What you need to do to get a Missouri driver's license
To get a Missouri driver's license, you visit your local Missouri Department of Revenue office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay the fee. The whole process takes a few weeks from start to finish. You cannot do this online or by mail — you must show up with documents that prove who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number.
Missouri issues different types of licenses depending on what you need: a regular driver's license if you want to drive a car, a commercial driver's license (CDL) if you drive a truck or bus for work, or a motorcycle endorsement if you ride a motorcycle. This guide covers the standard driver's license. The steps are similar for other types, but the tests are different and take longer.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, then a driving test with an examiner in your own vehicle or a Department vehicle.
- The written test costs money and the driving test costs money; fees vary but total around $30 to $40 for a standard license.
- You can schedule your driving test in advance online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, which reduces wait times.
- Your license is valid for six years in Missouri, and you can renew it by mail or online before it expires.
Documents you need to bring to the Department of Revenue office
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves where you live. A valid passport works for identity. A state ID card works. A military ID works. A tribal ID works. A school ID does not work by itself — you need something issued by a government body.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government letter addressed to you at your current address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill is the easiest choice because it is recent and has both pieces of information.
You also need your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form that shows the number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a driver's license — bring your ITIN documentation instead.
How to schedule and take the written test
When you arrive at the Department of Revenue office, you will fill out an process form (DL-43) and pay the fee. The staff will take your photo and fingerprints. Then you sit at a computer and take the written test, which has 25 questions about Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 18 questions correctly to pass.
The test is multiple choice. You can take it in English or Spanish. You have time to study before you go — the Missouri Department of Revenue publishes a free study guide online that covers everything on the test. Many people study the guide for a few hours and pass on their first try. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day.
The written test fee is separate from the driving test fee. Bring cash or a debit card — not all offices take credit cards. Ask the staff what payment methods they accept when you call to schedule.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
After you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test appointment. You can do this online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website or by phone. Scheduling online is faster and shows you available times at your local office. The driving test usually happens within two to four weeks of when you schedule it, depending on how busy your local office is.
On the day of your driving test, bring your vehicle and your permit (which you received after passing the written test). The vehicle must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before you drive. If anything is broken, the test will not happen and you will have to reschedule.
The driving test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you drive on regular streets. You will parallel park, make turns, stop at signs, and demonstrate that you can control the vehicle safely. The examiner is looking for safe habits, not perfection. Most people pass on their first or second try.
Fees and how long everything takes
The written test costs around $10 to $15. The driving test costs around $15 to $25. The license itself costs around $10 to $15. Total cost is usually between $35 and $50, depending on your age and what type of license you get. Prices can change, so call your local office or check the Missouri Department of Revenue website to confirm the current fee.
The timeline works like this: you pass the written test the same day you take it. You then schedule the driving test, which happens two to four weeks later. After you pass the driving test, you get your license the same day or it arrives by mail within a few days. From your first visit to holding your license usually takes four to six weeks.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it. There is usually a waiting period of a few days before you can schedule another test, and you pay the fee again. Most people pass the second time because they know what to expect.
What happens if you already have a license from another state
If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written test or the driving test. You can exchange it for a Missouri license by visiting a Department of Revenue office with your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The exchange fee is usually lower than the full license fee — around $10 to $20.
Your out-of-state license must be valid (not expired). If it is expired, you will have to take the written test and driving test like a new driver. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Missouri, which means the process is even faster, but you still need to show up in person.
Finding your local Department of Revenue office and what to expect
Missouri has Department of Revenue offices in most counties. Find yours by going to the Missouri Department of Revenue website and entering your zip code. The website shows you the address, phone number, and hours. Call ahead before you go — some offices are busier than others, and you may want to ask how long the wait is or whether you should schedule an appointment.
Bring all your documents, your payment method, and time to wait. Even with an appointment, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour. Bring a book or your phone. The office staff will guide you through each step — you do not need to know the process perfectly before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. You must take the written test in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office on a computer. You cannot take it online from home or submit it by mail. You must also be present to have your photo taken and fingerprints recorded.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it after a waiting period, usually a few days. You pay the driving test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass the second time because they know what the examiner is looking for.
Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?
You can bring your own car if it is in safe working condition, or some offices have vehicles you can use for a small fee. Call your local office to ask whether they have test vehicles available. If you use your own car, make sure the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn all work.
How long is a Missouri driver's license good for?
A standard driver's license is valid for six years. You can renew it by mail or online before it expires. You do not have to retake the written test or driving test when you renew — you just pay the renewal fee and submit new documents if your address has changed.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS letter. You can still get a Missouri driver's license without a Social Security number.