What you need to get a Missouri driver license
Missouri issues driver licenses through the Department of Revenue, and the process depends on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or transferring from another state. You will need to visit a Missouri license office in person — you cannot complete this entirely by mail or online. The state requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency before you can receive a license.
Proof of identity means a document like a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or valid out-of-state driver license. Proof of Social Security number can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. Proof of residency means a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Missouri address. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why, and Missouri will issue a license without one.
You will also take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a driving test (unless you are renewing). The written test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most offices.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue license office in person and bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and current Missouri address.
- First-time applicants must pass a written test, vision test, and driving test; renewals do not require the driving test.
- A standard Missouri driver license is valid for six years from your birthday in the year it is issued.
- You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, and some renewals can be done by mail if you meet certain conditions.
- The fee for a new license is different from the fee for a renewal, and both vary depending on the type of license you choose.
Types of Missouri driver licenses and what each costs
Missouri offers a standard driver license, a commercial driver license (CDL) for people who drive large trucks or buses, and an enhanced driver license that works as both a driver license and a travel document for Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The standard license costs less than the enhanced version. A CDL requires additional testing and medical certification because it covers vehicles over a certain weight.
The fee for a new standard driver license is set by Missouri law and does not vary by county, but the exact amount changes periodically. You can find the current fee on the Missouri Department of Revenue website before you go to the office. Renewal fees are lower than new license fees. If you choose the enhanced license, you will pay more upfront, but it eliminates the need to carry a separate passport for certain border crossings.
Missouri also issues REAL ID-compliant licenses, which are required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings after the federal important date. A REAL ID license costs the same as a standard license but requires additional identity verification. If you do not need REAL ID compliance, a standard license is sufficient for driving.
How to renew your Missouri driver license by mail or in person
You can renew your Missouri driver license by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any major violations in the past few years, and your address has not changed. Mail renewal is faster than going to an office and costs less because there is no vision test or written test required. You will receive a form in the mail before your license expires, or you can request one from the Missouri Department of Revenue website.
If you renew by mail, you send in your current license, the renewal form, and the fee. Missouri will mail your new license to you within two to three weeks. If you need your license sooner, or if you do not meet the requirements for mail renewal, you must go to a license office in person. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may have to retake the written and vision tests depending on how long it has been expired. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license as if you were a first-time applicant.
Steps to take your driving test in Missouri
The driving test is required for first-time applicants and for people whose licenses have been expired for more than five years. You must pass the written test and vision test before you can schedule the driving test. The driving test lasts about 10 to 15 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, parking, turning, and following traffic laws on public roads.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, wipers, and mirrors. You cannot use a vehicle with equipment violations or safety defects. The examiner will inspect the vehicle before the test begins. If the vehicle fails inspection, you will have to reschedule with a different vehicle.
You must also bring a valid photo ID and proof that you have passed the written and vision tests. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you may have to wait a few days or schedule another appointment depending on the office. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
What happens if your Missouri driver license is suspended or revoked
A Missouri driver license can be suspended for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or driving under the influence. A suspension is temporary — your license will be reinstated after you meet certain conditions. A revocation is more serious and means your license is cancelled; you must wait a set period before you can reapply.
If your license is suspended, you must contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to find out why and what you need to do to have it reinstated. Common steps include paying outstanding fines, completing a defensive driving course, or providing proof of insurance. Once you have met the conditions, you can request reinstatement, and your license will be restored.
If your license is revoked, you cannot drive legally until the revocation period ends. The length of the revocation depends on the reason — a first DUI revocation is typically one year, but it can be longer if you have prior violations. After the revocation period ends, you must reapply for a new license and pass all tests again.
Transferring a driver license from another state to Missouri
If you move to Missouri from another state and have a valid driver license, you can transfer it without retaking the driving test. You must visit a Missouri license office and bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Missouri residency, and proof of Social Security number. You will take the written test and vision test but not the driving test.
Your out-of-state license will be surrendered, and you will receive a Missouri license. The new license will have a different number and expiration date. If your out-of-state license is expired, you may have to retake the driving test — check with your local office before you go. If you have a commercial driver license from another state, you must pass the CDL tests in Missouri as well.
You do not have to transfer your license when ready when you move to Missouri, but you cannot legally drive with an out-of-state license once you become a Missouri resident. Missouri law considers you a resident once you have established a home address in the state, so you should transfer your license within a reasonable time.
Special licenses and endorsements in Missouri
Missouri allows you to add endorsements to your driver license for specific driving privileges. A motorcycle endorsement lets you legally ride a motorcycle. A commercial driver license endorsement is required to drive large trucks or buses. A hazmat endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials. Each endorsement requires additional testing and background checks.
To add a motorcycle endorsement, you must pass a written test on motorcycle laws and a riding test on a motorcycle. Some people take a motorcycle safety course, which can waive the riding test in Missouri. A CDL requires a medical examination, a written test, and a skills test with a large vehicle. A hazmat endorsement requires a background check and a written test.
If you already have a driver license and want to add an endorsement, you can visit a Missouri license office and request it. The fee for an endorsement is separate from the license fee. You do not have to renew your entire license to add an endorsement — the endorsement will be added to your current license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Missouri driver license last?
A standard Missouri driver license is valid for six years from your birthday in the year it is issued. For example, if you turn 25 on March 15 and receive your license in 2024, it will expire on March 15, 2030. You can renew it up to one year before the expiration date.
Can I get a Missouri driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. You can request a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining that you do not have a Social Security number, and Missouri will issue a license without one. Bring the letter to the license office along with your other required documents.
What should I do if I lose my Missouri driver license?
Visit a Missouri license office and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. The replacement fee is lower than the fee for a new license. You will receive your replacement license within a few days by mail.
Can I renew my Missouri driver license online?
No. Missouri does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you meet certain conditions, or you can visit a license office in person. Mail renewal is the fastest option if you are not may be able to access for in-person renewal.
What is the difference between a REAL ID license and a standard license?
A REAL ID license meets federal standards and can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. A standard license can be used for driving but not for federal facilities. Both cost the same and look similar, but REAL ID requires additional identity verification during the process process.