What you need to do to transfer your license to Missouri

To transfer your driver's license to Missouri, you visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person, bring your current out-of-state license and proof of residency, and pay a transfer fee. Missouri will not mail you a new license — you must be there to have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the counter, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You do not need to take a written test or a driving test to transfer. Missouri honors valid licenses from other states and territories. If your current license has expired or will expire within 30 days, you may be required to pass a vision test, but that happens at the same visit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with your current out-of-state license and proof you live in Missouri.
  • Bring documents that show your name and current Missouri address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • The transfer fee is $11.50 for a regular license valid for six years, or $24 for a REAL ID-compliant license valid for eight years.
  • Your new Missouri license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up at the office.
  • If your out-of-state license expired more than 30 days ago, you will need to retake the written test and driving test instead of transferring.

Documents you must bring to the office

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license or ID card. If it is expired, bring it anyway — Missouri will still accept it for transfer purposes as long as it expired no more than 30 days ago. If it expired more than 30 days ago, you cannot transfer and must test instead.

You also need one document that proves your Missouri residency and shows your name and current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document like a tax return or W-2. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A photo on the document is not required.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form. You will also need to provide your date of birth and current address verbally, so the staff can verify it matches your documents.

Where to go and what the visit costs

Visit any Missouri Department of Revenue office. You can find the nearest one on the Missouri Secretary of State website by entering your city or ZIP code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have different hours. A few locations offer Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system — check the office location page before you go.

The transfer fee is $11.50 for a standard driver's license valid for six years. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 2025), the fee is $24 and the license is valid for eight years. You can choose which type when you arrive. Missouri accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most offices.

What happens if your out-of-state license is expired

If your license expired 30 days ago or less, you can still transfer it. Bring it with you, and the staff will process the transfer. You may need to pass a vision test at the counter, but no written or driving test is required.

If your license expired more than 30 days ago, Missouri will not transfer it. Instead, you must take the written test and the driving test as if you were getting your first license. You will need to study the Missouri Driver Guide (available free on the Secretary of State website) and schedule a test appointment. This route takes longer and costs more than a transfer.

Timeline and what to expect after you leave the office

The visit itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. The staff will verify your documents, take your photo, collect your fee, and process your transfer on the spot. They will give you a temporary paper receipt that shows your license number and is valid for driving while you wait for the physical card.

Your new Missouri license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You cannot pick it up at the office or request expedited delivery. If you need to drive before it arrives, the paper receipt is your proof of a valid license. Keep it with you.

If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-751-4509. Have your license number (shown on the receipt) ready when you call.

Transferring a commercial driver's license or motorcycle endorsement

If your out-of-state license is a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot transfer it. Missouri requires you to take the CDL written test and driving test, even if your current CDL is valid. You must also provide medical certification. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue for the specific requirements and testing locations.

If your out-of-state license has a motorcycle endorsement and you want to keep it in Missouri, you can transfer the endorsement if your regular license transfers. However, if you do not already have a motorcycle endorsement in Missouri, you will need to pass a motorcycle skills test. The transfer of the endorsement itself does not require an additional test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my license online or by mail?

No. Missouri requires you to appear in person at a Department of Revenue office to have your photo taken. You cannot transfer by mail or online.

What if I moved to Missouri but my out-of-state address is still on my license?

Bring proof of your Missouri address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The staff will verify that you live in Missouri now and process the transfer. Your old out-of-state address on the license does not stop the transfer.

Do I need to get a Missouri license if I only live here temporarily?

Missouri law requires you to transfer your license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you are staying temporarily (such as for school or work), you may not need to transfer yet. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to discuss your situation.

What if I lost my out-of-state license?

You cannot transfer a lost license. Instead, contact your previous state's DMV to request a replacement or abstract of your driving record. Once you have that, you can bring it to Missouri along with your proof of residency, and the staff will help you determine whether you can transfer or must test.

Will my Missouri license have the same number as my out-of-state license?

No. Missouri will assign you a new license number. The staff will explain this during your visit. Your old license number is no longer valid once your Missouri license is issued.