What you need to do to get a Missouri driver's license

To get a Missouri driver's license, you will need to visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity and Missouri residency. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your license to arrive in the mail.

Missouri issues two types of licenses: a regular driver's license (valid for six years) and a Real ID-compliant license (also valid for six years, but required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting in 2025). Both follow the same testing process; the difference is in the documents you bring and the cost.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Department of Revenue office in person to take the written and driving tests; you cannot do either online or by mail.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or W-2, and proof of Missouri address such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study the official Missouri Driver Guide online before you go.
  • After you pass both tests, the Department of Revenue mails your license to you within one to two weeks, and you can request a temporary paper permit to drive when ready.
  • A regular driver's license costs $11.50; a Real ID license costs $24.50 and requires additional identity documents.

Documents you need to bring to the Department of Revenue office

Bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document. You will also need proof of your Social Security number: a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return all work.

For proof of Missouri residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement will work. A driver's license or ID card from another state is not enough on its own, but you can use it as a second form of identification.

If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license instead of a regular license, you will need one additional document: either a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing a legal name change (if your name has changed since your birth certificate), or a second proof of residency document.

How the written test works

The written test has 25 multiple-choice questions about Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 18 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and what different road signs mean.

You can study for the test using the official Missouri Driver Guide, which is free and available on the Department of Revenue website. The guide is the source material for all test questions, so reading through it before your appointment will give you a strong foundation. Many people also use practice tests online, though the official guide is the most reliable study tool.

You take the test on a computer at the Department of Revenue office. You will know your score when ready after you finish. If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day; there is no waiting period between attempts.

How the driving test works

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. An examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping. They will also watch how you handle traffic, follow road signs, and respond to other drivers. You do not need to drive on the highway; the test stays on regular streets.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors before you start driving.

If you do not pass the driving test, you can retake it after three business days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though each attempt costs the same fee.

Getting a temporary permit while you wait for your license

After you pass both the written and driving tests, you can request a temporary paper permit that lets you drive when ready. This permit is valid for 45 days while the Department of Revenue prints and mails your actual license. Ask for the temporary permit at the office before you leave; it costs nothing extra.

The temporary permit has the same restrictions as your new license. If you are under 18, any restrictions that explore to your license (such as limits on passengers or driving hours) also explore to the temporary permit.

How long it takes and what it costs

The Department of Revenue typically mails your license within one to two weeks of the day you pass your tests. Mail delivery adds a few more days, so plan for two to three weeks total from test day to receiving your license in the mailbox.

A regular Missouri driver's license costs $11.50. A Real ID-compliant license costs $24.50. Both are valid for six years. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the replacement fee is $11.50 for a regular license or $24.50 for a Real ID license.

Finding a Department of Revenue office near you

Missouri has Department of Revenue offices in most cities and counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you plan your visit.

You do not need to make an appointment at most offices, but some locations do accept appointments. Check the website for your local office to see whether appointments are available or required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test before I take the driving test?

Yes. You can take the written test first and come back another day to take the driving test. You do not have to do both on the same day. However, you must pass the written test before you can take the driving test.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after three business days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Each attempt costs the same fee as the first test.

Do I need a Real ID license or a regular license?

A regular license works for driving. A Real ID license is required if you want to use your driver's license to enter a federal building or board a domestic flight. If you have a passport, you can use that instead of a Real ID license for those purposes.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your passport or travel document instead of a birth certificate. You will also need proof of your Social Security number and proof of Missouri residency, just like anyone else.

Can I use my out-of-state driver's license while I wait for my Missouri license?

No. Once you pass your Missouri driving test, you must use your temporary paper permit or wait for your new license to arrive. Your old out-of-state license is no longer valid for driving in Missouri.