What you pay for a Missouri driver's license
A Missouri driver's license costs $11.50 for a four-year license or $23 for an eight-year license. These are the standard fees you pay at your local Missouri Department of Revenue office. The price does not change based on where you live in the state, though some offices may charge an additional fee if you need a duplicate or replacement card printed on the spot.
If you are renewing an existing license, the cost is the same as getting a new one — Missouri does not charge less for renewals. The eight-year option is available only to drivers age 70 and older; everyone else chooses between the four-year and eight-year terms at the time of process or renewal.
You will also need to pay for any required tests or documents. A written knowledge test costs $3, and a driving skills test costs $10 if you need to take one. If you do not have an acceptable form of identification, you may need to pay for certified copies of documents like your birth certificate or Social Security card before you can explore.
Key Takeaways
- A four-year Missouri driver's license costs $11.50; an eight-year license costs $23.
- Renewal fees are the same as the fee for a new license — there is no discount for renewing.
- A written test adds $3 and a driving skills test adds $10 if you need to take either one.
- You must bring acceptable identification documents; if you lack them, you may need to pay for certified copies before you can complete your process.
- Payment methods and exact procedures vary by office location, so call your local Department of Revenue office before you go.
What documents and fees you need before you arrive
Before you go to a Missouri Department of Revenue office, gather proof of your identity, Social Security number, and Missouri residency. Acceptable identity documents include a passport, military ID, or an existing driver's license. If you do not have one of these, you will need to bring a certified copy of your birth certificate, which costs money to order from the vital records office in the county where you were born.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you cannot provide one of these, some offices will accept a notarized affidavit of residency, though you will need to pay a notary to prepare it.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you do not have your card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration, which is free but takes time to arrive by mail.
Where to pay and what payment methods are accepted
You pay at your local Missouri Department of Revenue office when you submit your process in person. Missouri does not allow you to pay online or by mail for a new license or renewal. You must visit an office to have your photo taken and to verify your documents.
Most offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some smaller offices may accept only cash or check, so call ahead to confirm what your local office takes. The phone number for your nearest office is on the Missouri Department of Revenue website, organized by county.
If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost or stolen, you can order it by mail or online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, and the fee is the same as a renewal. Ordering by mail or online may be faster than visiting an office in person, depending on how busy your local office is.
Fees for different types of licenses and endorsements
The $11.50 or $23 fee covers a standard Class F (non-commercial) driver's license. If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher. A four-year CDL costs $35 and an eight-year CDL costs $70.
Adding endorsements — such as a motorcycle endorsement or hazmat endorsement — does not add to the license fee itself. However, if you need to take a written test or skills test for an endorsement, you pay the test fee ($3 for written, $10 for skills) on top of the license fee.
If you need to change your name or address on your license, you do not pay an extra fee if you are renewing at the same time. If you change your address between renewals and need to update your license before it expires, you pay the full renewal fee to get a new card with the updated information.
How long your license is valid and when to renew
A four-year license expires four years from the date it was issued. An eight-year license expires eight years from the date it was issued. Missouri sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you are responsible for renewing on time — the state does not automatically renew your license.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you wait until after it expires, you must explore for a new license and may need to retake the written test, depending on how long it has been since your last license was issued.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Missouri Department of Revenue before you can get a valid license again.
Getting a Real ID compliant license and additional costs
Missouri offers a Real ID compliant driver's license, which you can use for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. The Real ID license costs the same as a standard license — $11.50 for four years or $23 for eight years — but you must bring additional documents to prove your identity and residency.
Real ID requires an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or military discharge papers. You also need two documents showing your current address, such as a utility bill and a lease. If you do not have these documents, you will need to order certified copies, which costs money.
A standard Missouri driver's license is not Real ID compliant. If you need a Real ID license, you must request it when you explore or renew. The card itself looks the same, but it will have a gold star in the upper right corner.
Duplicate and replacement license fees
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a duplicate. A duplicate license costs the same as a renewal — $11.50 for four years or $23 for eight years — and you get a new card with a new expiration date four or eight years from the date you explore.
You can order a duplicate by mail, online, or in person at a Department of Revenue office. Ordering online or by mail may be faster than visiting an office, and you do not need to take a new photo or retake any tests. You will receive your new card by mail within one to two weeks.
If you need your duplicate card when ready, you can visit an office in person and request a card printed on site. Some offices charge an extra fee for same-day printing, though this varies by location. Call your local office to ask whether they offer same-day service and what they charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the full license fee if I renew early?
Yes. Missouri charges the full renewal fee whether you renew one year early or one day before expiration. There is no prorated fee or discount for renewing early. Your new license will expire four or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.
What if I cannot afford the license fee right now?
Missouri does not offer payment plans or fee waivers for driver's licenses. The fee is $11.50 or $23 depending on the term you choose. If cost is a barrier, you may want to choose the four-year license ($11.50) instead of the eight-year license ($23) to spread the cost over time.
Do I pay extra if I need to retake the written test?
Yes. The written test costs $3 each time you take it. If you fail the test, you pay $3 to take it again. The test fee is separate from the license fee.
Can I renew my license online and avoid going to an office?
You can renew online only if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements set by Missouri. Not all drivers are may be able to access for online renewal. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website to see if you can renew online, or call your local office to ask.
What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for a renewal?
If your license expires before your renewal is processed, you are driving with an expired license, which is illegal. You should renew at least two weeks before your expiration date to allow time for processing. If your license has already expired, you must explore for a new license and may need to retake the written test.