What Missouri requires for a new driver's license
Missouri's Department of Revenue issues driver's licenses through its Driver License Bureau. To get a new license, you must visit a Missouri license office in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a completed process form (DL-43).
Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or military ID. Proof of residency must show your current address and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. You will also take a vision test and a written knowledge test at the office unless you already hold a valid license from another state.
The fee for a new driver's license in Missouri is $11.50 for a four-year license or $24.50 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the license office. Your license will be mailed to the address you provide, typically within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue license office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number to get a new license.
- Missouri charges $11.50 for a four-year license or $24.50 for an eight-year license, payable at the office.
- You will take a vision test and written knowledge test unless you transfer a valid license from another state.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your office visit.
- You can find your nearest license office and check wait times on the Missouri Department of Revenue website.
How to renew your Missouri driver's license
Missouri allows you to renew your driver's license by mail if your current license is not expired and you have not had any address changes since it was issued. To renew by mail, complete form DL-44, include a copy of your current license, and mail both to the address shown on the form. The renewal fee is the same as a new license: $11.50 for four years or $24.50 for eight years. Mail renewal takes about three weeks.
If your license has expired, your address has changed, or you want to renew in person, you must visit a license office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address if it has changed, and payment. You will not retake the knowledge test unless your license has been expired for more than five years.
Missouri licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew up to one year before expiration, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. If your license expires while you are waiting for your renewal to arrive, you can show your completed renewal process form as proof that you have begun the process.
Where to find a Missouri license office and what to expect
The Missouri Department of Revenue operates license offices in every county. You can search for the office nearest you and check current wait times on the department's website at dor.mo.gov. Many offices are located in county courthouses or separate state buildings. Hours vary by location but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with some offering limited Saturday hours.
Wait times at Missouri license offices range from 15 minutes to over two hours depending on the location and time of day. Offices in rural areas typically have shorter waits than those in St. Louis and Kansas City. The department's website shows estimated wait times for each office updated throughout the day, so you can choose a time or location with a shorter queue.
Some Missouri license offices offer online appointment scheduling through the department website. If your office offers appointments, you can reserve a specific time slot and skip the walk-in line. Check whether your local office participates before you visit.
Documents you need for different license situations
| Situation | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| New license (first time) | Proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, completed DL-43 form |
| Renew by mail (not expired, no address change) | Completed DL-44 form, copy of current license, payment |
| Renew in person (expired or address changed) | Current license, proof of new address if changed, payment |
| Transfer from another state | Valid out-of-state license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, completed DL-43 form |
| Replace lost or stolen license | Proof of identity, proof of residency, payment, police report if stolen |
Special situations: transfers, replacements, and restrictions
If you move to Missouri from another state with a valid driver's license, you can transfer your license without retaking the knowledge test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Missouri residency, proof of your Social Security number, and the DL-43 form. You will still take a vision test. The fee is the same as a new license.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any license office. Bring proof of identity and residency and payment. If your license was stolen, bring a police report or the report number. A replacement license costs the same as renewal and arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Missouri issues different types of licenses for different purposes. A standard driver's license allows you to operate a passenger vehicle. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required to operate large trucks or vehicles carrying hazardous materials and requires additional testing and documentation. A motorcycle endorsement allows you to operate a motorcycle and requires a separate written test and riding skills test.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
Missouri suspends or revokes driver's licenses for reasons including unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, driving under the influence, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or failure to maintain car insurance. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent until you meet specific conditions to restore your license.
If your license is suspended, you will receive a notice by mail explaining the reason and the length of the suspension. You cannot legally drive during a suspension. To restore your license after suspension ends, you must visit a license office and pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the reason for suspension but typically ranges from $20 to $100.
If your license is revoked, you must wait a minimum period (usually one to five years depending on the reason) before you can request a hearing to restore it. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue for the specific requirements for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license online?
No. Missouri does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and your address has not changed, or you can renew in person at a license office. Mail renewal takes about three weeks.
What if I fail the written knowledge test?
You can retake the test the same day or return to the office another day. There is no additional fee to retake the test. Most people pass on their second attempt if they study the Missouri Driver Guide before returning.
How long does it take to get my license after my office visit?
Your license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your office visit. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the license office for a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.
Do I need an appointment to visit a Missouri license office?
Appointments are not required, but some offices offer them through the Missouri Department of Revenue website. If your office offers appointments, booking one can reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are always accepted.
What is a REAL ID and do I need one in Missouri?
A REAL ID is a federal standard for state-issued identification that allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. Missouri offers REAL ID driver's licenses for an additional fee. You will need to bring extra documents including an original or certified birth certificate. Ask at your license office whether you need REAL ID for your situation.