Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Missouri driver's license in person at any Missouri Department of Revenue office, or online through the Missouri Secretary of State website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your address in the last four years.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
If you are renewing online, you will not need to bring documents to an office. You will enter your information on the Secretary of State website, pay the fee, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Missouri Secretary of State website takes 7 to 10 business days and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is not expired and you have not moved in four years.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
- Your new license will be mailed to you; you cannot pick it up the same day at any office location.
- Missouri driver's licenses expire on your birthday, four years after they are issued, so plan to renew before that date arrives.
- If your license is already expired, you must renew in person — the online option is not available.
In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office
Find your nearest Department of Revenue office on the Missouri Secretary of State website. You do not need an appointment; offices operate on a walk-in basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring all required documents listed above, plus your current license.
When you arrive, you will be asked to sit for a new photo and pass a vision screening. You will also answer questions about your health and any medical conditions that might affect your driving. The staff member will review your documents, collect the renewal fee, and process your process on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
The renewal fee for a four-year license is $28.50 if you renew in person. If you are 70 or older, the fee is $13.50 for a two-year license instead. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card.
Online renewal through the Secretary of State website
Go to the Missouri Secretary of State website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm whether you are may be able to access to renew online.
If you are may be able to access, you will review your current information and make any corrections to your address or name. You will then upload a new photo or use the photo from your current license. Payment is made by card only, and the fee is $19.50 for a four-year renewal. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number by email.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license to drive until the new one arrives.
When your license is expired or you cannot renew online
If your license has already expired, you cannot use the online renewal option. You must go to a Department of Revenue office in person. Bring the same documents as for a standard renewal, plus your expired license.
You also must renew in person if you have medical restrictions on your license, if you have changed your address within the last four years, or if you have changed your name. The in-person process is the same as a standard renewal — you will have a new photo taken, pass a vision screening, and answer health questions.
What happens after you submit your renewal
After you renew, whether online or in person, your new license is printed and mailed to your address on file. This takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives, even if your current license has expired.
If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 to check the status. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready when you call.
Renewing before your license expires
Missouri allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Your new license will be valid for four years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired. This means if you renew early, your old expiration date does not carry over — you get a fresh four-year term.
Renewing early can be useful if you are planning a trip and want to make sure your license arrives in time, or if you prefer not to wait until your birthday. The process and fees are the same whether you renew early or on your expiration date.
Real ID and enhanced licenses
A standard Missouri driver's license is not a Real ID. Real ID is a federal security standard required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you want a Real ID driver's license, you must renew in person and bring additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, and two proofs of your current address.
An enhanced driver's license is a separate product that allows you to cross the border into Canada and Mexico by land without a passport. Enhanced licenses also require in-person renewal and cost more than a standard license. Ask the staff at the Department of Revenue office if you want to know whether a Real ID or enhanced license is right for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail?
No. Missouri does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online through the Secretary of State website if you meet the conditions, or in person at a Department of Revenue office. Online renewal is the closest option to mail renewal, since you do not have to visit an office.
What if I moved and my address changed?
If you moved within the last four years, you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The staff will update your address during the renewal process.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
No. Department of Revenue offices accept walk-ins for license renewal. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday may mean a shorter wait than visiting in the afternoon or on a Saturday.
What if my license was lost or stolen?
If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot use the renewal process. You must explore for a replacement at a Department of Revenue office. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. A replacement costs $28.50 and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
Can I drive while I wait for my new license?
Yes. You can drive using your current license until your new license arrives, even if your current license has expired. Once your new license arrives, you should destroy your old one or turn it in at a Department of Revenue office.