer
• General Affidavit (Form 768), if vehicle was out of state for 60+ days
• Safety/emissions inspection within 10 days of return

How to Pay

Accepted at Missouri license offices:

• Cash
• Check (with license number, DOB, phone number)
• Money order
• Credit/debit card (2% + $0.25 processing fee)

Check Your Missouri Title or Registration Status

Use the Where’s My Title? tool for real-time updates on your vehicle title or registration.

Avoid Vehicle Scams — Watch for Curbstoning

Curbstoning is when unlicensed sellers pose as private owners. These vehicles often come with title issues or hidden damage.

• Report suspected curbstoners using Form 4683
• Read tips on how to spot and avoid curbstoning scams

Frequently Asked Questions