Whether you need to take a test when renewing in Missouri
Missouri does not require you to take a written test or vision test when you renew your driver's license by mail or online, as long as your license has not been suspended or revoked and you meet the basic renewal requirements. If you renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office, you will take a vision screening — not a written knowledge test — to check that you can see well enough to drive safely.
The written test (the one covering road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices) is only required if you are getting your first license, upgrading to a different class of license, or if your license has been expired for more than five years. Since you are renewing an existing license, you will not face the written exam unless one of those situations applies to you.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri's standard renewal does not include a written knowledge test, only a vision screening if you renew in person.
- You will need to pass a vision test at a Missouri Department of Revenue office if you choose to renew there instead of by mail or online.
- The written test is required only if your license has been expired for more than five years, you are upgrading your license class, or you are getting your first license.
- You can renew by mail or online to skip the in-person vision screening entirely, as long as you meet Missouri's renewal timeline and your license is still valid.
What the vision screening involves
If you renew in person at a Department of Revenue office, you will read letters and numbers on a chart from a set distance to demonstrate you can see clearly enough to drive. This is a quick check — not an eye exam — and you do not need to bring glasses or contact lens records unless you wear them while driving. If you wear corrective lenses while driving, wear them during the vision screening.
The vision screening tests your ability to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction. If you fail the screening, the Department of Revenue will not renew your license until you pass. You can retake it the same day or return another time. Some people choose to visit an eye doctor first if they are concerned about their vision, though that is not required by Missouri.
Renewing by mail or online to avoid the test
Missouri allows you to renew by mail or through the online portal at dmv.mo.gov if your license is still valid and you have not had any suspensions or revocations. When you renew this way, you skip both the vision screening and any written test — you straightforward submit your renewal form and fee, and your new license arrives by mail.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the Department of Revenue receives your process. Online renewal is faster: you can complete it when ready and your new license will be mailed to you within the same timeframe. Both methods cost the same as renewing in person, so the choice comes down to whether you want to avoid the office visit.
When you must renew in person
You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your name or address on the license itself, or if you are upgrading to a different class of license (such as from a regular license to a commercial driver's license). In those cases, you must go to a Department of Revenue office and will take the vision screening as part of the renewal.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, Missouri treats it as a new license process rather than a renewal, which means you will need to take the written knowledge test along with the vision screening. You can study for the written test using the Missouri Driver Guide, which is available free on the Department of Revenue website.
How to prepare if you need the written test
The Missouri Driver Guide covers all the topics on the written test: road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and safe driving practices. You can read it from dmv.mo.gov or pick up a printed copy at any Department of Revenue office. The test itself has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 18 correctly to pass.
Most people study the guide for a few hours before taking the test. There is no time limit on how long you can study — you can take the test whenever you feel ready. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another time. There is no extra fee to retake the test.
What documents to bring to a Department of Revenue office
Bring your current driver's license, proof of Missouri residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing in person and your address has changed, bring a document that shows your new address. If you wear corrective lenses while driving, bring your glasses or contacts so you can wear them during the vision screening.
You do not need to bring the Missouri Driver Guide to the office — you can study it at home beforehand. Bring only the documents listed above and be ready to pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on how long your new license will be valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take the written test if my license expired more than five years ago?
Yes. Missouri treats licenses expired for more than five years as new applications, not renewals. You will need to pass the written knowledge test (25 questions, 18 correct to pass) and the vision screening before you can get a new license. Study the Missouri Driver Guide before you go to the office.
What happens if I fail the vision screening?
You can retake it the same day or return another time at no extra cost. If you are concerned about your vision, you can visit an eye doctor before your appointment, though it is not required. Make sure you wear your glasses or contacts during the screening if you wear them while driving.
Can I renew online if my license is about to expire?
Yes, as long as your license is still valid and you have not had a suspension or revocation. You can renew online at dmv.mo.gov even if your license expires in a few days. Online renewal is processed when ready, and your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.
Is the vision screening the same as an eye exam?
No. The vision screening is a quick check to see if you can read letters and numbers from a distance. It is not a full eye exam. You do not need to bring eye doctor records or have a recent eye exam to pass the screening — you just need to see well enough to drive safely.