What you need to bring to the Missouri DMV
To get a new Missouri driver's license, you will need to visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person. Bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your Social Security number), a birth certificate or passport, and proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
You will also need to bring proof of Missouri residency if your address documents do not show it clearly. A driver's license from another state counts as identity proof but not as residency proof. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, and proof of your current address.
- The written test covers Missouri traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official Missouri Driver Guide online before you go.
- The road test happens on the same day as your written test if you pass, and you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
- A new Missouri driver's license costs a set fee that varies based on how long you want it to be valid; the DMV office will tell you the exact amount when you arrive.
- If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you may not need to take the written test again, depending on how recently you got it.
The written test and what it covers
Before you can drive, you must pass a written knowledge test about Missouri traffic laws and road signs. The test has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. The Missouri Department of Revenue publishes the official Missouri Driver Guide online for free, and nearly all test questions come from that guide.
Study the guide before your appointment if you can — it covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and what to do if you are pulled over. The DMV office can also give you a printed copy when you arrive. You get one chance to pass on your first visit; if you do not pass, you can retake the test at the same office, usually the same day, but you may have to pay a retest fee.
The road test: what happens and what you need
If you pass the written test, you will take the road test the same day. A DMV examiner will ride with you while you drive on public roads for about 10 to 15 minutes. They will ask you to do things like parallel park, make turns, stop smoothly, and follow traffic signs. The examiner is watching whether you can control the vehicle safely and obey the rules you just studied.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered in Missouri, has current insurance, and is in safe working condition — working headlights, brake lights, wipers, and mirrors. The vehicle cannot have any broken windows or serious damage. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you will have to schedule another appointment; same-day retakes are not available for the road test.
Age requirements and restrictions for new drivers
Missouri issues Intermediate Driver's Licenses to drivers between 16 and 17 years old. These licenses come with restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can have only one passenger under 20 years old in the car (unless they are a family member). These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or have held the license for one year, whichever comes first.
If you are 18 or older, you can get a regular driver's license with no restrictions. You must still pass both the written and road tests. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign your process in person at the DMV office.
If you already have a license from another state
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you are moving to Missouri, you do not automatically have to take the written test again. Missouri will transfer your license if your out-of-state license is still valid and you have held it for at least one year. You still must visit a Missouri DMV office in person, bring your out-of-state license and proof of Missouri residency, and pay the fee for a Missouri license.
If your out-of-state license is expired or you have held it for less than one year, you will need to take both the written and road tests. Some states have agreements with Missouri that allow for faster transfers; ask the DMV office when you arrive whether your state qualifies.
The cost and how long your license lasts
A Missouri driver's license costs a set fee that depends on how long you want it to be valid. You can choose a license that lasts four years or six years; the six-year license costs more upfront but is cheaper per year. The DMV office will tell you the exact fee when you arrive. You pay in cash, by debit card, or by credit card at most offices.
Your license will have an expiration date printed on it. You can renew it by mail or online before it expires, or you can renew it in person at a DMV office. If your license expires while you are driving, you can still drive legally for a short grace period, but it is better to renew before the expiration date.
Where to find a Missouri DMV office near you
The Missouri Department of Revenue runs DMV offices across the state. You can find the office closest to you and check its hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can be long during lunch hours or on Fridays. Many offices now let you schedule an appointment online, which can save you time — check your local office's page to see if appointments are available.
If you cannot get to an office easily, some counties have satellite offices with shorter hours. Call ahead to confirm that the office you plan to visit has the services you need, since some smaller offices do not give road tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. Missouri offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. Tell the DMV office staff when you arrive which language you need, and they will provide the test in that language.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test, but you will need to schedule a new appointment at a DMV office. You do not have to retake the written test. There is usually a fee for each road test attempt.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else with my number on it?
You can bring any document that shows your Social Security number — a tax return, W-2 form, or bank statement will work if you do not have your card. The DMV office will tell you which documents they accept when you call or visit.
Can I get a Missouri license if I do not have a birth certificate?
A birth certificate is the easiest proof of identity, but you can use a passport or other government-issued ID instead. If you do not have any of these, ask the DMV office what other documents they will accept — the rules can vary.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?
You will receive a temporary paper license the day you pass both tests. Your permanent plastic license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving until the permanent one arrives.