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updateUpdated 2026-10-08

Missouri License Plate Lookup

Get the full NHTSA vehicle report for any Missouri plate — make, model, year, recalls, and crash safety ratings — free with no signup. Vehicle data only.

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MISSOURIAB1 C2D

5.4M

Registered Vehicles

Missouri (FHWA)

Since 1907

Missouri Department of Revenue

AB1 C2D

Missouri DMV License Plate Quick Facts

Agency	Missouri Department of Revenue — Motor Vehicle Bureau
Issuance year	1907
Current format	AB1 C2D — Seven characters on the current Missouri Bicentennial design: a mix of letters and digits, typically 2 letters + 1 digit + space + 1 letter + 1 digit + 1 letter, though formats vary. Missouri is a two-plate state.
Plates required	Two (front and rear)
Replacement fee	$8.50
Registration validity	2 years
Registered vehicles	5.4M (approx.)
DMV contact	1-573-526-3669 · dor.mo.gov/motor-vehicle/

How do I look up a Missouri license plate?

Need a Missouri DMV license plate lookup-style vehicle report? Use the MO license plate lookup tool above — same NHTSA data, no DMV trip required.

1
Enter the Missouri license plate number in the search field above. Spaces and dashes are optional.
2
Confirm MO is selected in the state dropdown — plate numbers can repeat across states, so the state is required for accurate matching.
3
Press Search Plate. You'll see make, model, year, trim, engine, open recalls, and NHTSA crash safety ratings in seconds.

Run a MO plate lookuparrow_forward

What does a Missouri license plate lookup reveal?

Every missouri license plate lookup on this page returns NHTSA vehicle data instantly. Driver and registered-owner personal information is protected under the DPPA's 1994 federal restrictions and is not part of any free vehicle report.

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DPPA notice — vehicle data only

This Missouri license plate lookup returns vehicle information only — make, model, year, recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA's public database. We do not return the registered owner's name, address, phone number, email, driving record, or any other personal information about the driver. Personal driver and owner information is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not lawfully accessible through any free public lookup.

Free — available here

check_circleMake, model, year, and trim
check_circleBody style, doors, curb weight
check_circleEngine size, cylinders, fuel type
check_circleTransmission and drivetrain
check_circleOpen NHTSA safety recalls
check_circleNHTSA crash test ratings
check_circleEPA fuel economy (MPG)
check_circleManufacturing plant & country

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boltTitle brand history (salvage, flood, rebuilt)
boltReported accident history
boltOdometer rollback detection
boltNumber of previous owners
boltLien and loan history
boltAuction & insurance records
boltState of registration history
boltTheft / total-loss records

Registered owner name, address, contact details, and driving records are protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and are not returned by this site or any other free public lookup. This tool provides vehicle-level data only — make, model, year, recalls, safety ratings, and EPA fuel economy — sourced from NHTSA and EPA public databases.

What does a Missouri license plate format look like?

Seven characters on the current Missouri Bicentennial design: a mix of letters and digits, typically 2 letters + 1 digit + space + 1 letter + 1 digit + 1 letter, though formats vary. Missouri is a two-plate state. The Missouri license plate number lookup tool above accepts spaces, dashes, and historical Missouri plate formats.

MISSOURIAB1 C2D

Missouri license plate number lookup: format history

Era	Format	Example
1907–1949	Sequential numeric	12345
1950–1979	County-coded alphanumeric	AB-1234
1980–1996	3 letters + 3 digits ('Show-Me State')	ABC 123
1997–2007	3 letters + 3 digits (refreshed Show-Me)	ABC 123
2008–2020	3 letters + 1 digit + 1 letter + 1 digit (bluebird design)	ABC 1D2
2021–present	Mixed-pattern 7-character (Bicentennial design)	AB1 C2D

Missouri license plate laws you should know

Below are the four laws that most often trip up Missouri drivers. Rules are enforced at the stop, the inspection station, and at registration renewal.

Two plates required

Missouri requires two plates — front and rear — on every passenger vehicle under MO Rev Stat § 301.130. Failure to display either plate can result in fines.

Front plate rule

No exemption exists for vehicles lacking a front mounting bracket. Owners must install a bracket or face a citation under § 301.130.

Registration stickers & display

Missouri issues a registration tab affixed to the upper-right corner of the rear plate showing the year of expiration. Plates can be renewed for 1 or 2 years at the owner's choice.

