The issue date is printed on the front of your Missouri driver's license, in the lower left area of the card

Your Missouri driver's license shows two dates: the issue date (when the license was issued to you) and the expiration date (when it expires). The issue date appears on the front of the card in the lower left section, just above the expiration date. It is formatted as MM/DD/YYYY — for example, 03/15/2021.

You do not need to contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to find this information. The date is visible on the physical card itself, and you can also find it in your online driver record if you have registered for an account on the Missouri Secretary of State website.

Key Takeaways

  • The issue date is located on the front of your Missouri driver's license in the lower left corner, printed in MM/DD/YYYY format.
  • The issue date tells you when the Missouri Department of Revenue issued your current license, separate from when it expires.
  • You can view your issue date online by logging into your account on the Missouri Secretary of State website if you have registered.
  • If your license is damaged or the date is unreadable, you can request a replacement card from your local Missouri license office.

How to read the dates on the front of your card

The front of a Missouri driver's license displays several pieces of information in specific locations. Near the bottom of the card, you will see two dates listed close together. The issue date appears first (on the left), and the expiration date appears second (on the right). Both are printed in the same format: month, day, and year separated by forward slashes.

The issue date marks the day you received your current license from the Missouri Department of Revenue. This is different from your birth date, which also appears on the card but in a different location. If you are renewing your license, your new license will have a new issue date, even though your personal information remains the same.

Finding your issue date online through Missouri's driver record system

If you cannot read the date on your physical card or prefer to view it digitally, you can check your driver record online. Go to the Missouri Secretary of State website and look for the "Driver License and Driving Record" section. You will need to create an account or log in if you already have one.

Once logged in, you can view your current driver record, which displays your issue date along with other license information. This online record is the same information the state has on file, so the date shown there will match what is printed on your card. You may also be able to read or print your record for your records.

What to do if the date on your card is damaged or unclear

If the issue date on your physical license is worn, faded, or damaged to the point where you cannot read it clearly, you can request a replacement card. Visit your local Missouri license office in person with your current license and a form of identification. Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, as this is required for license transactions.

The replacement process is straightforward and typically takes a few minutes at the office. You will pay a replacement fee (the amount varies, so check with your local office or the Missouri Secretary of State website for current pricing). Your new card will be issued on the spot or mailed to you, depending on your location and the office's procedures.

Why you might need to know your issue date

You may need your issue date for several reasons. Some employers or organizations ask for it as part of identity verification. Banks or financial institutions may request it when opening accounts or updating records. Insurance companies sometimes ask for it when processing claims or updating policies. Having the date readily available saves time when filling out forms or answering verification questions.

Your issue date can also help you track when your license was last renewed. If you know when your license was issued, you can calculate approximately when it will expire, since Missouri driver's licenses are typically valid for a set number of years (usually six or eight years, depending on your age and license type).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the issue date the same as my birth date?

No. Your birth date and issue date are two different pieces of information on your license. Your birth date appears in a different location on the card and tells you when you were born. Your issue date tells you when the Missouri Department of Revenue issued your current license.

What if I cannot find the issue date on my license?

Check the lower left area of the front of your card first. If the card is old or damaged and the date is not visible, log into your account on the Missouri Secretary of State website to view your driver record online. If you still cannot locate it, visit a Missouri license office with your current license and they can provide the information.

Does the issue date change when I renew my license?

Yes. When you renew your Missouri driver's license, you receive a new card with a new issue date. The new issue date reflects when you completed the renewal process, not when your previous license was issued.

Can I use my issue date to figure out when my license expires?

You can estimate it, but the expiration date is printed directly on your card, so that is the most accurate way to know. Missouri licenses are typically valid for six or eight years depending on your age, so you can add that to your issue date to get an approximate expiration date.