What documents Missouri requires for a driver's license
Missouri requires you to bring three categories of documents when you explore for a driver's license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You cannot get a license without all three, and the documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies do not work.
For proof of identity, Missouri accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization. If you are under 18, you can also use a school photo ID or a tribal ID card. If you are renewing and your current Missouri license is still valid, you can use that instead.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. A tax return also works. You must show the original document — a photo of it is not enough.
For proof of residency, Missouri accepts a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, a property tax statement, or a government check addressed to you. The document must show your current Missouri address and be dated within the last 60 days. A phone bill, cable bill, or internet bill also counts.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring originals or certified copies of proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency — photocopies are not accepted.
- Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and show your current Missouri address.
- If you are under 18, you can use a school photo ID or tribal ID as proof of identity, but adults need a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization document.
- You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the Missouri Department of Revenue office.
Age requirements and restrictions for new drivers
Missouri issues driver's licenses to people as young as 15, but the rules change based on your age. At 15, you can get a learner's permit, which lets you drive only with a licensed adult in the front seat. You must hold the permit for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test for a full license.
At 16, you can take the driving test and get a full license, but if you are under 18, your license comes with restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot have more than one passenger under 20 years old in the car with you, unless the passenger is a family member.
These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or until you have held your license for one year, whichever comes later. Once you turn 18, the restrictions lift and you have a standard adult license.
The written test and vision test
Before you get your license, you must pass a written knowledge test and a vision test at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. The written test covers Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Missouri Driver Guide, which is free and available on the Department of Revenue website.
The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you can take the test while wearing them. If you fail the vision test, you will not be issued a license until you see an eye doctor and bring proof that your vision meets Missouri's standard.
You get three chances to pass the written test on the same day. If you do not pass after three attempts, you must wait one day before you can try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test overall.
Fees and how long the license lasts
The cost of a Missouri driver's license depends on your age and how long you want the license to be valid. A standard driver's license for someone 21 or older costs $11.50 and is valid for six years. If you are between 18 and 20, the license costs $11.50 and is valid for four years. If you are under 18, the license costs $11.50 and is valid for three years.
You pay the fee when you explore at the Department of Revenue office. Missouri accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are renewing your license by mail or online, the fee may be slightly different — check the Department of Revenue website for current pricing on renewals.
Where to explore and what to bring
You explore for a driver's license at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. There are offices in every county, and you can find the one nearest you on the Department of Revenue website by entering your zip code. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online scheduling system — check before you go.
Bring all three categories of documents (identity, Social Security number, and residency) in their original form or as certified copies. Bring your learner's permit if you have one. Bring the fee in cash or a card. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you — they must sign your process.
The office will take your photo, run your documents through their system, and give you a receipt. Your physical license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive using the receipt until your license arrives.
Renewing or replacing your Missouri license
When your license is about to expire, Missouri sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before the expiration date. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Department of Revenue office. Renewing by mail or online is faster and cheaper than explore in person — you do not need to retake the written test or vision test unless Missouri asks you to.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Department of Revenue office. Bring your proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a new license. A replacement license costs $11.50 and is valid for the same length of time as your current license.
If your name has changed since you got your license — through marriage, divorce, or a legal name change — you must bring proof of the name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) when you renew or replace your license.
Special licenses and endorsements
Missouri offers several types of licenses beyond the standard driver's license. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work. Getting a CDL involves additional testing and medical certification, and the requirements vary based on what you will be driving.
You can also add endorsements to your license, which allow you to do specific things like drive a motorcycle or haul hazardous materials. Each endorsement requires passing an additional written test and, in some cases, a practical driving test. You add endorsements at a Department of Revenue office.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a Missouri driver's license if you have a valid visa or are in the process of seeking asylum. Bring your passport and visa or asylum documentation along with the other required documents. An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) can be used instead of a Social Security number if you do not have one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Missouri driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS letter, along with your other required documents.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You get three chances to pass on the same day. If you fail all three times, you must wait one day before you can try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test overall, so you can keep trying until you pass.
Do I need to take the written test again if I am renewing my license?
No. When you renew by mail or online, you do not retake the written test or vision test. If you renew in person, Missouri may ask you to take the vision test, but usually not the written test.
How long does it take to get my license after I explore?
Your physical license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days after you explore. You receive a receipt on the day you explore, and you can drive using that receipt until your license arrives.
Can I renew my Missouri license online?
Yes, if your license is still valid and you have not had any major changes (like a name change or address change). You can renew online on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Online renewal is faster and cheaper than renewing in person.