License Plate replacement in Missouri may be necessary if your plate is lost, stolen, damaged, or no longer readable. Vehicle owners can review Missouri Department of Revenue requirements to identify the correct paperwork, applicable fees, and submission options for their situation. The replacement process may differ based on the type of plate and registration details. Knowing which documents to prepare can help reduce delays and prevent errors during the request. This page explains key Missouri license plate replacement details for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and other registered vehicles.
License Plate replacement requirements in Missouri help motorists determine what steps to take after a plate goes missing or becomes damaged. Form 1576 may be required for replacement requests, depending on the circumstances and plate type. Owners can review the relevant form, check current fees, and confirm whether their request can be submitted through an eligible license office or by mail. This resource covers common replacement questions, required documents, and Missouri DOR procedures to help vehicle owners prepare for their next registration-related transaction.
How to Replace a Lost or Damaged Missouri License Plate
A Missouri License Plate Replacement request may be needed when a plate or registration tab is lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed, or never received. The Missouri License Plate Department of Revenue (DOR) provides an official replacement application for eligible requests. Follow these steps to prepare the paperwork and submit it through an approved channel.
- Missouri Form 1576 — Application for Replacement Plate:
- https://dor.mo.gov/forms/1576.pdf
Download the Official Replacement Application
Download Missouri Form 1576 — Application for Replacement Plate(s) and Tab(s). This form covers eligible requests for replacement plates or tabs that are lost, stolen, mutilated, destroyed, or never received. Read the instructions on the current form before completing it, since the required information and signature rules depend on the type of replacement requested.
Complete the Owner and Vehicle Information
Enter the requested information accurately so the DOR can identify the correct owner and vehicle. The form may request:
- Owner’s full name and current address
- Daytime telephone number
- Vehicle year and make
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Current license plate number
- Registration expiration details
- The reason for the replacement request
Select the Correct Replacement Type
Identify the item you need replaced on Form 1576. Depending on your situation, the request may involve one plate, a set of plates, or registration tabs only. Choose the option that matches the missing, damaged, or undelivered item. Do not request a full set when only a tab or single plate needs replacement. Review the form’s instructions if the plate type or vehicle category has special requirements.
Follow the Signature and Notarization Instructions
Form 1576 ordinarily requires the owner to sign the application in front of a notary public. Read the current form carefully before signing, since an exception applies to certain optional second-plate requests for commercial motor vehicles. Do not assume the notarization requirement is waived for other replacement requests. Complete the signature section according to the instructions printed on the official application.
Submit the Application and Applicable Fees
Follow Form 1576’s current submission instructions to determine whether your request can be handled in person or by mail. Include the required information and applicable payment. Fees can vary according to the plate or tab requested, so check the Missouri DOR replacement plate procedure before submitting your application.
Before submitting, check this list:
- Form 1576 is complete.
- Owner and vehicle details match your records.
- The correct replacement type is selected.
- Signature and notarization requirements are met.
- Applicable fees and submission instructions are confirmed.
Missouri License Plate Replacement Fees
The Missouri License Plate Replacement cost depends on whether you need one plate, a complete set, or replacement registration tabs. The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) lists the replacement charges and processing fees on its current Form 1576 — Application for Replacement Plate(s) and Tab(s). The form is revised August 2025. Check the current form before submitting payment, since fees and requirements may change.
Replacement Fee for One License Plate
This amount applies to an eligible individual-plate replacement. Specialty, personalized, and stock plates are covered by the replacement fee table on Form 1576.
| Fee component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Individual plate replacement | $8.50 |
| Processing fee | $9.00 |
| Total | $17.50 |
Replacement Fee for a Set of Plates
The applicable charge depends on whether the request is for one plate or a set. Check Form 1576 for the category that matches your registration.
| Fee component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Replacement set of plates | $17.00 |
| Processing fee | $9.00 |
| Total | $26.00 |
Replacement Tab or Sticker Fee
If only your registration tabs are missing or damaged, you can request replacement tabs instead of replacing the metal or flat plate.
| Fee component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Replacement tab or set of tabs | $8.50 |
| Processing fee | $9.00 |
| Total | $17.50 |
How to Replace a Missouri License Plate Sticker or Tab
A Missouri license plate sticker replacement is needed when your registration tab is lost, stolen, damaged, or never received. Missouri’s Department of Revenue (DOR) uses the term tab on its official replacement application. The tab displays registration information and is separate from the metal or flat license plate.
When Do You Need a Replacement Plate Tab?
Request a replacement registration tab if the sticker attached to your plate is missing, unreadable, or damaged. You usually do not need to replace the physical plate if it remains in good condition and only the tab needs replacement. A lost or stolen tab should be reported and replaced according to the applicable DOR instructions.
How to Request a Replacement Registration Sticker
Download Form 1576 — Application for Replacement Plate(s) and Tab(s). Complete the registered owner and vehicle information, then select the tabs-only option when only the registration sticker needs replacement. Follow the form’s signature, notarization, payment, and submission instructions. The current form lists an $8.50 replacement charge for a tab or set of tabs, plus a $9 processing fee, subject to applicable exemptions.
What If Both the Plate and Tab Are Missing?
If both items are missing, identify each item requiring replacement on Form 1576. Select the appropriate plate or set category and the tab option when applicable. The charges may differ from a tabs-only request. Review the official DOR replacement plate instructions before submitting payment.
Where to Get a Missouri DMV License Plate Replacement
Missouri vehicle registration and license plate services are handled by the Missouri Department of Revenue, rather than a separate DMV agency. Replacement requests can be submitted through an eligible license office or by mail, following the current Form 1576 instructions.
