What Missouri requires to get your first driver's license
Missouri requires you to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number before you can get a driver's license. You will also need to pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test with an examiner. The state does not issue licenses to people under 16, though you can get a learner's permit at 15 with a parent or guardian's consent.
The process takes place at a Missouri Department of Revenue office, not online or by mail. You cannot complete any part of it remotely. Most people finish the written and vision tests on the same day they explore, but the driving test is scheduled separately and may take place days or weeks later depending on your local office's schedule.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax document showing your number, and proof of your current Missouri address.
- The written test covers Missouri traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official manual free on the Department of Revenue website before you go.
- You must pass a vision screening at the office, and if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
- The driving test happens in your own vehicle or a Department of Revenue vehicle, and you must have proof of insurance before you take it.
- The entire process from process to license in hand usually takes two to four weeks once you pass the driving test.
Documents you must bring to the Department of Revenue office
Bring an original birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. A photocopy is not acceptable. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original passport or a certified immigration document showing your legal status.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card itself is best, but the Department of Revenue will accept a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number printed on it. Bring your original document, not a copy.
For proof of residency in Missouri, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or an insurance policy dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. A bill addressed to you at your Missouri address is the fastest way to satisfy this requirement. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 25 questions about Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test is taken on a computer at the Department of Revenue office, and you receive your score when ready after you finish.
The official Missouri Driver Guide is free to read from the Department of Revenue website and covers everything on the test. Most people study it for a few hours before their appointment. You can also request a printed copy at any Department of Revenue office. The test is offered in English and Spanish.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, though some offices may ask you to wait an hour or two before retesting on the same visit.
The vision test and driving test requirements
The vision test happens at the Department of Revenue office on the same day you take the written test. An examiner will check whether you can read a standard eye chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed to the driving test that day and must see an eye doctor before you can return.
The driving test is a separate appointment scheduled after you pass the written test. You drive a set route in your own vehicle or in a Department of Revenue vehicle, depending on which your local office offers. The examiner watches how you handle the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers and road conditions. The test usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes.
Before you take the driving test, you must show proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive. Bring your insurance card or a printed copy of your policy. You also need to show that the vehicle has passed Missouri's safety inspection within the last year. If you are using a Department of Revenue vehicle, the office provides it and handles the insurance requirement.
Age requirements and learner's permits
You must be at least 16 years old to get a Missouri driver's license. If you are 15, you can get a learner's permit, which allows you to drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the passenger seat. The learner's permit requires the same documents as a full license and costs less, but you cannot drive alone.
With a learner's permit, you must follow certain rules: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., you cannot use a cell phone while driving, and you cannot drive on interstate highways. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 16 and pass the driving test for a full license.
If you are under 18 when you get your first full license, Missouri law requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 182 days before you can take the driving test. This means you cannot skip the permit stage even if you are ready to drive sooner.
Fees and how long the process takes
A Missouri driver's license costs $11.50 and is valid for six years. A learner's permit costs $5.50 and is valid for one year. You pay these fees at the Department of Revenue office when you explore. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
The written and vision tests usually happen on the day you explore, so you walk out knowing whether you passed. The driving test is scheduled separately and may take place anywhere from a few days to several weeks later, depending on how busy your local office is. Once you pass the driving test, your license is printed and mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
If you need your license sooner, some Department of Revenue offices offer a temporary paper license you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive. Ask at your local office whether this option is available.
What happens if you fail the driving test
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt requires a new appointment and may have a small fee depending on your local office. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.
When you retake the test, you do not need to repeat the written test or vision test. You only need to show up with your vehicle, proof of insurance, and proof that the vehicle passed safety inspection. The examiner will test you on the same skills and road rules as the first attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Missouri driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Missouri law requires a Social Security number to get a driver's license. If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, you may be able to get an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS, which some Department of Revenue offices will accept. Contact your local office to ask whether they accept ITINs before you explore.
What if I was born outside the United States?
Bring your original passport or a certified immigration document showing your legal status in the United States. You will also need the same proof of residency and Social Security documentation as anyone else. The Department of Revenue will verify your immigration status with federal databases before issuing your license.
Do I have to take the written test if I already have a license from another state?
Yes. Missouri requires all new applicants to pass the written test, even if you hold a valid license from another state. You do not have to retake the driving test if your out-of-state license is current and you have held it for at least one year, but you still must pass Missouri's written and vision tests.
What if I fail the vision test?
You cannot get a license until you see an eye doctor and either correct your vision with glasses or contacts or receive a medical clearance. Once you have done that, return to the Department of Revenue with a letter from your eye doctor confirming that your vision meets Missouri's standards, and you can retake the vision test.
Can I schedule my driving test online?
Some Department of Revenue offices allow you to schedule the driving test online through their website, but others require you to call or visit in person. Check the website for your local office to see which method is available in your area.