What you need to bring and where to go

To get a Missouri driver's license, you visit your local Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The state does not issue licenses by mail or online. You will take a written test, a vision test, and a driving test (unless you are renewing or transferring from another state). The whole process takes one visit to the office plus a separate appointment for the driving test, which is scheduled after you pass the written exam.

Find your nearest office on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours. Bring your documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency. If you do not have all required documents, the office staff will tell you what is missing and what alternatives they can accept.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with original proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you can study using the official Missouri Driver Guide available free on the Department of Revenue website.
  • You schedule your driving test after passing the written exam, and the test appointment may be weeks away depending on office demand.
  • The fee for a driver's license is set by Missouri law and does not vary by office; bring cash, check, or debit card as accepted payment methods vary by location.

Documents you must bring to the office

Proof of identity means a document with your photo, name, and date of birth. A U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents instead — for example, a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a utility bill plus a bank statement. The documents must show your name and date of birth.

Proof of residency shows your current Missouri address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. A government check or tax return also works if it shows your address. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency. If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus that bill, is accepted.

Proof of Social Security number is your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. A birth certificate does not count. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 25 multiple-choice questions about Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, stopping for school buses, and what different traffic signs mean. You take the test on a computer at the Department of Revenue office.

The Missouri Driver Guide is the official study material and is free to read from the Department of Revenue website. Many people also study using online practice tests, which are not official but follow the same topics. You do not need to study for a set number of hours — the test is designed for someone with basic knowledge of driving laws. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day; there is no waiting period between attempts.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

After you pass the written test, the office staff will schedule your driving test appointment. The appointment is usually several weeks away, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a confirmation with the date, time, and location. Some offices conduct driving tests at the same location; others send you to a separate testing facility.

For the driving test, bring your confirmation letter, a valid photo ID, and a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. The test takes about 20 minutes and includes basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping, plus driving on local roads. You must follow traffic laws and the examiner's directions. If you fail, you can schedule another test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on office availability.

Fees and payment methods

Missouri sets the fee for a driver's license by state law. The cost depends on the type of license and how long it is valid for. A standard four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The exact amount does not change between offices. Payment methods vary by location — some offices take cash only, others take checks or debit cards, and some take all three. Call your local office before you go to confirm what they accept.

If you cannot pay the full fee at the time of your visit, ask the office staff whether they offer a payment plan. Some offices do; others do not. There are no refunds if you fail the written or driving test and do not return to complete the process.

If you are under 18 or a new resident

If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or legal guardian to the office. They must sign consent forms and bring their own photo ID. Minors also must complete a driver education course before taking the written test — this is a separate requirement from the study materials. The course can be taken online or in person through approved providers in Missouri.

If you are moving to Missouri from another state, you have 30 days to get a Missouri license. You can transfer your out-of-state license without retaking the written test if your license is still valid and you pass the vision and driving tests. Bring your current out-of-state license along with the other required documents. If your out-of-state license has expired, you must take the written test again.

What happens after you pass

After you pass the driving test, the office staff will take your photo and issue your temporary license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you do not receive it after four weeks, contact the Department of Revenue to check the status.

Your new license will show your name, date of birth, address, license number, and restrictions if any explore. Check the information for errors before you leave the office. If something is wrong, tell the staff when ready so they can correct it before your permanent license is printed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. Missouri requires you to take the written test in person at a Department of Revenue office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or at any other location. You must visit an office to test.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can schedule another driving test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on how busy your local office is. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. You do not have to retake the written test unless your written test pass expires before you pass the driving test.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring a tax return instead?

Either works. You can bring your Social Security card, a W-2, a tax return, or a 1099. Any one of these counts as proof of your Social Security number. You do not need to bring more than one.

What if my address on my proof of residency does not match the address I want on my license?

Your license address must match your proof of residency. If you recently moved, bring a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days showing your new address. If you have not received a bill yet, a notarized letter from your landlord or someone else at that address, plus their utility bill, works.

How long is a Missouri driver's license valid?

A standard Missouri driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue. You can also choose an eight-year license, which costs more. The expiration date will be printed on your license.