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 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 Missouri address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
You do not need an appointment at most Missouri Department of Revenue offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you a trip during peak hours.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.
- Online renewal through the Missouri Secretary of State website is available only if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions.
- The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $42.50 for an eight-year license; you can choose which term when you renew.
Timeline for renewal and expiration dates
Your Missouri driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew it starting one year before that date, which gives you a full 12 months to complete the process. If you wait until after your birthday, your license is expired and you cannot legally drive, though you can still renew it at any time.
Renewing before expiration is simpler than renewing after, because expired licenses trigger additional verification steps. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, not just the renewal process.
Online renewal: when it works and when you need to go in person
The Missouri Secretary of State website offers online renewal if all of these are true: your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions or corrective lens requirements on your license, you have not changed your address in the last four years, and you have not changed your name. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal.
If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. Address changes, name changes, and adding or removing medical restrictions all require in-person verification. If your license is already expired, you can still renew online only if the other conditions are met, but the system will flag you and may require additional steps.
What happens at the Department of Revenue office
When you arrive at a Missouri Department of Revenue office with your documents, you will check in and wait for your number to be called. A staff member will review your documents, ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file, and take a new photo for your license.
You will also take a vision test at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. You do not retake the written driving test unless your license has been expired for more than five years or you have medical reasons that require it.
After the vision test and photo, you pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your new plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. Keep the temporary license with you while you drive, because it is your proof of a valid license until the plastic card arrives.
Choosing your license term and renewal fee
When you renew, you choose whether to get a four-year license for $24.50 or an eight-year license for $42.50. The eight-year option costs more upfront but means you renew less often. Most people choose based on how long they plan to stay in Missouri or whether they expect their address or medical status to change.
Payment methods vary by location. Most Department of Revenue offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations may have different payment options, so calling ahead can confirm what your local office takes.
What to do if your license is already expired
If your license expired before your birthday has passed this year, you can still renew it, but you cannot legally drive until the renewal is complete. Do not drive with an expired license, even if you have a temporary paper license from the Department of Revenue office.
Renewing an expired license follows the same process as renewing before expiration: bring the same documents and go to a Department of Revenue office. The only difference is that the staff member may ask additional questions to confirm your identity, and the process may take slightly longer.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, Missouri treats it as a new license process rather than a renewal. You will need to retake the written test and the vision test, and the process takes longer. If this applies to you, call your local Department of Revenue office before you go, because you may need to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail?
Missouri does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew either online through the Secretary of State website or in person at a Department of Revenue office. Online renewal is the closest option to mail-in, because you do not have to leave your home.
What if I do not have proof of my Social Security number?
You must bring one of these documents: your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your Social Security number. If you do not have any of these, contact your local Department of Revenue office to ask what other documents they accept.
Do I need to bring my old license if I renew online?
No. Online renewal only requires you to enter information from your current license into the website. You do not mail in your old license or bring it anywhere. Your new license will arrive by mail.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
The temporary paper license issued at the Department of Revenue office is valid for 30 days. Your new plastic license should arrive within two to three weeks, but if it does not, contact the Department of Revenue to check the status.
Can I change my address when I renew?
Yes, but only in person at a Department of Revenue office. If you change your address online, the system will not allow you to complete the renewal. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) along with your other documents.