Where to go for your driver's license in Springfield

The Springfield Driver License Office is located at 2715 North Glenstone Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65803. This is the only full-service location in Springfield where you can take the written test, the driving test, and get your license photo taken on the same day. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays.

You do not need an appointment. Walk-ins are processed in the order they arrive, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Mornings tend to be less crowded than afternoons. If you cannot visit during regular hours, there are no evening or weekend options at this location.

The Missouri Department of Revenue also runs a satellite office in Springfield at the Battlefield Mall location, but it handles renewals and ID replacements only — not new licenses or tests. Check the Department of Revenue website to confirm current hours before you go, as satellite office schedules change seasonally.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate to the Glenstone Avenue office.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Missouri Driver Guide available on the Department of Revenue website.
  • You must pass the written test before you can schedule a driving test, and the driving test must be taken within 180 days of passing the written test.
  • A new driver's license costs $11.50 and is valid for six years; renewal by mail is available if you are over 21 and your license is not suspended.
  • If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or guardian and a completed Parental Consent form to the office.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. A birth certificate, passport, or military discharge papers all work. You also need proof that you live in Missouri — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. A piece of mail from a government agency counts as well.

Bring a photo ID if you have one: a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a school ID and a birth certificate. The office staff will tell you when ready if your documents are not acceptable, so bring originals rather than copies when possible.

If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian and a completed Parental Consent form, which you can read from the Department of Revenue website or fill out at the office.

Steps to get a new driver's license

Step 1: Take the written test. You will sit at a computer terminal and answer 25 multiple-choice questions about Missouri traffic laws and safe driving. You need to answer at least 18 questions correctly to pass. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost.

Step 2: Schedule your driving test. After you pass the written test, staff will help you book a driving test appointment. Tests are usually scheduled within two to four weeks, depending on how busy the office is. You must take your driving test within 180 days of passing the written test, or you will have to retake the written test.

Step 3: Take the driving test. Bring your vehicle and proof of insurance to your scheduled appointment. The test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, parking, turning, and following traffic laws. You must have a licensed adult in the car with you during the test. If you fail, you can retake it, though you may have to wait a few days or weeks depending on office availability.

Step 4: Get your photo and receive your license. Once you pass the driving test, you will have your photo taken and pay the $11.50 fee. Your temporary license is printed on the spot and is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What the written test covers

The written test asks about road signs and what they mean, right-of-way rules at intersections and four-way stops, speed limits and when they change, safe following distance, parking rules, and what to do at railroad crossings and school zones. You will also see questions about driving under the influence, distracted driving, and what to do if you are pulled over by police.

The Missouri Driver Guide is free and covers everything on the test. You can read it online at the Department of Revenue website or request a printed copy at the Springfield office. Many people study the guide for a few hours the night before and pass on their first try. The questions are straightforward and test practical knowledge, not tricks.

Renewing your license by mail

If your license is not suspended, you are over 21, and your license has not been expired for more than five years, you can renew by mail instead of visiting the office. Request a renewal form from the Department of Revenue website or call the Springfield office and ask them to mail one to you. Fill it out, include a check or money order for $11.50, and mail it to the address on the form.

Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the Department of Revenue receives your form. You will receive a temporary license by mail first, valid for 30 days, and then your permanent license arrives separately. If you need your license sooner, you must visit the office in person.

What happens if you fail the driving test

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it. There is no additional fee for retakes. The office will schedule your next attempt, which may be a few days or a few weeks away depending on how busy they are. You do not need to retake the written test unless 180 days have passed since you first passed it.

Common reasons people fail include not coming to a complete stop at stop signs, speeding, improper lane changes, and hitting the curb while parking. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice before your next attempt. Bring someone who can give you honest feedback on your driving before you return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home?

No. The written test must be taken at the Springfield Driver License Office on a computer terminal there. You cannot take it online or by mail. You must visit the office in person.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

Bring another document that shows your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2 form, or bank statement. If you do not have any document with your number, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you visit the driver license office, though this adds time to the process.

Do I need to bring my vehicle to the written test?

No. You only need to bring your vehicle when you come for the driving test appointment. For the written test, bring only your documents and a way to pay the $11.50 fee.

How long is a Missouri driver's license valid?

A new driver's license is valid for six years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date is printed on the front of the license. You can renew it up to one year before it expires.

What if I move out of state after I get my license?

Your Missouri license remains valid until it expires, even if you move. If you move to another state, you will need to get a driver's license from that state within the timeframe they require — usually 30 to 60 days after you establish residency.