Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Missouri driver's license at any Missouri Department of Revenue office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster — you walk out with a temporary license the same day — but the mail route works if your license is not suspended, 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 (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Missouri address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your address has changed, bring two proofs of your new address. You'll also need to pass a vision test at the office.

For a mail renewal, you'll fill out form DL 43 (the renewal process), include a photocopy of your current license, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with the renewal fee. Mail renewals take about two to three weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any Department of Revenue office and receive a temporary license when ready, or by mail if your license is not suspended and your address hasn't changed.
  • In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address dated within 60 days.
  • Mail renewal uses form DL 43 and takes two to three weeks; you must photocopy your current license and include the renewal fee.
  • Your renewed license is valid for six years from the date of renewal, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.

When you can renew and how long it lasts

Missouri allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires. This means if your license expires on June 15, you can renew it starting June 15 of the previous year. Renewing early doesn't change your expiration date — your new license will still expire six years from the date you renew, not six years from when your old one would have expired.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person using the same process. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, you'll need to take the written knowledge test and driving skills test in addition to the standard renewal steps — this is treated as a new license rather than a renewal.

The renewal fee and payment methods

The renewal fee for a standard six-year driver's license is $30. If you're renewing in person, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card at the Department of Revenue office. For mail renewals, you can pay by check or money order — do not send cash through the mail.

Some Department of Revenue offices also accept online payment before you arrive, which can speed up your in-person visit. Check the website for your local office to see if this option is available.

What happens if your license is suspended or you have medical restrictions

If your license is currently suspended, you cannot renew by mail. You must go to a Department of Revenue office in person, where staff can address the suspension before processing your renewal. Bring documentation showing the suspension has been resolved — this might be proof of payment for unpaid traffic fines, completion of a required course, or a letter from the court.

If your current license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required, or automatic transmission only), you can renew by mail only if those restrictions remain the same. If your medical situation has changed, you must renew in person so the office can update your restrictions based on a new vision test or medical evaluation.

Renewing with a name change

If your name has changed since your last renewal — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you cannot renew by mail. You must renew in person and bring legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for legal name change.

Bring your current license along with the name change document. The Department of Revenue will update your name on your new license during the renewal process.

Getting a temporary license and replacing a lost or damaged license

When you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. This temporary license has the same legal standing as your permanent license for driving purposes. Your permanent license typically arrives within one to two weeks.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can request a replacement at any Department of Revenue office. This is a separate transaction from renewal and costs $10. You'll need to bring proof of identity and your Social Security number. If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a police report, though it's not required by the Department of Revenue.

Renewing online or through third-party services

Missouri does not currently offer online renewal of driver's licenses through the Department of Revenue website. You must renew either in person or by mail using the official process described above.

Be cautious of third-party websites that claim to process Missouri driver's license renewals. These services typically charge extra fees and straightforward submit your mail renewal on your behalf — you can do this yourself for just the $30 state fee. The Department of Revenue website lists only official renewal methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail from anywhere. Fill out form DL 43, photocopy your current license, and mail it with the $30 fee to the address on the form. If you need to renew in person while out of state, you'll need to wait until you return to Missouri, as the Department of Revenue does not process renewals at other locations.

What if I don't have proof of my Social Security number?

You'll need to bring one of these documents: your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your Social Security number. If you don't have any of these, contact your local Social Security office to request a replacement card before you go to renew your license.

How long does an in-person renewal take at the office?

Wait times vary by location and time of day, but most in-person renewals take 15 to 45 minutes from check-in to receiving your temporary license. Visiting early in the morning or on weekday mornings typically means shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.

What if my address changed but I don't have two proofs of the new address?

You'll need two documents dated within 60 days showing your current address. If you only have one, you can bring a lease or mortgage statement (which may be older) plus a recent utility bill or bank statement. Contact your local Department of Revenue office before you go if you're unsure whether your documents will work.

Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?

Your renewed license is mailed directly to the address you provide on your renewal form, so you don't need to pick it up in person. If you need to change where it's mailed, contact the Department of Revenue before your renewal is processed.