Documents and information you'll bring to the DMV

To get a Missouri driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The Missouri Department of Revenue accepts a specific list of documents for each category, and you must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

Proof of identity means a document that shows your name, date of birth, and photograph. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID all work. If you don't have one of those, Missouri accepts a certified birth certificate paired with a photo ID from a school, employer, or government agency. Some people bring multiple documents to be safe, which is fine — the examiner will tell you which ones they need.

Proof of residency must show your current Missouri address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. If you've just moved and don't have a bill in your name yet, a letter from your landlord or a signed lease is acceptable. The document must show your full name and current address.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring an original birth certificate or passport for identity, a recent utility bill or lease for your Missouri address, and know your Social Security number.
  • You must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test covering Missouri traffic laws; the written test has 25 questions and you need 18 correct to pass.
  • If you're under 18, you need a parent or guardian's signature on your process, and you'll start with a learner's permit before getting a full license.
  • The fee for a driver's license is $11.50 for a four-year license or $23 for an eight-year license; you pay at the DMV when you explore.
  • Processing takes about 10 business days; you'll receive your license by mail at the address you provide.

The written test and what it covers

The Missouri written knowledge test has 25 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 18 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and what different road signs mean. Missouri provides a free study guide on the Department of Revenue website that contains all the questions and answers that could appear on your test.

You take the test on a computer at the DMV office. The examiner will explain how to use the system, and you can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there's no waiting period between attempts, though you may have to pay the process fee again depending on your location.

The vision test and what happens if you fail

Before you take the written test, you'll have your vision checked at the DMV. The examiner uses a machine to test how well you can see at different distances. You need to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, bring them with you and wear them during the test.

If you fail the vision test, the examiner will tell you that you need to see an eye doctor. You can't get a license until you have a vision correction prescription or a letter from an optometrist or ophthalmologist saying you meet the state's vision requirements. Once you have that documentation, you can return to the DMV and retake the vision test. Some DMV locations have eye doctors on staff or nearby, but you may need to schedule an appointment elsewhere.

Rules for drivers under 18

If you're under 18, you must start with a learner's permit before you can get a full driver's license. To get the permit, you need the same documents as an adult, plus written permission from a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian must sign your process in person at the DMV office.

With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. You must hold the permit for at least 182 days before you can take the road test for a full license. After you pass the road test, you'll get a license with restrictions until you turn 18 — for example, you may not be able to drive with passengers under 21 unless a parent is present.

The road test and scheduling it

After you pass the written and vision tests, you're ready to schedule a road test. This is a driving test where an examiner sits in your car and watches you drive on public roads. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic skills like starting the car, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors.

You schedule the road test at the DMV office or online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Wait times vary by location; some offices have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks. Bring your learner's permit or temporary license to the test. If you fail, you can retake it, though you may need to wait a few days and pay another fee.

Fees and how long it takes to receive your license

The process fee for a driver's license is $11.50 for a four-year license or $23 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee at the DMV when you submit your process. If you need to retake the written or road test, there may be additional fees — ask the examiner what you owe before you leave.

After you pass all tests and pay the fee, the DMV will issue you a temporary license on paper that you can use right away. Your permanent plastic license card will arrive by mail within about 10 business days. Make sure the address you provide at the DMV is correct, because that's where your license will be sent. If you move before your license arrives, you can update your address online or at a DMV office.

What to do if you don't have a Social Security number

Missouri requires your Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you don't have one, you need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. You can explore in person at a Social Security office, by mail, or online at ssa.gov. The process takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you're in this situation.

If you're not a U.S. citizen and don't have a Social Security number, Missouri offers an REAL ID-compliant driver's license for non-citizens with valid immigration documents. You'll need to bring your passport, visa, or other immigration paperwork instead of a Social Security number. Contact your local DMV office to confirm what documents they accept for non-citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a license if I have an out-of-state license?

Yes. You can trade in your out-of-state license for a Missouri license without retaking the written test, but you still need to pass the vision test and road test. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Missouri residency, and your Social Security number. Some DMV offices may waive the road test if your out-of-state license is current and you're over 21, so call ahead to ask.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test. There's no waiting period, but you'll likely need to schedule another appointment and may have to pay a retesting fee. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice those skills before your next attempt.

Do I need to take a driver's education course?

Driver's education is not required in Missouri for adults, but it may reduce your insurance costs. If you're under 18, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course, and some schools offer it as part of their curriculum. Check with your insurance company to see if they offer a discount.

What if I lose my license before it arrives?

Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue and report it lost. You can request a replacement online or at a DMV office. There's a fee for a replacement license, usually around $11.50. The new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days.

Can I renew my license online?

You can renew an expired Missouri license online if you're over 21, your license expired less than five years ago, and you haven't had any address changes. Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website to renew. If you need to update your address or your license has been expired for more than five years, you'll need to visit a DMV office in person.