Where to renew and what you need to bring
You can renew your Missouri driver's license in person at any Missouri Department of Revenue office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is straightforward: 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). You do not need to pass a vision or written test unless your license has been expired for more than five years.
If you choose to renew online, you must have a valid Missouri driver's license that is not expired, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or changes to your name, address, or other information since your last renewal. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person because you avoid the office fee. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within 60 days.
- Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have no changes to your name, address, medical restrictions, or other personal information.
- The renewal fee is $11.50 for a four-year license or $24 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at an office location.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online, or you can receive it when ready at the office if you renew in person.
How long your renewed license lasts
Missouri offers two renewal terms: a four-year license and an eight-year license. The four-year license costs $11.50 and the eight-year license costs $24. You choose which term you want when you renew, whether you are renewing in person or online. The eight-year option saves you money over time because you renew less often, but the four-year option may be better if you expect changes to your address, name, or other information in the near future.
Your renewal date is printed on your new license. Missouri does not send renewal reminders, so mark your calendar or set a phone reminder about 30 days before your license expires. Driving on an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation.
What to do if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for five years or less, you can renew it using the same process as a current license — bring your documents to an office or renew online if you are may be able to access. You will not need to retake the written or vision test. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and you will need to pass both the vision test and the written knowledge test, just as if you were getting a license for the first time.
The written test covers Missouri traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Missouri Driver Guide, which is free and available on the Department of Revenue website. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you fail the vision test, you can retake it after 24 hours.
Finding a Department of Revenue office near you
Missouri has about 50 Department of Revenue offices across the state. You can find the one nearest you by entering your city or ZIP code on the Department of Revenue website. The website also shows each office's hours, which vary by location — some are open Monday through Friday, while others have Saturday hours. Many offices are busier on certain days, so calling ahead can tell you how long the wait is.
You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now offer appointment scheduling through the website. If your office offers appointments, booking one can save you time. Walk-ins are still accepted at all locations.
Renewing by mail or through a third party
Missouri does not allow you to renew your driver's license by mail. You must renew either in person at a Department of Revenue office or online through the state website. Some private vendors offer to handle your renewal for you, but they charge a fee on top of the state renewal fee and do not speed up the process — the state still processes your renewal at the same pace.
If you are unable to visit an office in person and you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, you can ask someone you trust to renew on your behalf. They will need a notarized power of attorney document signed by you, along with all the documents listed above. The Department of Revenue website has a form you can use for this purpose.
What happens after you renew
If you renew in person at an office, you receive your new license when ready. If you renew online, your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your old license is still valid for driving. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one — you can cut it up or shred it.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Department of Revenue to report it. They can check the status of your renewal and reissue your license if needed. Keep your confirmation number from your online renewal or your receipt from your in-person renewal in case you need to follow up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have changed my name?
No, you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office if your name has changed since your last license was issued. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. You cannot use online renewal when your name has changed.
What if I have moved to a different address?
If you have moved within Missouri, you can renew online only if you update your address before you start the renewal process. If you have moved out of state, you must renew in person. Bring your new proof of address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — along with your current license and proof of your Social Security number.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
For in-person renewal, the Department of Revenue takes a new photo as part of the process. For online renewal, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person instead of online.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Department of Revenue to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it through the normal process.