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 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 name or address since your last renewal.
If you go in person, 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 Missouri address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will also need to pass a vision test at the office.
If you renew online, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, so do not wait until the expiration date passes.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri driver's licenses can be renewed in person at any Department of Revenue office or online through the Secretary of State website if your license is still valid.
- In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less, but only works if your license has not expired and you have not changed your name or address.
- A new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after in-person renewal, or within 5 to 7 business days after online renewal.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
How to renew online
Go to the Missouri Secretary of State's online renewal portal and enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm it is correct. You will also answer questions about whether you have any new medical conditions that would affect your driving.
Once you confirm your information, you will pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. Missouri charges $13.50 for a four-year renewal or $27 for an eight-year renewal. After payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.
Online renewal does not require you to visit an office or take a new photo. Missouri will use the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person instead.
How to renew in person at a Department of Revenue office
Find your nearest Missouri Department of Revenue office on their website and check their hours before you go. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have limited Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online check-in system where you reserve a time slot before arriving.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. At the office, you will complete an process form, have your vision tested, and have a new photo taken. The staff will collect your old license and issue you a receipt. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal costs $13.50 for a four-year license or $27 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or card, depending on the office.
When your license is already expired
If your license has already expired, you cannot use the online renewal system. You must go to a Department of Revenue office in person. Bring the same documents as you would for a regular renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
An expired license does not prevent you from renewing, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your new license comes in the mail, ask the office staff whether they can issue a temporary driving permit. Some offices issue a paper permit valid for 30 days; others do not.
If you have changed your name or address
If you have moved to a new address in Missouri, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your new address. The office will update your address during the renewal process.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you must also renew in person and bring proof of the name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will issue a new license with your updated name.
How long the process takes
Online renewal is the fastest option. After you submit your payment, your new license is mailed within 5 to 7 business days. You will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number so you can monitor delivery.
In-person renewal takes longer because your new license must be printed and mailed to you. Most licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days, though mail delays can extend this. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the office whether they can issue a temporary permit.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date, though there is no penalty for waiting until closer to the important date.
What to do if you cannot find your documents
If you cannot locate your proof of Social Security number, you can order a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration website or by calling 1-800-772-1213. A replacement card usually arrives within 2 to 4 weeks.
If you do not have proof of your current address, a utility bill in your name is the easiest option, but you can also use a lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If none of these are available, call your local Department of Revenue office to ask what other documents they will accept.
If you have lost your current license and cannot find it, you can still renew in person. Tell the office staff that your license is lost. They will issue a new one, though the process may take slightly longer because they will need to verify your identity more thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
Yes. Missouri does not have a time limit on how long a license can be expired before you renew it. You will still need to bring proof of your Social Security number and current address, and you must renew in person because the online system does not work for expired licenses.
Do I need to take a new written test when I renew?
No. Renewal does not include a written test. You will only take a vision test to make sure you can still see well enough to drive safely. If you fail the vision test, the office will tell you what to do next.
What if I move out of Missouri after I renew?
Your Missouri license remains valid in other states. If you move to another state and want to get a license there, you will need to contact that state's Department of Motor Vehicles. You do not need to do anything with your Missouri license.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your license yourself, either online or in person. The Department of Revenue requires you to verify your identity and take a vision test, so they cannot accept a renewal from someone acting on your behalf.
How much does it cost to renew?
A four-year renewal costs $13.50, and an eight-year renewal costs $27. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal. You can choose which term length you want when you renew.