What you need to know about Missouri driver licenses
A Missouri driver license is issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue and serves as both your legal permission to drive and a form of state-issued identification. You can get one in person at a Missouri license office, and the process takes about 30 minutes if you have all required documents. Missouri offers different license types depending on your age and driving history, and you'll need to renew every six or ten years depending on which type you hold.
The state does not mail licenses to you — you pick yours up at the office where you applied, usually within a few days. If you need to drive before your license arrives, Missouri issues a temporary paper permit valid for 30 days.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Missouri license office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to get a driver license.
- Standard driver licenses expire six years after issue for adults under 70, and ten years for adults 70 and older.
- You can renew by mail, online, or in person, but your first license must be obtained in person at a license office.
- Missouri issues a temporary paper permit at your appointment that lets you drive for 30 days while your permanent license is being made.
Documents you need to bring to the license office
Missouri requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need to bring originals of everything — some documents can be copies — but the license office staff will tell you which ones must be originals when you call ahead.
For proof of identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or military ID. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Missouri address. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you'll need to bring additional documents — ask your local license office which ones.
If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present with you.
Where to go and how to schedule
Missouri has license offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Some offices take walk-ins, but many require an appointment, especially after the pandemic. Call your local office before you go — the phone number is on the Department of Revenue website — to ask whether you need an appointment and what documents they want you to bring.
If you are moving to Missouri from another state, you have 30 days to get a Missouri license. You can bring your out-of-state license as proof of identity, which simplifies the process.
The cost and what happens at your appointment
A Missouri driver license costs $11.50 for a six-year license or $19.50 for a ten-year license if you are 70 or older. You pay at the license office when you explore. The office will take your photo, check your documents, and give you a temporary paper permit valid for 30 days. Your permanent license is mailed to the address on your process within a few days.
At your appointment, you will also take a vision test and a written test on Missouri traffic laws. The written test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. Missouri provides a free study guide on its website. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back later.
Renewing your license before it expires
You can renew your Missouri driver license online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are renewing a standard license and your address has not changed. You go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website, pay the renewal fee, and your new license is mailed to you. Online renewal takes about two weeks.
Mail renewal works the same way — you fill out the renewal form, mail it with a check or money order, and your new license arrives in the mail. In-person renewal at a license office is necessary only if your address has changed, your name has changed, or you want a different license type. You do not retake the written test when you renew unless your license has been expired for more than a year.
Missouri sends you a notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires. If you do not receive one, check the expiration date on your current license and renew before that date. Driving with an expired license is illegal, even if you have applied for renewal.
Different license types and restrictions
Missouri issues several license types. A standard Class F license lets you drive passenger vehicles. A Class D license is for drivers under 18 and comes with restrictions — for example, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months. A Class E license is for drivers 16 and 17 and has stricter restrictions. A commercial Class A, B, or C license is required if you drive a truck or bus for work and requires additional testing and medical certification.
If you wear corrective lenses, your license will have a restriction code that says you must wear them while driving. If you do not wear them when required, you can be cited even if you are not in an accident.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license is lost or stolen, go to a license office and report it. You can get a replacement the same day for $11.50 (or $19.50 for a ten-year license). Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a new license. If your license is damaged but still readable, you can also exchange it for a replacement at a license office.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot drive legally. Suspensions usually happen because of unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or medical reasons. You must contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do to get it back. The process varies depending on the reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license online if I moved to a different state?
No. Online renewal is only for people with a current Missouri address. If you have moved out of state, you should get a license in your new state instead. If you still live in Missouri but moved to a different address, you can renew online as long as you update your address first through the Department of Revenue website.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at most offices, or you can schedule another appointment. There is no extra fee to retake the test. Missouri provides a free study guide on the Department of Revenue website that covers all the questions on the test.
How long does the temporary paper permit last?
The temporary permit is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it at the license office. After 30 days, you cannot drive legally unless your permanent license has arrived. If your permanent license is delayed, call the Department of Revenue to ask about it.
Do I need to take the written test again when I renew?
No, not unless your license has been expired for more than a year. If you renew before the expiration date, you only pay the fee and submit your renewal form. You do not retake the vision or written test.
What if my name changed after I got my license?
Bring proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — to a license office along with your current license and proof of residency. You can get a new license with your updated name the same day for the standard fee.