Where to renew and what you need before you start

You can renew your Missouri driver 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 had any address changes since your last renewal.

Before you go to an office or sit down at your computer, gather your current driver 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 you are renewing in person and your address has changed, bring two proofs of your new address instead of one.

Missouri driver licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person — the online option is not available.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions.
  • In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is, and you can renew up to one year before your birthday.
  • You need your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address for either method.
  • A renewed license costs $13.50 online or $24 in person, and the online version is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing online through the Missouri Secretary of State website

Go to the Missouri Secretary of State online services page and select the driver license renewal option. You will need to enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online — if you see a message that you cannot renew online, you must go to a Department of Revenue office instead.

If you are may be able to access, you will review your current information and make any corrections to your address or name if needed. You then pay the $13.50 renewal fee by debit card or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is only available if your license has not expired, you have no medical restrictions or special endorsements that require a vision test, and your address has not changed since your last renewal. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, skip to the in-person section below.

Renewing in person at a Department of Revenue office

Find your nearest Department of Revenue office on the Missouri Secretary of State website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait than late afternoon or Friday.

Bring your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If your address has changed, bring two separate proofs of your new address. Hand these documents to the clerk at the counter. They will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot.

The in-person renewal fee is $24. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. Your new license will be printed and issued to you when ready, so you can drive home with it the same day. There is no waiting period.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired more than a few months ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit, a vision test, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers). The process takes longer and costs more than renewal.

If your license expired very recently — within the last 30 days or so — you may still be able to renew rather than reapply. Call your local Department of Revenue office to ask whether they will treat your case as a renewal or a new process. The answer depends on how long your license has been expired and the specific office's policy.

Renewing a license with medical restrictions or special endorsements

If your current license shows medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required, or hearing aid required), you must renew in person so the office can verify that your condition has not changed. Bring any medical documentation that supports your restriction — for example, a recent eye exam report if you wear corrective lenses.

If your license includes special endorsements such as a commercial driver license (CDL) or motorcycle endorsement, you must also renew in person. The office will verify that you still meet the requirements for that endorsement. For a CDL, you may need to pass a written test or medical examination depending on what type of CDL you hold.

Renewing after a name change

If you have changed your name since your last renewal — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must renew in person. Bring your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a document that shows your name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of name change.

The clerk will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name. The fee is the same as a standard renewal: $24 in person. Your new license will be printed when ready.

How long your new license is valid

A renewed Missouri driver license is valid for six years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of the license. You can renew again up to one year before that date expires.

If you renew online, your new license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your old license is still valid for driving. Once your new license arrives, you can destroy the old one or keep it for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri driver license if I live out of state?

Yes, if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions, you can renew online from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person — there is no mail-in option for in-person renewals.

What if I lost my driver license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a replacement. Go to a Department of Revenue office with proof of your identity, Social Security number, and current address. A replacement costs $13.50 and is issued when ready.

Do I need a vision test to renew my Missouri driver license?

No, unless your current license shows a medical restriction that requires one (such as corrective lenses required). If you have no medical restrictions, you do not need a vision test for renewal, whether you renew online or in person.

How much does it cost to renew online versus in person?

Online renewal costs $13.50, and in-person renewal costs $24. Both prices include the license itself. Online renewal is cheaper and faster, but only available if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions.

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take to restore it.