You can renew an expired Missouri license in person, by mail, or online depending on how long it has been expired

Missouri divides expired licenses into two windows: those expired less than one year, and those expired more than one year. If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting a driver's license office. If it expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office and bring original documents to prove your identity and residency.

The state does not charge extra fees for renewing an expired license — you pay the standard renewal fee, which is $10 for a four-year license or $20 for an eight-year license. Processing times vary by method: online renewal typically completes within one to two weeks, mail renewal takes two to four weeks, and in-person renewal is usually same-day or next-business-day.

Key Takeaways

  • Licenses expired less than one year can be renewed online or by mail; licenses expired more than one year require an in-person visit to a Missouri Department of Revenue office.
  • Online renewal is the fastest option and requires only your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your expired license, a completed form, and payment to the address listed on the Missouri Department of Revenue website.
  • In-person renewal requires an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or card.
  • You can drive legally while your renewal is being processed if you have proof of your online or mail submission.

Renewing online if your license expired within the past year

The Missouri Department of Revenue's online renewal system is available at dor.mo.gov under the driver's license section. You will need your current license number, your date of birth, your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card. The system will verify your information against state records and, if everything matches, issue a new license number on screen.

Your new physical license card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. During this time, you can drive legally if you have a copy of your online confirmation receipt or the email confirmation the state sends you. Print or save this confirmation and carry it with you, as it serves as proof that you have a valid renewal in progress.

Online renewal is not available if your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled for any reason, or if you need to update your address, name, or other information. If any of these explore, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail if your license expired within the past year

To renew by mail, read and print the process for Missouri Driver's License or Noncommercial Learner's Permit (Form DL 43) from the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Complete the form, sign it, and enclose your expired license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a photocopy of proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days).

Mail the packet to the address listed on the form — this address changes based on your county, so verify it on the state website before sending. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the state receives your envelope. You can drive legally during this time if you keep a copy of your mailed form or a written record of the date you mailed it.

Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but does not require you to have a credit card or access to a computer. If your renewal is delayed, you can contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to check the status using your license number and date of birth.

Renewing in person if your license expired more than one year ago

Licenses expired more than 12 months cannot be renewed by mail or online. You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person. Bring your expired license, an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days), and your Social Security number or card.

Find your nearest office at dor.mo.gov and check its hours before you go — many offices have limited hours or are closed on certain days. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Call ahead if the website does not clearly state the office's policy.

Bring the original documents, not photocopies. The staff will verify your identity, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive legally until your card arrives.

What to do if you cannot find your birth certificate

If you do not have your birth certificate and cannot get a certified copy in time, Missouri allows you to bring other original documents that prove your identity and date of birth. These include a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a certified marriage certificate if your name has changed. You still need proof of residency and your Social Security number.

If you are renewing in person and do not have any of these documents, the staff can tell you which alternatives the state will accept. Call the Missouri Department of Revenue before your visit to confirm what you can bring — this saves a wasted trip.

Updating your address, name, or other information during renewal

If you need to change your address, name, or other information on your license, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, note the change on your Form DL 43 and include proof of your new address. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address and any documents that show your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

If you are renewing in person and your address has changed, bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days showing your new address. The staff will update your record and print your new license with the correct information.

Driving legally while your renewal is being processed

Missouri law allows you to drive while your renewal is in progress if you have proof that you submitted it. For online renewal, keep your confirmation receipt or email. For mail renewal, keep a copy of the form you mailed or a written record of the date and method you used to send it. For in-person renewal, you receive a temporary paper license at the office.

Carry this proof with you at all times while you are waiting for your new card. If you are stopped by police, show them your expired license and your proof of renewal. Law enforcement can verify your renewal status through the state system, but having the proof on hand makes the interaction faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for several years?

Yes. No matter how long your license has been expired, you can renew it. If it expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office with your birth certificate and proof of residency. The renewal fee is the same as for a recently expired license.

What if I lost my expired license and do not have it to send in?

For online renewal, you do not need to send in your expired license — you only need your license number. For mail renewal, you should send your expired license if you have it, but if you have lost it, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to ask what to do. For in-person renewal, you do not need your expired license; you only need your birth certificate and proof of residency.

How long does it take to get my new license card in the mail?

Most new licenses arrive within one to two weeks of approval. Mail can be delayed, so if you do not receive your card within three weeks, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue with your license number and date of birth to check the status.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?

For online and mail renewal, the state uses your photo from your expired license. For in-person renewal, the staff will take a new photo. If you want a new photo for online or mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

You must renew in person or by mail and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online renewal will not allow you to change your name. The staff will update your record and issue a new license with your current name.