What Missouri requires to get your first driver's license
Missouri requires you to bring six documents to the Department of Revenue office: proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Missouri residency, proof of your date of birth, proof of your legal name, a completed process form (DL 43), and payment for the license fee. The fee varies depending on the type of license you want — a standard four-year license costs less than an eight-year license.
You will also take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, an eye exam at the office, and a driving test with an examiner. The written test can be taken on a computer at the office. If you fail any test, you can retake it, though you may need to wait a certain number of days between attempts.
If you are under 18, Missouri has additional requirements. You must complete a driver education course (either classroom or online), hold a learner's permit for a set period, and log supervised driving hours before you can take the driving test for a full license.
Key Takeaways
- You need six types of documents: Social Security proof, Missouri address proof, birth date proof, legal name proof, a completed DL 43 form, and payment.
- Missouri requires a written test, eye exam, and driving test at a Department of Revenue office — all on the same visit or across multiple visits depending on your readiness.
- Drivers under 18 must complete driver education, hold a learner's permit for a waiting period, and log supervised driving hours before taking the road test.
- You can retake any failed test, though there is typically a waiting period between attempts.
Which documents count as proof of residency and identity
For proof of residency, Missouri accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency — such as a tax notice or court document — also works.
For proof of your legal name, bring your birth certificate, passport, or court order if your name has changed. For proof of date of birth, the same documents work: birth certificate, passport, or adoption papers. For Social Security proof, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.
If you do not have a birth certificate, Missouri allows other documents such as a hospital birth record, religious record of birth, or passport. The Department of Revenue office staff can tell you whether a specific document will work before you make a trip.
How to renew or replace an expired or lost license
If your license has expired, you can renew it in person at a Department of Revenue office or online through the Missouri state website if your license expired within the last five years and you have not had any address changes. The online renewal is faster and does not require you to retake tests.
If your license was lost or stolen, you must go to a Department of Revenue office in person and report it. Bring your documents again — the same six types required for a new license. You will receive a replacement with a new number. If you find your old license later, you should destroy it.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Department of Revenue to find out the reason and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.
What happens during the written test and eye exam
The written test covers Missouri traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You will answer 25 questions on a computer at the office, and you must get at least 16 correct to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages. You can study using the Missouri Driver Guide, which is free and available online or in print at any Department of Revenue office.
The eye exam checks your vision and color blindness. You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, your license will be marked to show that you must wear them while driving. If you fail the eye exam, you will be told what vision correction you need and can retake it after getting glasses or contacts.
How the driving test works and what examiners look for
The driving test lasts about 25 to 30 minutes and takes place on public roads near the Department of Revenue office. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be in safe working condition with valid registration and insurance. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers such as starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping.
The examiner scores you on vehicle control, following traffic laws, awareness of other drivers and pedestrians, and proper use of mirrors and signals. You must pass the test to receive your license. If you fail, you can retake it, though you may need to wait a few days and pay a retest fee.
Common reasons people fail include not coming to a complete stop, improper lane changes, hitting the curb while parking, or not checking mirrors frequently enough. Practicing these specific skills before your test can help you pass on the first attempt.
Requirements for drivers under 18 and the learner's permit process
Missouri requires drivers under 18 to complete a driver education course before they can get a learner's permit. The course can be taken in a classroom (usually through a high school or private driving school) or online. After completing the course, you receive a certificate of completion that you bring to the Department of Revenue office.
With the certificate, you can get a learner's permit by passing the written test and eye exam. A learner's permit allows you to drive only when supervised by a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat. You must hold the learner's permit for a waiting period — typically several months — before you can take the driving test for a full license.
During the learner's permit period, you must follow additional restrictions: no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., no use of cell phones while driving, and no passengers under 19 (except family members) without adult supervision. These restrictions lift once you pass the driving test and receive your full license.
Fees and how long the process takes
A standard four-year Missouri driver's license costs one amount, while an eight-year license costs more. Replacement licenses, renewals, and duplicate licenses each have their own fees. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the Department of Revenue office. Fees do not change based on where you live in Missouri.
The entire process from your first visit to receiving your license in the mail typically takes two to four weeks. The written test and eye exam can happen on your first visit, but you may want to schedule your driving test for a later date after you have had time to practice. Once you pass all three tests, your license is printed and mailed to your address.
If you need your license faster, some Department of Revenue offices offer expedited service for an additional fee. You can also check the office website to see current wait times before you go in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. Missouri offers the written test in English and several other languages at Department of Revenue offices. When you arrive, let the staff know which language you need, and they will provide the test on a computer in that language.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test after waiting a few days. You will need to pay the retest fee and bring your vehicle again. Many people pass on the second or third attempt after practicing the specific skills the examiner noted.
Do I need to bring my vehicle to the office for the written test and eye exam?
No. You only need your vehicle on the day of your driving test. For the written test and eye exam, you just need to bring your documents and payment to the Department of Revenue office.
What if my address changes after I get my license?
You must report the address change to the Department of Revenue within 30 days. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at an office. You do not need to get a new license unless you want to update the address on it.
Can I renew my license online if it has been expired for more than five years?
No. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew it in person at a Department of Revenue office and retake the written test and eye exam. You may not need to retake the driving test depending on your age and driving record.