Where to get your Missouri driver's license and what the process involves
The Missouri Department of Revenue issues driver's licenses and handles renewals through its Driver License Bureau. You can obtain a license by visiting a Missouri license office in person, bringing required documents, and passing a written test and vision screening. The state does not issue licenses by mail or online — you must appear at a physical location.
Missouri has two types of driver's licenses: a standard license valid for six years, and a REAL ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star) valid for eight years. The REAL ID version costs more but is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025. Both require the same in-person visit and documents.
The Driver License Bureau operates about 50 offices across Missouri, including locations in every county. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Some offices are busier than others; visiting early in the week or early in the day typically means shorter waits.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri requires an in-person visit to a Driver License Bureau office; there is no online or mail option for new licenses or renewals.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a completed process form (DL-43) to your appointment.
- A standard license costs less than a REAL ID license but is not valid for federal air travel after May 2025.
- The written test covers Missouri traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official Missouri Driver Guide available free on the Department of Revenue website.
- Processing times vary by office location, but you typically receive your license in the mail within two to three weeks after your visit.
Documents you need to bring to the license office
Missouri requires four categories of documents at your appointment. First, proof of identity: a valid passport, military ID, certified birth certificate, or previous Missouri driver's license. Second, proof of residency: a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Missouri address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
Third, proof of your Social Security number: your Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or a document issued by a government agency that displays your number. Fourth, a completed process form: the DL-43 form, which you can read from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or fill out at the office. Bring the form completed but unsigned — you will sign it in front of the examiner.
If you are renewing a license that has not expired, you may be able to renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions (your address has not changed, your name has not changed, and you do not need a new photo). Check the Department of Revenue website to see if you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal before visiting an office.
The written test and vision screening
The written test covers Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can retake the test the same day if you do not pass on your first attempt, though you may have to pay the test fee again depending on the office.
The Missouri Driver Guide, available free on the Department of Revenue website, contains all the information covered on the test. Many people study this guide for a few days before their appointment and pass without difficulty. The guide is also available in Spanish.
You will also take a vision screening at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to see an eye doctor and bring a vision report before you can receive your license. The office will tell you what to do if this happens.
Fees and payment methods
A standard Missouri driver's license costs $11.50 for a six-year license. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $24.50 for an eight-year license. These fees cover the license itself and the written test. If you need to retake the written test, there is an additional fee of $3.00 per attempt.
The Driver License Bureau accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices. Some smaller offices may accept only cash, so call ahead if you are unsure. You will receive a receipt and a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
If you lose your license or it is stolen, you can report it and request a replacement at any Driver License Bureau office. A replacement license costs the same as a new license and takes the same amount of time to arrive.
Timeline from appointment to receiving your license
Your appointment at the Driver License Bureau takes about 30 minutes to one hour, depending on how busy the office is and whether you pass the written test on your first attempt. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days before you leave the office.
Your permanent license is mailed to the address you provided on your process. Standard mail delivery in Missouri takes two to three weeks. If you have not received your license after four weeks, contact the Driver License Bureau to check the status. Do not visit the office in person unless you have been told to do so — calling or using the online status tool is faster.
If you need your license sooner, some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee. Call your local Driver License Bureau office to ask whether expedited processing is available and what it costs.
Renewing your license before it expires
Missouri driver's licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew your license up to one year before the expiration date. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire one year from the date you renew, not from your original expiration date.
If your license has already expired, you must renew it in person at a Driver License Bureau office. You cannot drive on an expired license, even if you have a renewal process pending. If you are stopped by law enforcement with an expired license, you may be cited.
If you are over 70 years old, your license is valid for three years instead of six or eight. You must renew in person every three years and pass a vision test each time.
Changing your name or address on your license
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must visit a Driver License Bureau office to update your license. Bring your original license, a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency at your current address. There is no fee to change your name on an existing license.
If you move to a new address within Missouri, you can update your address online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website if your license is not expired. If your license is expired or you prefer to update in person, visit any Driver License Bureau office with proof of your new address. Updating your address online is free; updating in person may have a small fee depending on whether you also need a new photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri driver's license online?
You can renew online only if your license is not expired, your name and address have not changed, and you do not need a new photo. If any of these conditions do not explore, you must renew in person at a Driver License Bureau office. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website to see if you are may be able to access for online renewal.
What should I do if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at most offices. You will need to pay the test fee again. Study the Missouri Driver Guide before your next attempt, focusing on the areas where you had difficulty. You can retake the test as many times as you need until you pass.
Do I need a REAL ID license to fly within the United States?
Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Missouri driver's license will not be accepted as identification for domestic air travel. You will need a REAL ID-compliant license, a passport, a military ID, or another federal ID. If you fly domestically, get a REAL ID license before that date.
What if I move out of Missouri after getting my license?
Your Missouri license remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. However, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state within the timeframe required by that state's law, typically 30 to 60 days after moving. Driving with an out-of-state license after you have established residency in a new state may result in a citation.
How do I check the status of my license if I have not received it yet?
Use the status tool on the Missouri Department of Revenue website, or call your local Driver License Bureau office. Have your process number or driver's license number ready. Do not visit the office in person unless you have been instructed to do so.