Where to Get a Replacement License and What You'll Need
You can get a replacement Missouri driver's license at any Missouri Department of Revenue office. The state has over 50 locations across the state, including offices in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and most county seats. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website.
Bring these documents with you: your Social Security number (or a document showing it), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your original birth certificate or a certified copy. If your name has changed since your original license was issued, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need to pay the replacement fee, which is $11.50 for a standard license.
If you cannot locate your original birth certificate, you can order one from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Vital Records office. This takes additional time, so plan ahead if you need your license quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with your Social Security number, proof of address, and original or certified birth certificate.
- The replacement fee is $11.50, and you will receive your new license on the same day in most cases.
- If your name has changed, bring the legal document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- If you do not have your birth certificate, order a certified copy from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services before your visit.
Same-Day Issuance and Temporary Permits
Missouri issues replacement licenses on the same day you visit the office, so you can leave with your new license in hand. The office will take a new photo and process your paperwork while you wait. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives — for example, if you lost your license and need to drive to work the next day — you can request a temporary paper permit at the same visit. This temporary permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is being mailed or while you wait for your appointment.
What Happens If You Lost Your License Versus a Damaged License
The process is the same whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. You do not need to file a police report to get a replacement, though you may want to report a stolen license to protect yourself from identity theft. If your license was stolen, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to monitor for unauthorized accounts opened in your name.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can still use it to drive legally. However, if it is so damaged that the photo, name, or license number cannot be read clearly, Missouri law requires you to get a replacement. Bring the damaged license with you to the Department of Revenue office so the staff can see the damage and process your replacement more quickly.
Renewing Versus Replacing: The Difference
A replacement is what you get when your current license is lost, stolen, or damaged. A renewal is what you do when your license is still valid but expiring soon or has already expired. The process and fee are different.
If your license has expired or is about to expire, you may be able to renew by mail or online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, depending on how long it has been expired. If it expired more than five years ago, you must visit an office in person and may need to retake the written test. For a replacement of a current, valid license, you do not need to retake any test — just bring your documents and pay the fee.
Visiting During Peak Hours and Planning Ahead
Department of Revenue offices are busiest on Mondays, Tuesdays, and the first week of each month. If you can visit on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday afternoon, you will likely wait less time. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, which can save you time and let you skip the walk-in line.
Check the office hours before you go — some locations have reduced hours on certain days or close for lunch. If you are replacing a license because it was stolen, consider calling the office ahead of time to ask if they need any additional documents beyond the standard requirements.
Replacing a License Suspended or Revoked for Traffic Violations
If your license was suspended or revoked — not lost or damaged — you cannot straightforward get a replacement. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. This might mean paying outstanding traffic fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period.
Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps you need to take. Once you have met those requirements, you can then visit a Department of Revenue office to get a new license. Bring proof that you have resolved the issue — a receipt showing fines paid, a certificate of completion from a driving course, or a letter from the court confirming the suspension has been lifted.
Replacing Your License If You Have Moved Out of State
If you have moved to another state, you no longer need your Missouri license and should get a license from your new state instead. However, if you still live in Missouri and your address on your license is outdated, you can update it at the same time you get your replacement. Bring your proof of current address with you.
If you moved out of state but still have a valid Missouri license and want to keep it as a second form of identification, you can renew it by mail when it expires. However, most states require you to get a license in your new state within a certain timeframe — usually 30 to 60 days — so check your new state's requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if I do not have my birth certificate?
No, you need either your original birth certificate or a certified copy. You can order a certified copy from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Vital Records office by mail or in person. This takes one to two weeks by mail, so order it before your Department of Revenue visit.
What if I do not have a current proof of address?
You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address — a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance bill. If you have just moved and do not have a dated document yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date.
Do I need an appointment to get a replacement license?
Appointments are not required, but some offices offer them through the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer during busy times. Scheduling an appointment online can reduce your wait time significantly.
How long does a replacement license last?
A replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license would have been. If your original license was not expiring for five more years, your replacement is also valid for five years from the date it is issued.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in Missouri to get a replacement. If you are out of state and cannot travel back, you can renew your license by mail when it expires, but you cannot get a replacement by mail. Plan to visit Missouri or contact the Department of Revenue to discuss your options.