How to Renew Your Missouri Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you 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 nearly everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal.

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 your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

For an online renewal, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need to upload a new photo or use the one on file. The online system will walk you through each step and tell you when ready if you do not meet the requirements.

Key Takeaways

Missouri allows online renewal for licenses that are not yet expired and have no medical restrictions or address changes, and the process takes about 10 minutes.
In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.
You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date.
A renewed license costs $13.50 for a four-year license or $27 for an eight-year license, and you can choose which term you want.
If you renew online, your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewal produces an when ready temporary license and a permanent one by mail.

Online renewal step by step

Go to the Missouri Secretary of State website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against the Department of Revenue database.

Next, you will upload a new photo or confirm that you want to use the photo already on file. Missouri accepts photos taken against any background, but your face must be clearly visible and you cannot wear sunglasses or a hat that covers your hair. If you upload a new photo, it must be a JPEG or PNG file no larger than 5 MB.

You will then review your personal information and confirm your address. If any information is incorrect, you will be directed to complete your renewal in person instead. Once you confirm everything, you will pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office

Find the nearest Department of Revenue office on the Missouri Secretary of State website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling the office directly. Bring all required documents with you — staff will not accept incomplete applications and you will have to return another time.

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and wait to be called. The staff member will review your documents, take a new photo of you, and ask you to sign the back of your process. You will then pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person. The process is the same, but you will also need to pass a vision test and answer questions about any medical conditions that might affect your ability to drive commercially.

Timeline and costs

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you renew online, the entire process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

A four-year driver's license costs $13.50. An eight-year license costs $27. You choose which term you want when you renew. Missouri does not charge extra for a replacement if your license is lost or stolen, but you will need to report it to the Department of Revenue first.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, but you cannot renew online. The process and timeline are the same, but you will need to bring your expired license along with your other documents.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. You can check your license status on the Missouri Secretary of State website by entering your license number and date of birth.

If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the underlying issue — pay the fine, appear in court, or complete a defensive driving course — before you can renew. Contact the court or the Department of Revenue to find out exactly what you need to do. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license using the normal process.

Renewing a license with a medical restriction or endorsement

If your current license has a medical restriction (such as "corrective lenses required" or "automatic transmission only"), you can renew in person at any Department of Revenue office. You cannot renew online if you have a medical restriction, because the system cannot verify that your condition has not changed.

When you renew in person, the staff member will ask whether your medical condition has changed. If it has not, they will renew your license with the same restriction. If it has changed, they may ask you to provide a medical certificate from your doctor or refer you to the Department of Revenue's medical review unit. Bring any medical documentation with you to speed up the process.

If your license has an endorsement (such as a motorcycle endorsement or a hazmat endorsement), you can renew online as long as you have no medical restrictions and no address changes. The endorsement will carry over to your new license automatically.

What to do if you cannot find your current license

If you cannot find your current license, you can still renew. For online renewal, you will need your license number, which you can find on your vehicle registration, insurance card, or any document the Department of Revenue has sent you. If you cannot locate your license number, you will need to renew in person instead.

For in-person renewal, bring whatever documents you have — your proof of Social Security number and proof of address are what matter most. The staff member will look up your license information in the system and proceed with the renewal. If your license was lost or stolen, you can report it at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have moved to a different address?

If you have moved, you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. Online renewal is not available when your address has changed because the system needs to verify your new address against official records.

What if I want a different photo on my new license?

For online renewal, you can upload a new photo during the process. For in-person renewal, the staff member will take a new photo of you at the office. You cannot bring a photo from home for an in-person renewal — the Department of Revenue takes all photos in-house to may support they meet state standards.

How long is my temporary license good for?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, but if it does not, you can use the temporary license until it arrives. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is sufficient for all purposes.

Can I renew my license by mail?

Missouri does not offer mail-in renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either online or in person at a Department of Revenue office. If you are unable to visit an office, online renewal is your fastest option and takes about 10 minutes from your home.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You must renew in person; online renewal is not available when your name has changed. The staff member will verify the document and update your information in the system.

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.