Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Missouri requires you to bring five categories of documents when you go in person to get your driver's license. You cannot complete this by mail or online — you must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in your county.

The first category is proof of identity. This can be a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you use a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born, not a photocopy or hospital record.

Second, you need proof of Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov. A tax return with your SSN on it also works.

Third, bring proof of Missouri residency. This must show your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency with your name and address also counts.

Fourth, you need proof of legal presence in the United States. This is a U.S. passport, passport card, permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or visa. If you are a U.S. citizen, your passport or birth certificate satisfies this requirement.

Fifth, bring proof of name change if your name differs from your birth certificate. This means a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have never changed your name, you do not need this document.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or military ID to prove who you are.
  • Proof of your Social Security number can be your card, a W-2, a 1099, or a statement from ssa.gov.
  • Your proof of Missouri address must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
  • You need a document showing you have legal presence in the U.S., such as a passport or permanent resident card.
  • If your name on your birth certificate does not match your current name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

What to Do Before You Go to the DMV

Gather all five document categories at home before you schedule your appointment. Check the expiration dates on your utility bills and bank statements — they must be dated within 60 days of your visit. If your lease or mortgage statement is older than 60 days, print a recent one online from your lender's website or call your landlord for a current copy.

Make copies of everything you bring. The DMV will keep the originals or certified copies, so you will not get them back. If you need your birth certificate for other purposes later, bring a copy to the DMV and keep the original.

Check whether your county's DMV office requires an appointment. Many Missouri offices now use an online scheduling system on the Department of Revenue website. Some offices still accept walk-ins, but wait times are often longer. Scheduling ahead typically gets you in and out in 30 minutes.

The Vision Test and Written Exam

At the DMV office, you will take a vision screening. You do not need to study for this — the staff member will read the eye chart to you and check whether you can see clearly enough to drive. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the appointment.

You will also take a written test on Missouri traffic laws and road signs. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. The DMV provides a free study guide on its website that covers all the material on the test. Most people study it for a few hours the night before and pass on their first try.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost. If you fail the vision screening, the DMV will tell you to see an eye doctor and come back with a corrected vision statement.

The Photo and Fees

The DMV will take your photo at the office. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the photo will be on your license for eight years. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your face, but you can wear regular glasses if you need them to see.

The fee for a standard eight-year driver's license is $25.50. If you are 21 or older, the license is valid for eight years. If you are under 21, the license is valid for four years and costs $13.50. Payment is cash or card — the DMV accepts both.

Your license will be mailed to your Missouri address within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.

If You Have an Out-of-State License

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written test or vision test again. You still need to bring all five document categories to prove your identity, Social Security number, Missouri residency, legal presence, and any name changes. The DMV will exchange your out-of-state license for a Missouri license.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take both the written test and vision test. Bring your expired license anyway — it helps the DMV verify your driving history.

If You Are Under 18

If you are under 18, you need a parent or legal guardian to come with you to the DMV office. They must bring a photo ID and sign a consent form. You will still bring all the same documents listed above.

Minors receive a license valid for four years, and the license will have a different design to show your age. You will be subject to Graduated Driver License restrictions, which limit when you can drive and who can be in the car with you. The DMV will explain these restrictions when you get your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. The DMV requires an original certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born. A photocopy, hospital record, or document from a genealogy website will not work. You can order a certified copy online from most state vital records offices or by mail.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2, 1099, tax return, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov instead. You can create a free account on ssa.gov and print your statement in minutes. If you have none of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you go to the DMV.

What counts as proof of Missouri residency if I just moved?

Any document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address works: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or mail from a government agency. If you moved recently and your documents are older, ask your utility company or bank to mail you a current statement, or print one from their online portal.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

It depends on your county. Check the Department of Revenue website to see whether your local office requires an appointment. Most offices now use online scheduling and have shorter wait times for appointments, but some still accept walk-ins during certain hours.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at no extra cost. The DMV will give you the study guide again so you can review before your second attempt. Most people pass on the second try after studying the material more carefully.