Missouri moving to flat, seven-digit license plate

By: Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) -- Missourians will get flat license plates instead of the current plates with raised numbers and letters, starting in February.

The Missouri Department of Revenue announced the change in a news release Friday. The department says switching away from the current embossed plates "supports greater efficiency" and lays the groundwork for moving to seven-digit license plates.

“We are running out of six-digit configurations for plates; this move not only saves taxpayer dollars but prepares for the future," DOR Director Trish Vincent said in the news release.

The change will start with the implementation of a new software system called FUSION in February 2027, except for motorcycles and specialty plates. DOR says any plates that are replaced before then will be in the current, six-digit design, but they will be flat.