What you need to do to renew in Missouri
Missouri renews driver's licenses by mail, online, or in person at a Driver License Office. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people can renew without visiting an office, but some situations require you to show up in person.
Your Missouri driver's license is valid for six or eight years, depending on your age when you got it. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. Missouri sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name.
- Renewing by mail takes about two to three weeks and requires sending in your current license, a completed form, and a check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Office is required if your license is expired, you need to update your address, or you want to change your photo.
- The renewal fee in Missouri is $13.50 for a four-year license or $27 for an eight-year license, though the exact amount depends on your age and license type.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
Renewing online through the Missouri website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website and look for the driver's license renewal section. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card).
Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you do not need to update your name or photo. If any of those things are not true, you must renew by mail or in person. The online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks.
Renewing by mail with a paper form
Mail renewal takes longer than online but does not require a trip to an office. Request a renewal form from the Missouri Department of Revenue by calling 573-526-2407, or read the form from their website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee.
Mail your completed form, license, and payment to the address shown on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the day the office receives your envelope. Do not mail cash. Keep a copy of everything you send in case there is a problem with your process.
Renewing in person at a Driver License Office
Visit a Driver License Office if your license is expired, you need to change your address, you want a new photo, or you are renewing for the first time in Missouri. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease). You will also need to pay the renewal fee in cash, by check, or by debit card — not all offices accept credit cards.
Bring a completed DL 44 form if you have one, though the office can provide a blank form if you do not. The in-person process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. Your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks. You can find the Driver License Office nearest you and check its hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website.
What to do if your license is already expired
If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver License Office in person and bring the same documents as a first-time applicant: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. You will also need to pass a vision test and may need to take a written test about traffic laws, depending on how long ago your license expired.
If your license expired less than a year ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the standard process. Missouri does not charge a penalty for renewing a license that is slightly expired, but the sooner you renew, the sooner you can legally drive again.
Updating your address or name during renewal
If you moved to a new address in Missouri, you must update your address when you renew. You cannot do this online; you must renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, write your new address clearly on the renewal form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that proves the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number and current address.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The renewal fee depends on your age and the length of the license you want. A four-year license costs $13.50, and an eight-year license costs $27. If you are 65 or older, the fee is lower. When you renew by mail, send a check or money order made out to the Missouri Department of Revenue. When you renew in person, you can pay with cash, check, or debit card at most offices, though some do not accept credit cards.
If you renew online, you can pay with a credit card or debit card. There is no additional fee for online renewal. Keep your receipt or confirmation number in case you need to track your process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you know you will be traveling or if you want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date one year (or more) in the future.
What if I lost my current license?
If you lost your license, you cannot renew by mail or online because you need to send in your current license. You must visit a Driver License Office in person and report the loss. Bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. You will pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
By mail or online, your new license arrives in about two to three weeks. In person, the office gives you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. If your new license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No, not unless you renew in person. If you renew by mail or online, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you want a new photo, you must renew at a Driver License Office in person.
What if I moved out of Missouri?
If you moved to another state, you should get a driver's license from that state instead of renewing your Missouri license. You can still renew your Missouri license if you want to keep it, but you will need to renew in person and bring proof of your out-of-state address.