How to Get and Renew a Missouri Driver's License

What you need to get a Missouri driver's license

Missouri issues driver's licenses through the Department of Revenue, and the process depends on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost card. You will need to visit a Missouri license office in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail, though you can renew some licenses by mail if they meet specific conditions.

For a first-time license, bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or certified court document), proof of Missouri residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You will also need to pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test. The written test can be taken on a computer at the license office.

For renewal, the documents you need depend on whether your license is still valid or expired. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you may renew by mail or online if you have no medical suspensions and your address has not changed. If it expired more than five years ago, you must visit an office in person and retake the written and driving tests.

Key Takeaways

Missouri driver's licenses are issued by the Department of Revenue, and first-time licenses require an in-person visit, a written test, a vision test, and a driving test.
Renewal by mail or online is available only if your license expired fewer than five years ago, you have no medical suspensions, and your address has not changed.
You must bring proof of identity, proof of Missouri residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to any in-person visit.
Real ID-compliant licenses cost more and require additional documents, but they are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 2025.

Real ID versus standard Missouri licenses

Missouri offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The Real ID license meets federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security and is required to enter federal buildings, military bases, and to board domestic flights. A standard license does not meet these requirements.

To get a Real ID license, you must provide the same documents as a standard license, plus additional proof: an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or a document showing your number, and two documents proving your Missouri address (such as a utility bill and a lease). The Real ID license costs more than a standard license — the fee varies depending on the license type and validity period you choose.

If you already have a standard Missouri license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at any license office. You do not have to wait for your current license to expire. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard license will not be accepted for federal purposes, so many people are upgrading now.

Where to find a Missouri license office and what to expect

The Missouri Department of Revenue operates license offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Department of Revenue website. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day. Many offices allow you to check current wait times online before you go.

When you arrive, you will check in and receive a number. You will then take the written test on a computer if you are a first-time applicant or if your license has been expired for more than five years. After passing the written test, you will have your vision checked. If you are getting a first-time license or renewing after a long expiration, you will also take a driving test with an examiner in your own vehicle or a Department of Revenue vehicle.

The entire process for a first-time license typically takes two to three hours, including waiting time. Renewal at an office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. Bring all required documents in original form or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for identity or residency proof.

Fees and how long licenses are valid

Missouri driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard license is less expensive than a Real ID license. You can choose a license valid for four years, six years, or eight years, and the fee increases with the validity period. Fees also differ slightly if you are under 21 or over 70.

A standard license for a driver under 21 costs less than one for a driver 21 and older, and licenses for drivers 70 and older have a different fee structure. Real ID licenses cost more across all age groups. The Department of Revenue website lists current fees for each combination of license type, age group, and validity period.

Once you receive your license, it is valid for the period you chose. If it expires, you can renew by mail or online if you meet the conditions listed above, or in person at a license office if you do not.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your Missouri driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any license office. You will need to bring proof of identity and proof of residency, the same documents required for renewal. You do not need to retake any tests — the office will issue a replacement card with the same license number and expiration date as your original.

The replacement fee is lower than the fee for a new license or renewal. You can also request a replacement by mail if your license is not suspended and you have not had a replacement issued in the past year. The mail-in form is available on the Department of Revenue website.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and keep a copy of the report. This protects you if someone uses your license number fraudulently. The Department of Revenue does not require a police report to issue a replacement, but having one on file can help if questions arise later.

Suspensions, revocations, and reinstatement

A Missouri driver's license can be suspended or revoked for reasons including unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, driving under the influence, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process.

If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. You will receive a notice in the mail explaining the reason and the length of the suspension. Some suspensions are lifted automatically after a set period; others require you to take action, such as paying fines or completing a defensive driving course. You can check the status of your license on the Missouri Department of Revenue website using your license number and date of birth.

If your license is revoked, you must file a reinstatement petition with the Missouri Department of Revenue. The process varies depending on why your license was revoked. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee, provide proof of insurance, or complete a substance abuse program. The Department of Revenue will tell you what is required when you contact them.

Changing your address or name on your Missouri license

If you move to a new address in Missouri, you must update your driver's license within 30 days. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a license office. An online address change is free and takes a few minutes. A mail-in change requires a form available on the Department of Revenue website and takes one to two weeks.

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must visit a license office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. The fee for a name change is the same as a replacement fee. Your new license will have your new name and a new license number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri driver's license online?

You can renew online only if your license expired fewer than five years ago, you have no medical suspensions, and your address has not changed. If any of these conditions do not explore, you must renew in person at a license office or by mail if you meet the mail-in requirements.

What do I do if I fail the written or driving test?

You can retake either test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts. Each retake has a fee. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

How do I check if my license is suspended?

Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website and use the license status check tool. You will need your license number and date of birth. The tool tells you whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked, and why.

Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Missouri?

A standard Missouri driver's license is sufficient for driving. Real ID is required only for federal purposes: entering federal buildings, military bases, and boarding domestic flights. For driving alone, a standard license works.

What happens if I let my license expire?

Driving with an expired license is illegal. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online. If it expired more than five years ago, you must visit a license office and retake the written and driving tests.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.