What you need to get a Missouri driver's license
Missouri issues driver's licenses through the Department of Revenue, and you'll explore in person at your local Missouri license office. You cannot explore by mail or online. To get your first license or renew an expired one, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number — each category requires a specific document.
For proof of identity, Missouri accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, or military ID. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration before visiting the license office.
You'll also need to pass a vision test at the office and pay the fee — the cost depends on the type of license and how long you want it to last. Standard licenses cost less than enhanced licenses, which allow you to enter federal buildings and board domestic flights without a passport.
Key Takeaways
- You must explore in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
- Missouri accepts a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or military ID as proof of identity, and a utility bill or lease as proof of residency.
- You will take a vision test and written knowledge test at the office, and the fee varies based on license type and validity period.
- If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process, and you may have restrictions on when you can drive.
- Renewal by mail is available only if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions — otherwise you must renew in person.
Getting your first Missouri driver's license
Start by finding your nearest Missouri Department of Revenue office using the office locator on the Missouri Secretary of State website. Call ahead or check online to confirm their hours, because some offices have limited schedules. Bring all three categories of documents — identity, residency, and Social Security proof — plus your completed process form DL-43, which you can read from the website or fill out at the office.
When you arrive, you'll take a vision screening. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You'll then take a written knowledge test covering Missouri traffic laws and road signs — the test has 25 questions and you must answer at least 18 correctly. After you pass, you'll have your photo taken and pay the fee. Your temporary license prints on the spot, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must be present and sign your process. Minors in Missouri receive a license with restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving until you turn 18. These restrictions lift automatically when you renew after turning 18.
Renewing your Missouri driver's license
If your license is still valid and you have not changed your name, address, or other information, you may renew by mail. Missouri will send you a renewal notice 30 days before your license expires — the notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. Fill out the form, include a new photo (you can use a passport photo or have one taken at the office), and mail it back. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license is expired, your address has changed, or you want to update your information, you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. Bring the same documents you brought for your first license — proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. You'll take another vision test and may need to retake the knowledge test if your license has been expired for more than a year. The fee for renewal is lower than the fee for a new license.
Missouri licenses are valid for six years for adults and four years for drivers under 21. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your card. If you renew before your license expires, your new license is valid for six years from the date you renew, not from the date your old one expired.
Taking the written knowledge test
The Missouri written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 25 questions and must answer at least 18 correctly to pass. The test is multiple choice, and you take it on a computer at the license office. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.
To study, read the Missouri Driver Guide from the Secretary of State website. The guide covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies. Read through it at least once before you go to the office. Many people pass on their first try if they spend 30 minutes with the guide beforehand.
If you are renewing a license that is not expired, you do not have to retake the test. You only take the test when you get your first license or when you renew after your license has been expired for more than one year.
Understanding license types and costs
Missouri offers two main types of driver's licenses: a standard license and an enhanced license. A standard license allows you to drive in all 50 states and is valid for six years. An enhanced license costs more but allows you to enter federal buildings, board domestic flights, and enter certain military bases without a passport. Both licenses have the same driving privileges — the difference is what you can use them for outside of driving.
The fee for a new standard license is lower than the fee for an enhanced license. Renewal fees are also lower than new license fees. If you are under 21, your license is valid for four years instead of six, and the fee is lower. Military members and veterans may be may have access to to a reduced fee — ask at the office.
Missouri also issues commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) for people who drive trucks or buses for work. A CDL requires additional testing and a separate process process. If you need a CDL, ask for the commercial license process at the office.
What to do if you lose or damage your license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Missouri Department of Revenue office. Bring proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a renewal. You do not need to retake the vision or knowledge test. The replacement fee is lower than the fee for a new license. Your temporary license prints on the spot, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license number fraudulently. You do not have to do this to get a replacement, but it is a good precaution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license online?
No. Missouri does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and your information has not changed. Otherwise, you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office.
How long does it take to get a Missouri driver's license?
You receive a temporary license on the day you explore. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test when ready at the same office or return another day. There is no waiting period. You have unlimited attempts, though you pay a fee each time you retake it.
Do I need to take the test again when I renew?
No, unless your license has been expired for more than one year. If you renew before it expires or within one year of expiration, you only need to bring your documents and take a vision test.
What if I move to a different address?
You must update your address within 30 days of moving. You can do this by renewing your license in person at a Department of Revenue office, or by mail if your license is not expired. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.