Inspection / smog check

Missouri requires biennial Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program (GVIP) emissions testing in the St. Louis metropolitan area — St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles, Franklin, and Jefferson counties — for gasoline vehicles 1996 model year or newer. Annual safety inspections were eliminated in 2019 except for vehicles 10+ model years old or with 150,000+ miles.

Types of Missouri license plates

Missouri issues dozens of plate designs. These are the main categories you'll encounter on the road or see at the DMV counter.

Standard Missouri / Bicentennial

Default plate with the Missouri Bicentennial (2021) design issued in mixed-character format.

Personalized / Vanity

Up to 6 characters on the standard or specialty backgrounds for $15/year through the Missouri DOR.

Disabled / Disabled Veteran

ISA wheelchair symbol; qualifies for accessible parking statewide. DV plates carry waived registration fees for qualifying veterans.

Military specialty

Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, POW, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Gold Star Family, and branch-specific plates.

Special interest

University of Missouri, Mizzou, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, conservation, and dozens of cause/organization plates.

Historic Vehicle / Antique

For vehicles 25+ years old used primarily for exhibitions, parades, and club events. Restricted to occasional use.

How much does a Missouri license plate cost?

Typical Missouri DMV fees for plates, registration, and related services. Always confirm current amounts on the official DMV site before paying.

Biennial registration (passenger, 12 hp or less)	$36 ($18/year)
Biennial registration (passenger, 24 hp or more)	$72 ($36/year)
Replacement plate	$8.50
Personalized plate	$15/year above standard registration
Title fee	$8.50
Local property tax (annual)	Varies by county; collected separately at registration

Source: Missouri Department of Revenue — Motor Vehicle Bureau — https://dor.mo.gov/motor-vehicle/

What if my Missouri plate is lost, stolen, or damaged?

Follow these steps to replace a Missouri license plate. Do not keep driving with a missing plate — it is a citable offense in most states.

1
File a police report immediately if the plates were stolen.
2
Visit any Missouri DOR license office (license bureau) or use the online portal at dor.mo.gov.
3
Complete the Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108) selecting plate replacement.
4
Pay the $8.50 replacement fee plus any processing fees.
5
Surrender any remaining plate from the pair; substitute plates are issued on the spot at most license offices.

Missouri DMV contact & privacy

Official agency

Missouri Department of Revenue — Motor Vehicle Bureau

call1-573-526-3669

languagedor.mo.gov/motor-vehicle/

DPPA privacy notice

Personal information tied to a Missouri license plate — driver name, address, date of birth, phone number, email, and driving record — is protected by the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not returned by this site. This page and the lookup tool provide vehicle-level data only: make, model, year, trim, recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA's public database.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about Missouri license plate lookups, DMV rules, and plate replacement.

How do I run a Missouri license plate lookup?expand_more

Enter any Missouri plate in the search field above and press Check Plate. You'll get the vehicle's make, model, year, trim, open NHTSA recalls, and crash ratings — free, no signup required.

Does Missouri require a front license plate?expand_more

Yes. MO Rev Stat § 301.130 requires passenger vehicles to display two plates — one on the front and one on the rear. There is no exemption for vehicles sold without a front bracket.

How much does a replacement Missouri plate cost?expand_more

The replacement fee is $8.50 plus any processing fees. Replacements are processed at any Missouri DOR license office using Form 108.

What is the current Missouri license plate format?expand_more

Missouri's current plates use a mixed 7-character format on the Bicentennial design (introduced in 2021), typically with letters and digits in a 'AB1 C2D' style pattern.

Are Missouri license plate records public?expand_more

No. Owner information tied to a Missouri plate is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and MO Rev Stat § 32.091. Free lookups return only vehicle-level data.

Does Missouri require an inspection?expand_more

Missouri eliminated annual safety inspections in 2019 for most vehicles. Safety inspections are now required only for vehicles 10+ model years old or with 150,000+ miles. Biennial emissions testing (GVIP) is required in five St. Louis-area counties for 1996+ gasoline vehicles.

How do I get a personalized Missouri plate?expand_more

Personalized plates are ordered through any DOR license office or online at dor.mo.gov for $15/year above standard registration fees. Up to 6 characters are allowed.

How often do I renew my Missouri registration?expand_more

Missouri vehicle registration can be renewed for either 1 year or 2 years at the owner's choice. Renewal notices are mailed approximately 90 days before expiration.

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