What You Can and Cannot Do Online
You cannot get a new Missouri driver's license entirely online. Missouri's Department of Revenue requires you to appear in person at a driver license office to pass the vision test and have your photo taken. However, you can complete some steps online before your visit, and you can renew a license you already hold through the mail or online if you meet certain conditions.
The online option applies only to renewals — extending a license that has not yet expired or has been expired for less than five years. If you need a first-time license, a replacement after losing yours, or a license after a suspension, you must go to a driver license office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri allows online renewal only if your current license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, and you have not had certain violations or medical suspensions.
- To renew online, you visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website, enter your license number and personal details, pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and receive your new license by mail.
- If your license has been expired for five years or longer, you must visit a driver license office in person and retake the written and vision tests.
- Getting a new license for the first time, after losing it, or after a suspension always requires an in-person visit to a Missouri driver license office.
How to Renew Your License Online
Start by going to the Missouri Department of Revenue website and finding the driver license renewal section. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your address or update it if you have moved.
Once you have entered your information, the system will tell you whether you are may be able to access to renew online. If you are, you will proceed to pay the renewal fee using a credit card or debit card. Missouri charges different amounts depending on whether you want a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license, which is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight. After payment, your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days.
Keep your old license until the new one arrives. If your address changed, make sure it is correct before you submit, because the new license will be mailed to whatever address you provide.
Who Cannot Renew Online
You must visit a driver license office in person if any of these explore: your license has been expired for five years or longer; you have had a medical suspension or medical hold placed on your license; you have had certain traffic violations or convictions; your license was suspended or revoked; or you are renewing for the first time and do not yet have a Missouri license.
If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access, call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 before attempting to renew online. They can tell you in a few minutes whether the online path is open to you.
Getting a New License for the First Time
If you do not have a Missouri driver's license yet, you must visit a driver license office. Bring proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of your Missouri residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), proof of your legal name (birth certificate or passport), and proof of your date of birth if it is not on your other documents.
You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, pass a vision test, and have your photo taken. The office will issue you a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number — Missouri no longer prints Social Security numbers on licenses, but you must prove you have one.
Replacing a Lost or Stolen License
If your license was lost or stolen, you must go to a driver license office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a new license: proof of your Social Security number, proof of Missouri residency, and proof of your legal name and date of birth. You will not retake the written test, but you will have a new photo taken and receive a temporary license when ready.
Tell the office if your license was stolen rather than lost, because they may flag it in the system to prevent someone else from using it. You will pay a replacement fee, which is less than a full renewal but more than a mail renewal.
What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked
You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked. You must visit a driver license office and bring proof that the suspension or revocation has been lifted. This might include a letter from the court, proof that you have paid a fine, or documentation from the Missouri Department of Revenue showing the hold has been removed.
The office will verify the suspension is cleared before issuing a new license. If you are unsure whether your suspension has been lifted, call the Missouri Department of Revenue before you go to the office, because showing up without the right paperwork will waste a trip.
Finding a Driver License Office Near You
Missouri has driver license offices in most counties. Use the office locator on the Missouri Department of Revenue website to find the one closest to you, check its hours, and see whether it requires an appointment. Many offices now operate by appointment only, especially in larger cities, so call ahead or book online before you go.
Bring all required documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency. If you are getting a REAL ID license, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, not just a photocopy. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number. The office will not accept a screenshot or photo of your documents on your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to renew my license online?
The cost depends on the type of license. A standard renewal costs less than a REAL ID renewal. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website for current fees, as they change periodically. You pay by credit or debit card at the time of renewal.
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No. If your license has been expired for five years or longer, you must visit a driver license office in person and retake the written and vision tests. You cannot renew by mail or online in this situation.
What if I moved to Missouri from another state?
You cannot renew a license from another state through Missouri's system. You must visit a Missouri driver license office in person with proof of your new residency, and you will receive a Missouri license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
How long does it take to get my renewed license by mail?
Missouri typically mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days of approval. If you need your license sooner, you must visit a driver license office in person, where you will receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail.
Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Missouri?
You do not need a REAL ID license to drive within Missouri. However, you will need one to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A REAL ID license costs more than a standard license and requires you to bring an original or certified birth certificate to the driver license office.