How to Renew Your Missouri Driver's License

Renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and how long it's been expired

Missouri lets you renew your driver's license through three different routes: online at dmv.mo.gov, by mail if your license hasn't been expired for more than five years, or in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. Which route you take depends on whether you need a REAL ID-compliant license, how recently your license expired, and whether you've had any address changes or violations since your last renewal.

The online method is fastest if you're may be able to access — you can complete it in about 15 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The mail route takes longer but requires no trip to an office. In-person renewal at a local office is necessary if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a REAL ID upgrade, or if you want your new license the same day.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through dmv.mo.gov works only if your license expired within the last five years and you don't need a REAL ID upgrade.
You'll need your Social Security number, current address, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks total but requires no office visit; send your completed form, fee, and current license to the address on the form.
In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you want a REAL ID license.
Missouri charges $13.50 for a standard four-year renewal or $24.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license.

Renewing online through the Missouri DMV website

Go to dmv.mo.gov and select "Renew Driver License" from the homepage. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current record and show you whether you're may be able to access for online renewal — if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need a REAL ID, the system will tell you to renew in person instead.

If you're may be able to access, review your current address and personal information. If your address has changed since your last renewal, update it now. Then select your license type: a standard four-year license costs $13.50, or you can upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license for $24.50. Pay with a debit or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation number by email, and your new license will arrive at your address within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal does not include a new photo — your new license will use the photo from your current or most recent license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office.

Renewing by mail if your license expired within five years

read the driver's license renewal form (Form DL 44) from dmv.mo.gov or call 573-526-2407 to request one by mail. Fill out the form completely, including your current address. Sign and date it. Enclose your current driver's license and a check or money order for $13.50 (standard license) or $24.50 (REAL ID). Do not send cash.

Mail the form, your license, and payment to the address printed on the form — currently the Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver Examination Bureau, P.O. Box 200, Jefferson City, MO 65105. Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the department receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided on the form.

Like online renewal, mail renewal uses your existing photo. You cannot request a new photo by mail. If you need a new photo or if your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person.

Renewing in person at a Department of Revenue office

Visit any Missouri Department of Revenue office to renew in person. You can find the office nearest you and check hours at dmv.mo.gov under "Office Locations." Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). If your address has changed since your last license, bring proof of both your old and new addresses.

Tell the staff member you're renewing your license and whether you want a standard license ($13.50) or a REAL ID-compliant license ($24.50). You'll have a new photo taken at the office. Pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. If you renew in person, you can receive your new license the same day or within a few days, depending on the office's processing time — ask the staff member when to expect it.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years. It's also the only way to get a REAL ID license if you don't already have one, though you can upgrade to REAL ID online or by mail if your current license is not expired.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than five years

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The office will take a new photo and issue your renewed license.

If your expired license is lost or damaged, bring a government-issued photo ID instead (a passport, military ID, or state ID card). The staff member will verify your identity and proceed with renewal. You'll still pay the standard renewal fee of $13.50 for a regular license or $24.50 for REAL ID.

Understanding REAL ID and whether you need it

A REAL ID-compliant Missouri driver's license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have a gold star, you can upgrade to REAL ID during renewal.

To get a REAL ID license, you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office or upgrade online or by mail if your current license is not expired. You'll need to bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address, the same documents required for any in-person renewal. The REAL ID license costs $24.50 instead of the standard $13.50 fee.

If you don't need to fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient. You can continue to renew standard licenses online or by mail as long as your license hasn't been expired for more than five years.

Timeline and what to expect after you renew

Online renewal is the fastest option: your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the department receives your envelope, so add a few days for postal delivery. In-person renewal is the quickest if you need your license when ready — you may receive it the same day or within a few days, depending on the office's workload.

Your renewed license is valid for four years from the date of renewal. If you renew online or by mail and don't receive your new license within the expected timeframe, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407. If you renew in person, ask the staff member for an estimated pickup date or delivery date before you leave the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than five years?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years. You must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Only if you renew in person. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current or most recent license. If you want a new photo, you must visit a Department of Revenue office.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

Update your address during the renewal process, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew by mail or in person and your address is different from the one on your current license, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).

How much does it cost to renew in Missouri?

A standard four-year driver's license renewal costs $13.50. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $24.50. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online and in-person accept cash, debit, and credit cards; mail renewal requires a check or money order.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. 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 renewal date, not from your old expiration date.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.