Missouri License Plates

From designs that support breast cancer awareness to the newest bicentennial design, Jerry has put together all of Missouri’s best license plate options.
Written by Mariza Morin
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Updated on Mar 23, 2023
Whether you’re looking forward to the new bicentennial plate design or you want to show your support for a particular cause with a specialty design, there are plenty of Missouri license plates for you to choose from.
License plates are not only crucial in case you get into an accident, but they can also tell you a little something about the personality of a driver. And thankfully for Missouri drivers, there are several customized options to suit many Missourians’s tastes. 
Let's take a closer look at everything you need to know about license plates in the Show-Me State, including what a Missouri license plate is, various plate designs, and how you can get a Missouri license plate for yourself. 
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What are Missouri license plates and why do I need them?

Essentially, license plates are issued by the state to identify an officially-registered vehicle. To put it another way, they are basically identification tags for your car. 
But why are license plates important? For one thing, license plates help law enforcement find and uncover stolen vehicles! If you're ever the victim of a
Missouri hit-and-run
, quickly writing down the perpetrator's license plate number will also help the police track down the vehicle in question. 
Under
Section 301.130
of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, you are required to have a front and rear license plate on your vehicle around the clock. So it’s extremely important for you to have the proper license plates before you hit the road. Now, let’s look at license plate options in Missouri. 

What license plates does Missouri have?

Missouri license plates are divided into two categories: 
  • Standard plates
    , which you’ve no doubt seen all over the state. The latest license plate is white with blue lettering and a splash of red on top. 
  • Special interest plates
    support various causes like breast cancer awareness and the children’s trust fund. 

Standard license plates

  • Red, white, and blue plates: In 2021, Missouri celebrated its bicentennial with a new patriotic design to replace the old bluebird license plate. 
  • Bluebird plates: The Missouri bluebird plate was introduced in 2008. It features a blue and white with dark blue lettering and a bluebird and state emblem in the center. 

Special interest license plates

  • Back the Blue: Back the Blue plates feature a blue and white background with a Missouri emblem on the right that’s black with a thin blue line across it. The words “Back the Blue” are on the bottom. If you go for these plates, you may apply for a one-time $10 contribution to the
    Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation
  • Be an Organ Donor: Donate Life! These are the exact words featured on these plates. With this option, you may apply with an annual $25 contribution to the
    Missouri Organ Fund
  • Breast Cancer Awareness: These pink plates portray the distinctive breast cancer awareness ribbon. You also have the chance to apply for an annual $25 contribution to the
    Show Me Healthy Women (SMHW) program
  • Children’s Trust Fund: If you want to help local children, you can contribute to the
    Missouri Children’s Trust Fund
    if you add the white plates with two green handprints to your vehicle. 
  • Don’t Tread on Me: If you’re a history buff, you’ll enjoy these Don’t Tread on Me plates that feature the characteristic rattlesnake hissing off to the side. 
  • Fight Terrorism: By getting these plates commemorating September 11th, you can make a $25 donation to the
    Missouri Antiterrorism Fund
    to support the Missouri Office of Homeland Security. 
  • God Bless America: If you’re feeling extra patriotic, this white plate with an American flag is right up your alley. You’ll even have the option to make a one-time $10 donation to the Missouri World War I Memorial Fund when you go with these plates.  
  • Missouri Remembers: These white plates feature the black and white National League of Families POW/MIA flag, often just referred to as the POW/MIA flag.   
  • Regular Personalized: And if none of these suit your needs, get a personalized plate! This plate features the new bicentennial design, but you can get a personalized license plate number with the text of your choosing.  
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How do I get a Missouri license plate?

Obtaining new license plates in Missouri is relatively easy, but you’ll need to
register your vehicle
first through the Missouri DMV. If you currently have plates but are looking for a new design, you can apply for new plates when you
renew your registration
You’ll need the following when registering your vehicle:
  • The
    Certificate of Title
    in your name
  • An original paid personal property tax receipt or a statement of non-assessment (copies accepted too)
  • Proof of a recent safety inspection
  • Current insurance identification card
  • Proof of an emissions inspection
  • Payment for fees ($8.50 title fee, along with a $6 title processing fee and a $6 registration processing fee)
And there you have it! If you’re just looking to replace your plates,
you can follow the instructions provided by the Missouri DMV

How to customize your car insurance for savings in Missouri 

Not only can you customize your license plate, but you can also customize your insurance policy as well! It’s simple with
trustworthy insurance comparison app
, Jerry.
Here’s how it works: after you download the app, sign up in less than one minute and Jerry will generate customized quotes from top insurance providers right at your fingertips. Pick a new policy and
Jerry
can take it from there—including helping you cancel your old policy. 
With Jerry, it’s all about saving you time and money. But how much can you actually save? On average, Jerry users save over $800 a year on
car insurance
“Because I have a luxury car, I was more interested in finding better coverage than the exact price.
Jerry
helped me upgrade my policy, and when my record is cleared next year, I will be using Jerry again to choose an even cheaper plan!” —Paige W.
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