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 Missouri Secretary of State's 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 your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

For an online renewal through the Missouri Secretary of State's website, you'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The state charges a fee for renewal; the amount depends on whether you choose a standard license or a Real ID-compliant license, which costs more but is required for federal building access and domestic flights after May 2025.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri lets you renew online if your license is current, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed — this is the fastest option.
  • In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.
  • A Real ID-compliant license costs more than a standard license but will be required for domestic air travel and federal building access starting May 2025.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval, whether you renew online or in person.
  • If your license is expired, you must renew in person — you cannot use the online option.

Online renewal through the Missouri Secretary of State

Start at the Missouri Secretary of State's online driver's license renewal portal. You'll enter your driver's 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're may be able to access to renew online — if you are, you'll see a green checkmark next to each requirement.

If you're may be able to access, you'll review your current information and choose whether to keep your address or update it. You cannot change your address during an online renewal; if your address has changed, you must go to a Department of Revenue office instead. You'll then choose your license type (standard or Real ID) and pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card.

After you submit your payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. 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.

In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office

Find your nearest Department of Revenue office on the Missouri Secretary of State's website. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to book an appointment online. Check your local office's hours and appointment policy before you go, as wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring all required documents in their original form — photocopies are not accepted. The staff member will verify your identity, take a new photo, and ask you to sign the back of your new license. You'll pay the renewal fee at the counter. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days; you'll receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

If you need your license sooner, some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though availability varies. Ask at your local office whether this option is available and what it costs.

Real ID versus standard license: what's the difference

A Real ID-compliant license meets federal security standards and is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 7, 2025. A standard license does not meet these standards and will not be accepted for those purposes after that date, though you can still use it to drive and for other state purposes.

The Real ID license costs more — the exact amount depends on whether you're renewing for four years or six years, and whether you're renewing online or in person. You'll see the fee before you pay, whether you're renewing online or at an office. If you're unsure which type you need, ask yourself: do you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building? If yes, choose Real ID.

Both types of license are valid for driving in Missouri. The only difference is what they're accepted for outside of driving.

How long renewal takes and when your license arrives

Online renewal is the fastest option. You can complete it in about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal takes longer at the office — anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour depending on how busy your local office is — but your new license still arrives within the same 7 to 10 business days.

You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives. If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready that you can use while you wait. If you renew online, you won't receive a temporary document, but your current license remains valid.

If you need your license before the standard 7 to 10 days, contact your local Department of Revenue office to ask about expedited options. Not all offices offer this service, and it may cost extra.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for more than a certain period — Missouri's rules on this vary — you may need to take a written test or vision test when you renew, or you may need to renew in person rather than online. The online renewal system will tell you when ready if you're ineligible; if you see a red X next to any requirement, you must go to a Department of Revenue office instead.

Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The staff member will determine whether you need to take any tests based on how long your license has been expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?

If you renew online, no — the online system doesn't allow address changes. You must go to a Department of Revenue office in person to update your address during renewal. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew online without your current license number. Go to a Department of Revenue office and tell the staff member your license is lost. They can look up your record and issue a replacement or renewal. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address.

Do I need a Real ID if I don't fly?

No. A standard license is fine if you only drive and don't need to enter federal buildings or fly domestically. However, Real ID will be required for domestic air travel starting May 2025, so if you think you might fly in the future, it's worth getting now to avoid renewing again soon.

Can someone else pick up my new license for me?

No. Your new license is mailed directly to the address on file. You cannot pick it up at an office or have someone else collect it. If you need to change where it's mailed, contact your local Department of Revenue office before you renew.

What if I want to change my name during renewal?

You must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff member will update your name and issue your new license.