How to Renew Your Missouri Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Missouri driver's license at any Missouri Department of Revenue office, by mail, or online through the Missouri Secretary of State website — but not all renewal types work through all channels. In-person renewal at a local office takes about 30 minutes. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. Online renewal, available only if you meet specific requirements, takes about one week.

Before you go or submit anything, gather your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Missouri residency dated within 90 days (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing an REAL ID compliant license, you will also need to show proof of citizenship or legal residency, such as a passport or birth certificate.

Key Takeaways

Missouri driver's licenses expire on your birthday and can be renewed up to one year before expiration, either in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation.
You must bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency dated within 90 days to any Department of Revenue office.
Online renewal is the fastest option but only works if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade.
If you renew by mail, the Department of Revenue will mail your new license to the address on file, so update your address before you submit if it has changed.
REAL ID compliant licenses require proof of citizenship or legal residency and cost more than standard licenses, so confirm which type you need before you renew.

Online renewal: speed and limits

Online renewal through the Missouri Secretary of State website is the fastest path if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if your license is not yet expired, your name has not changed, you do not need to upgrade to a REAL ID compliant license, and your vision has not changed since your last renewal. The process takes about 10 minutes, and the Department of Revenue mails your new license within one week.

To start, visit the Missouri Secretary of State website, select the driver's license renewal option, and enter your license number and date of birth. You will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The system will confirm your address on file — if it is wrong, stop and renew in person or by mail instead, because you cannot change your address online. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number by email.

In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office

Visiting a local Department of Revenue office is the most flexible option and the only way to renew if you have changed your name, need a REAL ID upgrade, or your vision has changed. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and any name-change documents. You will also take a new photo and may be asked to read an eye chart.

The Department of Revenue has offices in every county. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis and may have wait times during lunch hours or late afternoon. Check the office locator on the Missouri Secretary of State website to find hours and whether your local office takes appointments. You will pay the renewal fee in cash, check, or card, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

Mail renewal and address changes

You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade. Request a renewal form from the Department of Revenue by calling 573-526-2407 or visiting a local office. Fill out the form, include your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency, and mail the packet to the address on the form.

If your address has changed, mail renewal is slower than in-person because you must update your address first. You can change your address online through the Missouri Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at any Department of Revenue office. Once your address is updated in the system, submit your renewal materials. The Department of Revenue will mail your new license to your updated address within two to three weeks. If you do not update your address before you mail your renewal, your new license will go to your old address.

REAL ID compliant licenses and cost differences

Missouri offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID compliant license. The REAL ID license meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 2025, though you can still use it for driving and state identification.

REAL ID renewal requires proof of citizenship or legal residency in addition to your other documents. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. The REAL ID license costs more than a standard license — the exact difference varies by license type and term length, so check the Department of Revenue fee schedule on the Missouri Secretary of State website. If you are unsure which type you have, look at your current license; REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the top right corner.

What happens if your license expires

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a Department of Revenue office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and any name-change documents. You will take a new photo and may read an eye chart. The process is the same as a regular in-person renewal, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Missouri, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show your temporary paper license as proof that you have renewed, but the officer may still issue a citation. Renew before your birthday to avoid this risk.

Timeline and when to start

Missouri allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires. Your expiration date is your birthday. If you plan to renew in person or by mail, start at least three weeks before your birthday to account for processing time and mail delivery. If you plan to renew online, you can wait until closer to your expiration date because the process is faster, but do not wait until your birthday itself — online renewal requires that your license not yet be expired.

If you are renewing a REAL ID license or need to change your name, plan for in-person renewal and start at least four weeks ahead. Department of Revenue offices can be busy during peak times, and processing a REAL ID upgrade or name change takes longer than a standard renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Missouri requires proof of residency dated within 90 days, and you cannot renew online, by mail, or in person without it. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license in your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Missouri resident, you can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail or online if you do not have your current license to submit. Go to a Department of Revenue office in person with your proof of Social Security number and proof of residency. The office will issue a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your license has not yet expired. If your license has already expired, the office will issue a new license. Either way, you will pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license on the spot.

How much does a Missouri driver's license renewal cost?

The renewal fee depends on the type of license and the term length you choose. Standard licenses and REAL ID licenses have different fees. Check the Department of Revenue fee schedule on the Missouri Secretary of State website for the exact amount. You can pay by cash, check, or card in person, or by credit or debit card online or by mail.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew in person, yes — you will take a new photo at the Department of Revenue office. If you renew online or by mail, the Department of Revenue will use your photo from your current license unless your license is more than eight years old, in which case they may request a new photo. If you want a new photo for any reason, renew in person.

Can I renew my license if my vision has changed?

If your vision has changed significantly, you must renew in person so the Department of Revenue can test your vision and update your license if needed. You cannot renew online or by mail if your vision has changed. At the office, you will read an eye chart, and the examiner will determine whether you need corrective lenses noted on your license or whether you are still safe to drive without restriction.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.