What documents Missouri requires for a driver license

To get a Missouri driver license, you need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Missouri residency. Missouri's Department of Revenue runs the licensing system, and they check all three categories before issuing a license.

For identity, Missouri accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a passport card, or a military ID. If you don't have any of those, you can use a combination of documents — for example, a school ID plus a utility bill. The key is that Missouri needs to see something official with your name and date of birth on it.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you'll need to fill out an affidavit explaining why and bring additional identity documents.

For Missouri residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check addressed to you at your current address. The document needs to show your name and your current Missouri address, and it can't be more than 90 days old.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), one proving your Social Security number (Social Security card or tax form), and one proving Missouri residency (utility bill or lease, dated within 90 days).
  • If you don't have a Social Security number, you can still get a license by signing an affidavit and bringing extra identity documents.
  • You must pass a written test on Missouri traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test before the license is issued.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 182 days before taking the driving test.
  • You can renew your Missouri license online, by mail, or in person at a license office, depending on your age and when your license expires.

The written test, vision test, and driving test

After you bring your documents to a Missouri license office, you'll take three tests before you get your license. The written test covers Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Missouri Driver Guide, which the Department of Revenue publishes free online. Most people study for a few days and take the test the same day or a few days later.

The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You'll read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you'll need to see an eye doctor and bring a certificate showing your vision meets Missouri's standard before you can take the driving test.

The driving test happens on the road with an examiner in your car. You'll drive for about 15 to 20 minutes while the examiner watches how you handle turns, stops, parking, and traffic. You need to bring a car that's registered and insured, and the examiner will check that the brakes, lights, and wipers work. If you fail, you can retake it — there's no waiting period between attempts, though you may need to schedule another appointment.

Age requirements and the learner's permit for drivers under 18

You must be at least 16 years old to get a Missouri driver license. If you're under 18, you can't go straight to a full license — you have to get a learner's permit first and hold it for at least 182 days (about six months) before you can take the driving test.

To get a learner's permit, you need the same documents as for a full license, plus proof that you've completed a driver education course. The course can be taken at your high school, at a private driving school, or online through a Missouri-approved provider. After you finish the course, you'll get a certificate to bring to the license office.

While you have a learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you. You can't drive alone, and you can't drive between midnight and 5 a.m. These rules help new drivers build experience with supervision before they drive by themselves.

What to bring to the license office

Bring your identity document, your Social Security proof, and your residency proof in person to a Missouri Department of Revenue license office. You'll also need to bring the completed process form — you can fill it out at home or at the office. The form is called the DL-43, and it's free to read from the Department of Revenue website.

Bring your learner's permit if you have one. If you're under 18, bring your driver education certificate. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. Bring a pen to sign forms. You don't need to bring your car to the office for the written and vision tests, but you will need it on the day you take the driving test.

The fee for a four-year driver license is $25.50. The fee for a six-year license is $38.50. You can pay with cash, a debit card, or a credit card at most offices. Some offices accept checks. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local office takes.

Renewing your Missouri driver license

Your Missouri driver license expires on your birthday, four or six years after you get it depending on which type you chose. You can renew online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website if your license is not expired and you haven't had any major changes to your name, address, or vision. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $25.50 for a four-year renewal or $38.50 for a six-year renewal.

If you can't renew online, you can renew by mail. You'll fill out the renewal form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form. The Department of Revenue will mail your new license to you. This takes about two to three weeks.

You can also renew in person at any Missouri license office. Bring your current license and your payment. In-person renewal is fastest if you need your new license right away, because you'll get it the same day or within a few days.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any Missouri license office. Bring your identity document, your Social Security proof, and your residency proof, just as if you were getting a new license. You'll also need to fill out the DL-43 form. The fee is $25.50 for a four-year replacement or $38.50 for a six-year replacement.

You can also replace your license by mail if it's damaged but you still have it. Mail the damaged license along with the completed form and your payment to the Department of Revenue. They'll send you a new one in about two to three weeks.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police and to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Reporting it creates a record in case someone tries to use it fraudulently. You can report a stolen license by calling the Department of Revenue or by reporting it in person at a license office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card instead of a full passport for my identity document?

Yes. A passport card counts as proof of identity for a Missouri driver license. It has your name and date of birth on it, which is what Missouri needs. You don't need a full passport if you have a passport card.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport or military ID instead. If you don't have any of those, you can bring a combination of documents — for example, a school ID, a work ID, and a utility bill with your name on it. Call your local Missouri license office to ask which combination they'll accept, because the rules can vary slightly by office.

Do I have to take the driving test if I already have a license from another state?

No. If you move to Missouri and already have a valid driver license from another state, you can exchange it for a Missouri license without taking the written or driving test. You'll still need to bring your identity, Social Security, and residency documents, and you'll take a vision test. The fee is the same as for a new license.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it. There's no waiting period — you can schedule another test appointment as soon as the office has an opening. Most people who fail take it again within a week or two. You'll need to bring your car again and pay the test fee each time you retake it.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip and want a fresh license, or if you want to change your address before your current license expires. The new license will have a new expiration date four or six years from the day you renew.