Visit a Missouri License Office
You can visit a Missouri license office to request a replacement plate or registration tab. Before visiting, check the office’s hours, available services, and any appointment requirements. Use the official Missouri DOR website: https://dor.mo.gov/ to find current licensing information and locate an office that handles your transaction.
Apply by Mail
Form 1576 provides a mail-in option for eligible replacement requests. The mailing destination listed on the form is:
Missouri Department of Revenue
Motor Vehicle Bureau
PO Box 100
Jefferson City, MO 65105-0100
Can You Replace a License Plate Online?
You can download Form 1576 online, but downloading the form does not mean the entire replacement transaction can be completed online. Follow the DOR’s current instructions to determine whether your request must be submitted in person or by mail. Do not assume an online replacement service is available for every plate type.
Documents and Information Required for Plate Replacement
Before submitting a Missouri License Plate Replacement request, gather the information needed to identify the registered owner, vehicle, and item being replaced. Requirements may vary by circumstance, so review the current Form 1576 before completing your application.
Registered Owner Information
Prepare the following details:
- Registered owner’s name matching the title or registration receipt.
- Current mailing address.
- Daytime telephone number.
Vehicle Information
Have these vehicle details available:
- Vehicle year and make.
- Vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Current license plate number, if known.
- Registration expiration or tab information.
- Any additional details requested for a truck or bus.
Applicat ion and Supporting Information
Use this pre-submission checklist:
- Complete Form 1576.
- Select the correct replacement reason and item type.
- Follow the form’s notarization and signature requirements.
- Include the applicable payment.
- Attach supporting documents required for your circumstances.
- Confirm the current submission method and mailing address.
What to Do While Waiting for Your Replacement Plate
After submitting a Missouri License Plate Replacement application, keep the paperwork provided by the license office and follow the official instructions while the replacement is being processed. Your validated application receipt and any replacement plate permit may serve as proof of valid registration when the DOR’s requirements are met.
Understand the Replacement Plate Permit
The instructions on Form 1576 — Application for Replacement Plate(s) and Tab(s) describe a replacement plate permit and a validated application receipt for qualifying requests. The permit may provide temporary proof of registration while replacement plates are pending. Follow the form’s instructions about completing, displaying, and using the permit. The permit does not remove other vehicle registration or equipment requirements.
Keep Your Application Receipt
Keep the validated receipt and any permit issued during the replacement process. Store the documents in a safe place and follow the instructions provided by the license office. Check that the information matches your vehicle and registration. If the documents are lost, unclear, or contain incorrect information, contact the office that processed your request for instructions.
Can You Drive Without Your Missing Plate?
Do not assume that filing a replacement application automatically makes driving without a required plate lawful. Follow the replacement permit instructions and applicable Missouri law. If you have not received a valid permit or are unsure whether your vehicle can be operated, contact a Missouri license office or the Department of Revenue before driving.
How Long Does Replacement Take?
Replacement plate processing time depends on the type of request, submission method, and processing workload. The Missouri DOR does not provide one guaranteed delivery period that applies to every replacement request. For a current estimate, contact the license office handling your application or check the official DOR replacement plate information.
Special Cases: Personalized, Specialty, and Commercial Plates
Replacement procedures and charges can vary by plate category. Check the current Form 1576 instructions to identify the correct replacement option before submitting a request.
Personalized or Specialty Plate Replacement
For a personalized or specialty plate, select the correct category on Form 1576 and verify the applicable replacement fee. The amount may depend on the plate type and whether one plate or a complete set is being replaced.
Commercial Vehicle Plate Replacement
Commercial vehicle owners should review the form’s instructions for their vehicle category. Certain commercial motor vehicle requests have different signature or notarization instructions. Confirm the required application details and fees before submitting a replacement request.
Replacing Only One Plate
When only one plate is replaced, Form 1576 provides instructions for the placement of the replacement plate. The form gives a separate placement instruction for commercial motor vehicles. Follow the current form and applicable Missouri law when mounting the replacement plate. Check the official Missouri DOR replacement instructions if you are unsure which placement rule applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs answer common questions about replacing lost, stolen, damaged, or missing Missouri license plates and registration tabs. Check the current Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) instructions before submitting a replacement application.
How do I replace a lost Missouri license plate?
To replace a lost license plate in Missouri, complete Form 1576 — Application for Replacement Plate(s) and Tab(s). Select the correct replacement option, complete the owner and vehicle information, and follow the signature and notarization instructions. Submit the application through an eligible license office or by mail with applicable fees.
How much does a Missouri license plate replacement cost?
The current Form 1576 lists an $8.50 replacement charge for an individual plate or tab and $17 for a set of embossed or flat plates, plus a $9 processing fee. Eligible theft replacements may qualify for a replacement-charge exemption. Check the official replacement instructions for applicable charges.
Can I replace my Missouri license plate online?
You can download Form 1576 online, but this does not mean every replacement transaction can be completed entirely online. Missouri provides in-person and mail-in options for eligible requests. Review the DOR replacement plate instructions to confirm the permitted submission method for your plate type.
Do I need to notarize Form 1576?
Form 1576 ordinarily requires the applicant to sign in front of a notary public. The official form provides a limited exception for certain optional second-plate requests for commercial motor vehicles. Read the current instructions carefully before signing, and confirm whether the exception applies to your particular replacement request.
What should I do if my Missouri license plate was stolen?
If your Missouri plate was stolen, report the theft to local law enforcement or the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Then complete Form 1576 and select the appropriate stolen-plate replacement option. Eligible applicants may qualify for up to two sets of replacement plates or tabs per year without the replacement charge, though processing fees may remain payable.