Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Missouri driver's license in person at any Missouri Department of Revenue office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, your address hasn't changed, and your name is the same as on your current license. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you must go in person. The Department of Revenue website has a tool that lets you check whether you're may be able to access for online renewal before you start.
If you've lost your license or it's been stolen, you cannot renew it—you'll need to request a replacement instead, which requires an in-person visit and a police report if it was stolen.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license is current, your address and name haven't changed, and you have no medical restrictions.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and takes about 30 minutes.
- Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file, usually arriving within 7 to 10 business days.
- Missouri driver's licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Renewing online through the Missouri website
Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your email address. The system will verify your information against state records and ask you to review your address and name to confirm they're correct.
If the system approves your renewal, you'll pay the renewal fee online using a credit or debit card. Missouri charges $42.50 for a six-year renewal. Once payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Your new license will be printed and mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If the system rejects your renewal request, it will tell you why and direct you to visit a Department of Revenue office in person. This usually happens because your address or name has changed, your license has expired, or the system cannot verify your information.
Renewing in person at a Department of Revenue office
Find your nearest Department of Revenue office on the state website or call 573-526-2407. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments during certain hours. Check the office's hours before you go, as they vary by location.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and be prepared to provide your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring two documents showing your new address—one can be the proof of residency, and the second can be a piece of mail from a government agency, employer, or financial institution.
The staff member will take your photo, verify your information, and process your payment. The fee is $42.50 for a six-year renewal. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it online and cannot use the standard renewal process in person. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which requires passing the written test and vision test again. You'll also need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using the standard process—either online or in person. Missouri allows a grace period of one year after expiration for renewal purposes. After that year passes, you're treated as a new applicant.
Renewing before your license expires
You can renew your Missouri driver's license up to one year before it expires. The expiration date on your current license is printed on the front. If you're within that one-year window, you're may be able to access to renew now, and your new license will have a new expiration date six years from the date you renew.
Renewing early is useful if you're planning a trip and want to make sure your license is current, or if you want to avoid the rush closer to your expiration date. There's no penalty for renewing early, and you don't lose any validity on your current license—the new one straightforward starts fresh from the renewal date.
Mailing address changes and special circumstances
If you've moved and your address on file with the Department of Revenue is outdated, your renewed license will still be mailed to the old address unless you update it before you renew. When you renew in person, the staff member will update your address in the system before processing your renewal. When you renew online, you'll be asked to confirm your current address, and you can correct it at that time.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online. You must visit a Department of Revenue office in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The staff will update your name in the system and process your renewal.
How long the process takes
In-person renewal is completed on the same day. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal takes longer because the entire process happens remotely—you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval, with no temporary license issued.
If you need your license sooner than the standard mailing time, you can request expedited processing in person at a Department of Revenue office. Expedited service costs extra and is not available for online renewals. Ask the staff member about expedited options and fees when you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
No. The Department of Revenue will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or court-ordered child support debt. You must resolve the debt first. Contact the court or the agency that issued the fine to find out how to pay it, then return to renew your license.
What if I'm out of state when my license expires?
You can renew online if you meet the may be able to access requirements, and your new license will be mailed to your Missouri address. If you're not may be able to access for online renewal, you can ask a family member or trusted person to renew on your behalf by visiting a Department of Revenue office in person with a notarized power of attorney form. Contact the Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 to ask about the specific form required.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Yes, if you renew in person. The Department of Revenue will take a new photo during your visit. If you renew online, your photo from your current license will be used on your new license.
What if my renewal is rejected online?
The system will explain why and direct you to visit a Department of Revenue office. Common reasons include an address or name change, an expired license, or a mismatch in the system's records. Bring the documents listed in the in-person renewal section, and the staff can resolve the issue and process your renewal on the spot.
Can I renew my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Missouri issues driver's licenses to lawful permanent residents and certain visa holders. You'll need to provide proof of legal residency status along with the standard documents (proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or tax identification number). Visit a Department of Revenue office in person to renew.