What Missouri requires to get a driver's license
Missouri issues driver's licenses through the Department of Revenue, and the process depends on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or transferring from another state. You will need to visit a Missouri license office in person — you cannot complete this entirely by mail or online. The state requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number before you can receive a license.
The specific documents accepted vary. For identity, Missouri accepts a passport, birth certificate, or military ID. For residency, you can use a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return can serve as proof of your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are ineligible.
First-time applicants must also pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test. The knowledge test covers Missouri traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the official Missouri Driver Guide, available free on the Department of Revenue website. The driving test takes place at the license office and lasts about 15 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number to get or renew a driver's license.
- First-time applicants must pass both a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test; renewals do not require retesting unless your license was suspended or revoked.
- Missouri driver's licenses are valid for six years for adults under 70 and four years for drivers 70 and older, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- The fee for a standard six-year license is $25.50; a four-year license costs $17.00; and a Real ID-compliant license costs $25.50 but allows you to board domestic flights without a passport.
- If you move to Missouri from another state, you have 30 days to exchange your out-of-state license for a Missouri one, though you must still pass the knowledge and driving tests.
Documents you need to bring to the license office
Gather your documents before you go to the office, because you cannot complete the transaction without all three categories. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your name has changed since you obtained your identity document, bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must accompany you to the office. Minors also need a signed parental consent form, which the license office provides. If you are 18 or older, you do not need anyone with you, but you must sign the process yourself.
How long a Missouri license lasts and when to renew
A standard Missouri driver's license is valid for six years from the date of issue. If you are 70 years old or older, your license is valid for four years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so if your license expires in June, you can renew it starting in June of the previous year.
Missouri does not send renewal reminders by mail, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date. Driving with an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must retake the knowledge and driving tests; if it expired less than two years ago, you may be able to renew without retesting, depending on the circumstances.
Real ID versus standard Missouri licenses
Missouri offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The Real ID license meets federal security standards and can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. A standard Missouri license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 7, 2025, when the federal Real ID requirement takes full effect.
Both licenses cost the same: $25.50 for a six-year license. The Real ID process requires the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional document proving your current address if your identity document does not show your current Missouri address. Most people choose the Real ID license because the cost is identical and the benefits are broader.
Transferring your license from another state
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and move to Missouri, you have 30 days to exchange it for a Missouri license. You do not need to retake the knowledge and driving tests if your out-of-state license is valid and you are at least 18 years old. However, if your out-of-state license has been suspended, revoked, or expired, Missouri will require you to pass both tests.
Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to the license office. The fee is the same as for a new license. Your out-of-state license will be surrendered and destroyed; you cannot keep it as a form of ID.
License office locations and wait times
Missouri has license offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Department of Revenue website. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day. Many offices do not accept walk-ins and require you to schedule an appointment in advance through the Department of Revenue website or by phone.
If you cannot visit an office in person, you have no alternative — Missouri does not offer mail-in or online licensing. If you are homebound due to illness or disability, contact your local license office to ask about accommodations; some offices may be able to arrange a special visit or refer you to a mobile unit if one serves your area.
What happens if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license is lost or stolen, report it to your local police department and then visit a Missouri license office to request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and residency, the same as for a renewal. The replacement fee is $10.50 for a standard license or $10.50 for a Real ID license. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can exchange it at a license office for a replacement at the same cost. If the damage makes it unreadable, Missouri treats it as a lost license and charges the replacement fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license online or by mail?
No. Missouri requires you to renew your license in person at a Department of Revenue office. You must bring the same documents as you would for a new license: proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. Some states allow mail-in renewal, but Missouri does not.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee for retesting. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. If you fail multiple times, consider taking a driver education course, which some instructors offer to help you prepare.
Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Missouri?
No. A standard Missouri driver's license is sufficient for driving anywhere in the state and the country. You only need a Real ID license if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building without a passport. For driving purposes alone, either type of license works.
How much does a Missouri driver's license cost?
A six-year standard or Real ID license costs $25.50. A four-year license for drivers 70 and older costs $17.00. A replacement for a lost or damaged license costs $10.50. Fees are paid at the license office when you complete your transaction.
What if I move within Missouri after getting my license?
You do not need to update your license if you move within the state. Your license remains valid at your old address until it expires. However, you should update your address with the Department of Revenue for your records, which you can do at any license office or by mail.