Where to go for a Missouri driver's license
The Missouri Department of Revenue handles all driver's licenses in the state. You cannot get one online or by mail — you must visit a Driver License Office in person. Missouri has about 50 of these offices spread across the state, run by the Department of Revenue itself, not by county governments.
You can find the office nearest you on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Enter your city or zip code, and the site shows you the address, hours, and phone number. Some offices are busier than others — rural offices often have shorter wait times than those in Kansas City or St. Louis.
Many offices now let you check wait times online before you go. A few offer appointment scheduling, though most still operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your local office takes appointments.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Missouri Driver License Office in person; there is no online or mail option for getting your first license or renewing an expired one.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (passport or birth certificate) — the exact documents depend on whether you are getting your first license or renewing.
- A standard driver's license costs $11.50 for a four-year license or $23 for an eight-year license, and you pay at the office when you explore.
- You will take a written test, vision test, and photo at the office; bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.
- Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks, and you receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait.
What documents you need for a first-time license
If you have never had a Missouri driver's license, bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The Department of Revenue has a specific list of what counts for each.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a passport card, or a military ID. A school ID or work ID does not count. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy from the state where you were born — a photocopy or hospital record will not work.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A letter from the Social Security Administration also works. You cannot use a driver's license or ID card from another state.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and Missouri address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. Post-it notes or printed emails do not.
What documents you need to renew your license
If your Missouri license is expired or expiring soon, the renewal process is simpler than getting a first license. You do not need to bring proof of identity or Social Security number again — the Department of Revenue already has that on file.
Bring your current or expired driver's license and proof of residency (same as above: a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your address has changed, bring the proof of residency showing your new address. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You will still take a new photo and pass a vision test at the renewal appointment. You do not retake the written driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked.
The tests and fees you will face
At the office, you will take a written test on Missouri traffic laws and road signs. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can study using the official Missouri Driver Guide, which is free on the Department of Revenue website. Many people study it for a few hours the night before and pass on their first try.
You will also take a vision test at the office. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get your license that day — you will need to see an eye doctor and come back with proof that your vision meets the standard.
A standard four-year license costs $11.50. An eight-year license costs $23. You pay this fee at the office when you explore. The office accepts cash, debit, and credit cards. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no extra charge, though some offices limit retakes to once per visit.
What happens after you pass
After you pass the tests and pay the fee, the office takes your photo and prints a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.
Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The office will tell you the expected arrival date when you leave. If it does not arrive within four weeks, call the office where you applied and give them your process number — they can check the status.
Do not throw away the temporary paper license until the plastic one arrives. If your plastic license is lost or damaged in the mail, you will need the temporary to prove you have a valid license.
Special situations: name changes, address changes, and replacements
If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will need this whether you are renewing or getting a first license. The office will not accept a photocopy or a certified email.
If you have moved to a new address in Missouri, you can update it at any Driver License Office. Bring your current license and proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). You do not need to retake the written test, but you will get a new photo and a new license card. The fee is the same as renewal.
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any office. Bring your current license if you still have it, or bring your Social Security card and proof of identity if it was lost or stolen. The replacement fee is $11.50 for a four-year license or $23 for an eight-year license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online or by mail?
No. Missouri requires you to visit a Driver License Office in person for both new licenses and renewals. You cannot renew online or by mail, even if your license is not yet expired.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can use a U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born to order a certified birth certificate. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $25.
Do I have to take the written test if I already have a license from another state?
Yes. Missouri requires all first-time applicants to pass the written test, even if you have a valid license from another state. You do not need to take it again if you are renewing a Missouri license.
What if I fail the vision test?
You cannot get your license that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a statement that your vision meets Missouri's standard, and return to the office with that proof. You can then retake the vision test at no extra charge.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license should arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Keep the temporary license until the plastic one arrives, in case you are stopped by police before the permanent one shows up.