Missouri Drivers Face 2 Big License Plate Changes in 2027

My dad used to tell me that the more things changed the more they stayed the same. That never made sense to me. I can confirm there are two things involving Missouri license plates that are not staying the same in 2027 and both are major changes.

The Missouri Department of Revenue just shared a press release today announcing two changes to license plates starting in 2027. For as long as I can remember, all Missouri license plates have involved raised letters/numbers. That changes next year as the MDOR says completely flat license plates are coming starting in February of 2027. This is part of the incoming FUSION system implementation.

The second change that's coming is Missouri is moving to a seven-character license plate instead of six.

“The transition to flat license plates is an important step in modernizing our process,” said Trish Vincent, director of the Missouri Department of Revenue. “We are running out of six-digit configurations for plates; this move not only saves taxpayer dollars but prepares for the future.”

Please note that while the flat license plate distribution will roll out in 2027, the seven-digit numbering system will begin once FUSION is deployed. You can check out the Missouri Department of Revenue site for more details and updates on this new approach to license plates in the state.