What you need to bring and where to go
You get a Missouri driver's license through the Department of Revenue's Driver License Bureau. You will visit a local office in person — there is no online or mail option for a first-time license. You need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof that you are a Missouri resident. The exact documents accepted vary, so the Department of Revenue website lists what counts for each category.
The office nearest you depends on where you live. Missouri has Driver License Bureau locations in most counties, plus some satellite offices in larger cities. You can find the address and hours on the Department of Revenue website by entering your county. Many offices take walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment ahead of time. Call the office before you go, or check their website to see whether you need an appointment.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver License Bureau office in person with proof of identity, residency, Social Security number, and Missouri residency.
- The documents that count as proof vary by category — the Department of Revenue website shows which ones they accept.
- Some offices require appointments and some take walk-ins, so call ahead or check the office website before you go.
- The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study the official Missouri Driver Guide free online.
- You will take a vision test, written test, and driving test at the office, though some offices may schedule the driving test for a later date.
The documents you need to bring
Proof of identity means a document with your photo and signature. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID all work. If you do not have one of those, a certified birth certificate plus a photo ID without a signature (like a school ID) can work together. Some offices also accept a tribal ID or a document from another country's government.
Proof of residency means a document showing your current Missouri address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all count. If you just moved and do not have a document yet, some offices accept a notarized statement from someone who lives with you. Call your local office to ask what they will accept in your situation.
Proof of your Social Security number is usually your Social Security card itself. If you do not have the card, you can bring a W-2, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. Proof of Missouri residency can be the same document as your proof of residency — for example, a Missouri utility bill counts for both.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, you will fill out an process form (Form DL-43). The staff will check your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. The fee for a driver's license varies by age and how long you want the license to last. A license for someone under 21 costs less than one for someone 21 or older. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most offices.
Next, you will take a vision test. The office has an eye chart or a machine that tests your vision. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to get a license that day, and you will need to see an eye doctor and come back.
Then you take the written test on a computer. The test has 25 questions about road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and safe driving. You must answer at least 18 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can usually take it again the same day or come back another day. The Department of Revenue publishes the official Missouri Driver Guide online for free, and it covers everything on the test.
The driving test and what comes after
After you pass the written test, you take the driving test. An examiner rides with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you bring) and watches you drive. The test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes and covers basic skills like starting the car, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must have a licensed driver with you if you are under 18.
Some offices schedule the driving test for the same day you take the written test. Others schedule it for a later appointment, especially if the office is busy. Ask the staff what to expect before you leave.
If you pass all three tests, you will get a temporary paper license that day. Your permanent plastic license arrives in the mail within one to two weeks. If you fail the driving test, you can schedule another attempt. There is usually a fee to retake the test.
Special rules if you are under 18
If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner's permit for at least 182 days before you can get a driver's license. You get a learner's permit by passing the vision and written tests at a Driver License Bureau office. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver 21 or older is in the front seat with you.
Once you have held the permit for 182 days, you can return to the office and take the driving test. You must bring a licensed driver 21 or older with you to the office for the driving test. If you are under 18 when you pass the driving test, your license will have restrictions — for example, you may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. without a licensed adult in the car. These restrictions lift when you turn 18.
If you already have a license from another state
If you have a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Missouri, you can exchange it for a Missouri license. You still need to visit a Driver License Bureau office and bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. You do not have to take the written or driving test if your out-of-state license is still valid. You will pay a fee for the new license, and your Missouri license will arrive in the mail.
If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take the written test and driving test just as if you were getting a license for the first time. Bring your expired license to show the staff.
Renewing or replacing a license
Missouri driver's licenses expire every six or eight years, depending on your age when you got the license. You can renew by mail, online, or in person. The Department of Revenue sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. If you lose your license or it is damaged, you can get a replacement at any Driver License Bureau office by bringing proof of identity and paying a replacement fee.
If you change your name, address, or other information on your license, you must visit an office in person to update it. Bring proof of the change — for example, a marriage certificate for a name change, or a utility bill for an address change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The Department of Revenue offers the written test in several languages besides English. Call your local Driver License Bureau office to ask which languages they offer and whether you need to request it ahead of time.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can take it again. Most offices let you schedule another attempt within a few days or weeks. You will pay a fee each time you retake the test. There is no limit to how many times you can try.
Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?
Yes, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, and windshield wipers before the test. If the vehicle does not pass inspection, you will not be able to test that day.
How long does the whole process take?
If you pass all tests on the first try, you can finish the vision, written, and driving tests in one visit, which usually takes two to three hours. Your permanent license arrives by mail in one to two weeks. If you need multiple visits or retakes, the process takes longer.
What if I move to a different county in Missouri?
You do not need to get a new license just because you moved within Missouri. Your license is valid statewide. You only need to update your address on your license, which you can do by mail, online, or in person at any Driver License Bureau office.