The issue date is printed on the front of your Missouri driver's license, in the lower left area below your photograph
On a Missouri driver's license, the issue date appears as a line of text in the bottom left quadrant of the card, positioned below your photo and to the left of your signature. It shows the month, day, and year the Department of Revenue issued or renewed your current license — for example, "06/15/2021". This date marks when your license officially became valid.
The issue date is distinct from the expiration date, which appears on the right side of the card. Knowing where to find the issue date matters if you need to verify how long you have held your current license, report it to an employer, confirm the card's validity for a specific transaction, or track when you became may be able to access for certain privileges or renewals.
Key Takeaways
- The issue date is located in the lower left portion of the front of your Missouri driver's license, printed below your photograph.
- The format is always month/day/year, such as 06/15/2021, and the text is printed in black ink.
- The issue date differs from the expiration date, which appears on the right side of the card and tells you when your license stops being valid.
- You may need the issue date for employment verification, insurance claims, background checks, or other official records.
- If your license is damaged or faded and the issue date is illegible, you can request a replacement from the Missouri Department of Revenue.
How to read the date format on your license
Missouri prints the issue date in a standard month/day/year format. The first two digits represent the month (01 through 12), the next two represent the day (01 through 31), and the last four represent the year. So a date of "03/22/2019" means the license was issued on March 22, 2019.
The text is printed in black ink on the front of the card and is typically small but legible under normal lighting. The issue date line sits directly above or near other identifying information such as your address or license class. If you are reading it for the first time, compare it to the expiration date on the right side — the issue date will always be earlier than the expiration date.
If the print is difficult to read due to wear, damage, fading, or scratches, you can contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to request a replacement license. Bring your current license and proof of residency to a local license office, or mail your request with supporting documents.
Why the issue date matters
The issue date serves as a record of when your current license became valid. Some employers ask for this information during background checks or verification processes to confirm you have held a valid license for a certain period. Insurance companies may also request it when you provide your license as proof of identity or when calculating rates based on how long you have been licensed.
Banks and other financial institutions sometimes note the issue date when opening accounts or verifying identity. Law enforcement and government agencies may also reference it during traffic stops, license checks, or official transactions. The issue date also helps you track the age of your license and determine how close you are to needing a renewal.
Missouri driver's licenses are typically valid for six or eight years depending on your age at issuance, so the issue date tells you approximately when your next renewal will be due. Knowing this helps you plan ahead and avoid driving with an expired license.
Difference between issue date and expiration date
The issue date is when the Department of Revenue created your current license and made it valid for use. The expiration date is when that license stops being valid and you must renew it. On your Missouri license, the expiration date appears on the right side of the card, usually labeled "Expires" or shown as "EXP."
For example, if your issue date is 06/15/2021 and your license is valid for eight years, your expiration date would be 06/15/2029. The span between these two dates is your license's validity period. You can subtract the issue date from the expiration date to determine exactly how long your license is valid, which is useful if you need to know whether it is still current for a specific purpose.
What to do if you cannot locate the issue date
If your license is damaged, faded, or worn to the point that the issue date is illegible, you have the right to request a replacement. You can contact the Missouri Department of Revenue by phone, mail, or in person at a local license office. Bring your current license and proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
If you have lost your license entirely, you will need to explore for a replacement through the Department of Revenue. The replacement license will have a new issue date reflecting when it was issued, not the date of your original license. This means your validity period will restart from the new issue date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the issue date the same as the date I got my license in person?
Usually yes, but not always. If you applied by mail or online and the Department of Revenue processed your process over several days, the issue date may be a few days after you submitted your process or visited an office. The issue date is the official date the Department of Revenue recorded the license as active in their system.
Can I change my issue date?
No. The issue date is set by the Department of Revenue and cannot be changed. It reflects the official date your license was issued. If you believe the date is incorrect, contact the Department of Revenue with documentation of when you applied or received your license, and they can investigate.
What if my license shows an issue date in the future?
This is rare but can happen if there is a data entry error at the Department of Revenue. Contact your local license office with your license and identification to report the error. They can investigate and issue a corrected license if needed.
Do I need the issue date to renew my license?
You do not need to provide the issue date when you renew. The Department of Revenue has your records on file. However, knowing your issue date can help you determine whether you are may be able to access to renew early or whether your license is still valid for your current needs.