What you need to do to get a Missouri driver's license
To get a Missouri driver's license, you will 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 residency. The whole process takes multiple visits spread over weeks or months — you cannot walk in and leave with a license the same day. Most people start by getting a learner's permit, which lets you practice driving with restrictions, then return later to take the road test.
Missouri issues licenses to people 16 and older. If you are under 18, the rules are stricter: you must hold a learner's permit for a minimum of 182 days, and you cannot drive alone until you turn 17. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit stage and go straight to the full license test, though many people still get the permit first to practice.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and current address.
- If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least 182 days before you can take the road test for a full license.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving; you can study using the free Missouri Driver Guide available on the Department of Revenue website.
- The road test is conducted by a Department of Revenue examiner at a local office and takes about 30 minutes; you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in working condition.
- A Missouri driver's license costs money that varies by age and license type, and you will need to renew it every six years.
Documents you must bring to the Department of Revenue office
Bring an original document that proves your identity and date of birth. A U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state all work. A school ID, a library card, or a photocopy does not. If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, you can order a certified birth certificate from the Missouri Secretary of State's office online or by mail.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have your card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you go to the Department of Revenue office.
Finally, bring two documents that prove your current address in Missouri. A utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check all count. Both documents must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill usually does not count, so check the Department of Revenue website for the full list of accepted documents before you go.
Getting a learner's permit if you are under 18
If you are under 18, your first step is to get a learner's permit. Bring your identity documents, Social Security proof, and address proof to any Missouri Department of Revenue office. You will pay a fee (the amount varies by age), take a written test on road signs and traffic laws, and receive your permit on the spot if you pass.
Study for the written test using the free Missouri Driver Guide, which is available as a PDF on the Department of Revenue website. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can retake the test the same day if you fail.
Once you have your learner's permit, you must hold it for at least 182 days before you can take the road test. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
Taking the written test and road test
The written test covers Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You take it at a Department of Revenue office on a computer. The test has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day.
The road test happens at a Department of Revenue office with an examiner who watches you drive. You must bring a vehicle that is registered in Missouri, has current insurance, and is in safe working condition. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. The test takes about 30 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it, but you may need to wait a few days or schedule another appointment.
If you are under 18 and have held your learner's permit for the required 182 days, you can take the road test. If you are 18 or older, you can take both the written and road tests at the same visit, or you can get a learner's permit first if you want more practice time.
What happens after you pass the tests
Once you pass both the written and road tests, the Department of Revenue will issue your driver's license. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks. Do not drive without the temporary license or the permanent license once it arrives.
Your Missouri driver's license is valid for six years. You will need to renew it before it expires. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Department of Revenue office, depending on your age and whether your address has changed.
Finding a Department of Revenue office near you
Missouri has Department of Revenue offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Missouri Department of Revenue website by entering your zip code. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.
Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Check your local office's website or call before you go. If you cannot visit during regular business hours, some offices stay open one evening per week.
Costs and fees
The cost of a Missouri driver's license varies by your age and the type of license you want. A standard driver's license for someone 18 or older costs less than a license for someone under 18. A learner's permit costs less than a full license. The Department of Revenue website lists the exact fees for each type. You can pay with cash, check, or card at most offices.
If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, you will pay a replacement fee, which is usually lower than the cost of a new license. If you change your address, you can update it online or at an office without paying a fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the road test in a vehicle I do not own?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered in Missouri, have current insurance, and be in safe working condition, but it does not have to be registered in your name. Many people borrow a family member's car for the test. Make sure the registration and insurance documents are in the vehicle when you arrive.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake it. There is usually a waiting period of a few days, and you will pay a fee each time you take the test. You can practice more with your learner's permit and schedule another appointment when you feel ready.
Do I need to take a vision test?
Yes. The Department of Revenue will test your vision at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision certificate before you can get your license.
Can I renew my license online?
It depends on your age and circumstances. If you are 18 or older and your address has not changed, you can renew online on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. If you are under 18 or your address has changed, you must renew in person at an office.
What if I moved to Missouri from another state?
You must get a Missouri driver's license within 30 days of moving. You can transfer your out-of-state license by visiting a Department of Revenue office with your old license and the required documents. You will take a written test and a road test, just as if you were getting your first license.