What you need to do to renew in Missouri

Missouri lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver License Office. The method you choose depends on your license type and how much time you have — mail renewal takes four to six weeks, online takes minutes but only works for certain licenses, and in-person renewal is same-day. You do not need to take the written or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than one year, or unless Missouri's system flags your record for a retest.

Your current license must not be suspended or revoked, and you must have a valid reason to renew — usually that your expiration date is within 180 days. If your license expired more than one year ago, you will need to explore as a new driver rather than renew, which means the written test, vision test, and in-person visit are required.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through Missouri's website takes about 10 minutes and costs $11.50, but only works if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address.
  • Mail renewal costs $11.50, takes four to six weeks, and requires you to send your current license and a completed form to Jefferson City.
  • In-person renewal at any Driver License Office takes about 30 minutes, costs $11.50, and is the only option if your address has changed or your license is already expired.
  • You will need to provide proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) if you have moved since your last renewal.
  • If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must visit a Driver License Office and retake the written and vision tests.

Renewing online through Missouri's website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the Missouri Secretary of State's website and select the Driver License Renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against Missouri's records and tell you when ready whether you can renew online.

Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you do not need a corrected name or gender marker. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, the system will direct you to mail or in-person renewal instead. The fee is $11.50, paid by debit or credit card, and your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL 43) from the Missouri Secretary of State's website or pick one up at any Driver License Office. Fill in your current information, sign the form, and include your current driver's license. Mail both to the Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver License Bureau, P.O. Box 200, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0200.

Include a check or money order for $11.50 made payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Do not send cash. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the date the office receives your envelope, so send it at least six weeks before your license expires if you need it by a specific date. If your address has changed, you must also include a document proving your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, or recent bank statement all work.

Renewing in person at a Driver License Office

Visit any Missouri Driver License Office with your current license, proof of residency if you have moved, and $11.50 in cash or card. You will not need to take the written or vision test unless your license expired more than one year ago or the office's system indicates you need a retest. The visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Bring a document showing your current address if you have moved since your last renewal — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days all count. If your name has changed, bring the document that proves it: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can find your nearest Driver License Office and check its hours on the Missouri Secretary of State's website.

What happens if your license is already expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver License Office in person, bring your expired license, and retake both the written test and the vision test. You will also need to bring proof of residency and pay the $11.50 renewal fee. This process takes longer than a standard renewal because of the testing requirement.

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the standard process — no retest is required. The one-year window is measured from your license's expiration date, not from today.

What to bring and what it costs

For any renewal method, have your current license ready. If your address has changed, bring one document proving where you live now: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

The renewal fee is $11.50 for a standard four-year license. If you are renewing online, pay by debit or credit card. If you are renewing by mail, send a check or money order — do not send cash. If you are renewing in person, bring cash or a card. Some Driver License Offices accept card payments, but not all, so call ahead if you want to confirm.

How long your new license takes to arrive

Online renewal: your license arrives by mail in about two weeks. Mail renewal: four to six weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. In-person renewal: you receive your license the same day you visit, though the office may mail it to you if the system is slow that day — ask when you arrive.

If you need your license by a specific date and you are considering mail renewal, send your envelope at least six weeks early to account for mail delivery time and processing time. If you are cutting it close, visit a Driver License Office in person instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if my address has changed?

Yes, but not online. You must renew by mail or in person. If you renew by mail, include a document proving your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days. If you renew in person, bring the same document with you.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person. Bring your current license and the document that proves your name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license the same day.

Do I have to retake the written test to renew?

No, unless your license expired more than one year ago or Missouri's system flags your record. If you are renewing within one year of expiration, you skip the test. If your license has been expired longer than one year, you must retake both the written and vision tests and visit in person.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. Visit a Driver License Office in person with proof of identity and residency. The office will look up your record and issue a replacement license. This counts as a replacement, not a renewal, and may have different requirements — call ahead to confirm what to bring.

How long is my new license valid for?

A standard Missouri driver's license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. Your renewal notice will show your new expiration date. Senior drivers (age 70 and older) may have different renewal periods — check your notice or call a Driver License Office to confirm.