Missouri issues driver's licenses through the Department of Revenue, and you'll visit a local office in person to complete the process
You cannot get a Missouri driver's license by mail or online. You must appear in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office with your documents and pass a written test and driving test. The state has 43 regional offices spread across all counties, so there is almost always one within reasonable distance of where you live.
The office you choose does not have to be in your home county. You can visit any Department of Revenue office in the state. However, some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary significantly by location and time of day. Visiting a smaller office in a less populated area typically means shorter waits than going to a major city location.
Key Takeaways
- The Missouri Department of Revenue operates all driver's license offices, and you must visit one in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
- You can visit any of the 43 regional offices across Missouri regardless of where you live, and smaller offices usually have shorter wait times than urban locations.
- The state's website lists all office locations, hours, and current wait times so you can plan your visit and avoid peak hours.
- You will take a written knowledge test and a driving test on the same day or schedule the driving test for a later appointment, depending on the office.
Finding the nearest Department of Revenue office
Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website and use their office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you all nearby offices with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. The website also displays current wait times at each location, updated throughout the day.
Call the office directly if you have questions about what documents to bring or whether you need to make an appointment. Most Missouri offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but some locations now offer online appointment scheduling. Calling ahead takes five minutes and can save you a wasted trip if the office is unexpectedly closed or has a very long wait.
What documents you need to bring
You must bring proof of identity, proof of Missouri residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The state accepts a limited list of documents for each category, and bringing the wrong documents will send you home to get the right ones.
For identity, bring a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
Bring your current driver's license if you have one and are renewing. If you are getting your first license, bring nothing else unless the office tells you otherwise. Do not bring originals of important documents unless you are certain they will be returned — bring copies when possible.
The written test and driving test
The written knowledge test covers Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You take it on a computer at the office. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to wait and pay the test fee again.
The driving test is a separate appointment at most offices. After you pass the written test, staff will schedule your driving test for a later date — usually within a few weeks. You bring your own vehicle, and a Department of Revenue examiner rides with you on a set route through your local area. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions.
Some smaller offices combine both tests on the same day if you arrive early enough and the examiner has availability. Call ahead to ask whether your chosen office does same-day testing, since this can save you a second trip.
Fees and payment methods
A Missouri driver's license costs $11.50 for a four-year license or $23 for an eight-year license. The written test costs $3, and the driving test costs $3. You pay all fees at the office when you complete your tests. Most offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards, but call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.
If you fail the driving test, you pay the $3 fee again when you retake it. You do not pay the license fee until you pass both tests and are ready to receive your license.
What happens after you pass
Once you pass both tests, the office will take your photo and issue your temporary license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provided at the office within two to three weeks.
Check your mail carefully during this period. If your permanent license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Department of Revenue office where you tested to report it. They can reissue a license or investigate whether it was lost in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make an appointment or can I just walk in?
Most Missouri offices accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis, but some locations now offer online appointment scheduling. Check the Department of Revenue website for your chosen office to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but appointment holders are typically seen first.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day at most offices. You pay the $3 test fee again and take a different version of the test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it in one day, though you may have to wait between attempts.
Can I take the driving test in a borrowed car?
Yes, but the car must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that all lights, wipers, and brakes work before the test begins. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but it must have valid insurance.
How long does the whole process take on the day I visit?
Plan for one to three hours depending on the office's current wait time and whether you take the driving test the same day. If you only take the written test, plan for one to two hours. If you take both tests, plan for two to three hours plus the time the examiner needs to complete the driving route.
What if I move after I get my license?
You do not have to update your address when ready, but you should do so within a reasonable time. Visit any Department of Revenue office with your current license and proof of your new address, and they will issue a new license with the updated address. There is no fee for an address change.