What you need to do to renew in Missouri
Missouri renews driver licenses by mail, online, or in person at a Driver License Office. The method you use depends on your license type and how much time remains before expiration. Standard licenses can be renewed online or by mail if you meet certain conditions; if you cannot use those routes, you must visit an office in person.
The state does not send renewal notices in the mail, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date. You can find it on the front of your license. Missouri allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires, which gives you a wide window to complete the process without rushing.
Renewal fees vary depending on your license type and how long you want the new license to be valid. A standard four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. You can choose the length when you renew, and the fee is the only cost involved — there are no hidden charges or additional processing fees.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri allows online and mail renewal for most drivers, but you must meet specific requirements including a valid Social Security number and no recent address changes.
- You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, giving you plenty of time to avoid driving on an expired license.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Office is required if you have a commercial license, a hazmat endorsement, or if you do not meet the conditions for online or mail renewal.
- Renewal fees depend on whether you choose a four-year or eight-year license, and payment is made at the time of renewal.
- Missouri does not mail renewal reminders, so you must track your expiration date yourself or set a personal reminder.
Online renewal through the Missouri Secretary of State website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You go to the Missouri Secretary of State's online renewal portal, enter your driver license number and date of birth, and answer security questions to verify your identity. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.
To use online renewal, you must have a valid Social Security number on file with Missouri, your address must not have changed since your last renewal, and your license must not be expired by more than five years. You also cannot have a commercial license or hazmat endorsement. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, online renewal is not available and you must use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Once you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card, Missouri mails your new license to the address on file. The new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal by sending documents to the state
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed renewal form, and payment to the Missouri Department of Revenue. The form is the DL 44, which you can read from the Secretary of State website or request by phone.
Mail renewal has the same may be able to access requirements as online renewal: a valid Social Security number on file, no recent address change, no commercial license, and no hazmat endorsement. Your license must not be expired by more than five years. If you meet these conditions, mail renewal is a straightforward option that does not require a trip to an office.
Processing time for mail renewal is typically two to three weeks from the date Missouri receives your envelope. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash. Mail your packet to the address listed on the DL 44 form. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file once processing is complete.
In-person renewal at a Driver License Office
In-person renewal is required if you have a commercial driver license, a hazmat endorsement, or if you do not meet the conditions for online or mail renewal. You can also choose to renew in person even if you are may be able to access for other methods. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).
Visit your local Driver License Office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Secretary of State website. Bring the documents listed above and be prepared to pay the renewal fee in cash, check, or card.
Processing at an office is usually quick — you will receive your new license the same day or within a few days. The exact timing depends on how busy the office is. If you need your license urgently, calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you plan your visit.
Documents and fees for renewal
The documents you need depend on which renewal method you choose. For online renewal, you need only your driver license number and date of birth. For mail renewal, you need your current license, the completed DL 44 form, and payment. For in-person renewal, you need your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
Proof of Social Security number can be a Social Security card, W-2, 1099, or other official document showing your number. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail sent to your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
Renewal fees are $11.50 for a four-year license or $24 for an eight-year license. These are the only costs. You pay the fee when you renew, whether online, by mail, or in person. There are no additional charges for processing or expedited service.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license is expired, you cannot legally drive. However, you can still renew it. Online and mail renewal are available if your license expired no more than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver License Office.
Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic citation and a fine, even if you have a valid renewal in progress. Do not wait until your license expires to start the renewal process. Since Missouri allows renewal up to one year in advance, you have a long window to complete it without any rush.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license if I have moved to another state?
No. Online and mail renewal require that your address has not changed since your last renewal. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a Missouri Driver License Office and bring proof of your new address. If you have moved out of Missouri, you should get a license from your new state instead of renewing your Missouri license.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot use online or mail renewal if you do not have your current license to send in or reference. You must visit a Driver License Office in person. Bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your address. The office will issue a replacement license at the same time you renew.
How long does a renewed Missouri license take to arrive if I renew online?
Online-renewed licenses typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license faster, in-person renewal at an office is the only option that gives you a license the same day.
Can I renew my license early if it does not expire for several months?
Yes. Missouri allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not cost extra and does not shorten the validity of your new license — your new license will still be valid for four or eight years from the date you renew.
What if I have a commercial driver license?
Commercial licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Driver License Office. Bring your current commercial license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You may also need to pass a medical examination depending on the type of commercial license you hold.