Every vehicle driven on Missouri roads must be properly registered and marked with the appropriate license plates. You can receive license plates at any driver's license exam station. The renewal of your license plates is tied to the vehicle registration process.

When you purchase a vehicle, you may transfer Missouri license plates to it from another vehicle that you already own. Or, you can choose to get new plates. If you transfer plates, you can only transfer them between the same types of vehicles, such as a truck to a truck, or a passenger vehicle to a passenger vehicle.

Top Missouri's License Plate Design

Missouri's standard license plate design was created in 1996 by St. Louis artist Bill O'Donnell. His design features the state name in green block letters with a wavy blue line to represent the state's many rivers, lakes, and streams. The license plate background is made of shades of blue and green on a field of white. The words "SHOW-ME STATE" appear across the bottom in blue.

Top Specialty Plates in Missouri

In addition to the standard Missouri license plate design, there are also a number of specialty plates that drivers may purchase. There are collegiate license plates to support local colleges and universities, military plates to honor veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, and organizational plates to support groups such as the St. Louis Zoo or the American Legion.

Top Personalized Plates

If you're proud of your wheels and looking for a way to express your individuality, you can personalize your Missouri license plates by adding a message of up to six letters. There will be an additional fee of $15 added to your vehicle's registration charge for this service. You can see if the message you want is available by using the license plate selection tool on the Missouri Department of Revenue Web site.

Personalized license plates will be changed to the state's new design beginning January 1, 2009. Drivers who have these types of plates already will receive a notice in advance of the plate expiration, asking if they wish to keep their current plates. Responses can be made via the DOR Web site or postal mail.

Top Drivers with Disabilities

Although some states issue special license plates to drivers with disabilities, Missouri uses a system of removable placards to allow disabled drivers access to special parking privileges. The placards are to be used only when the disabled person is using the vehicle or when he or she is being dropped off or picked up by another driver.

Placards are available for both permanently and temporarily disabled residents. To learn more, please see The Unofficial DMV Guide's article on Drivers with Disabilities.

Top Historic (Antique) License Plates

To qualify, your vehicle must be 25 years old or older and used for exhibition or educational purposes, and owned solely as a collector's item.

Vehicles flashing historic or antique plates may be driven:

• To and from exhibitions or educational events without any mileage restrictions

• To any repair shop within 100 miles

• Up to 1,000 miles annually for everyday use. You must maintain a personal use mileage log. This log must be carried in the vehicle when being driven on state roads.

Applying for Historic Plates

You must submit:

• A completed Application for Missouri Historic or Personalized Historic License Plates. This application can be ordered via an online form.

• Proof of insurance

• Your current county or Saint Louis City personal property tax receipt or non-assessment statement

• A copy of your vehicle's title or registration

• A one-time registration fee of $25.25

• A $3.50 processing fee

Apply by mail or by visiting the the main office in Jefferson City.

Antique Historic Plates

You may register your vehicle's license plate as a historical plate provided it is over 25 years old, the year of issuance is consistent with the model year, and it does not clash with the state's current numbering system. To apply, follow the exact steps listed above and include a photo of your plate.

Top Surrendering License Plates

You are not required to return your Missouri license plates after relocating to a new state.

Top Replacing Lost or Stolen Plates

If your license plates or tabs are stolen, you will need to submit a police report as well as a notarized affidavit in order to avoid paying the $8.50 replacement fee.

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