Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Missouri driver's license at any Missouri Department of Revenue office, or online through the Missouri Secretary of State website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster — you can complete it in minutes from home — but it's only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
If you go in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Missouri address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You do not need to bring documents if you renew online, because the state already has them on file.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Missouri Secretary of State website takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50, but only works if your license is current and your address hasn't changed.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Missouri address.
- Missouri driver's licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval, whether you renew online or in person.
- If your license is already expired, you must renew in person and may need to retake the vision test.
Online renewal: the fastest route
Go to the Missouri Secretary of State's online renewal portal and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. 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 pay the renewal fee of $24.50 for a six-year license by credit or debit card, confirm your address, and you're done.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. There's no appointment needed, no waiting in line, and no vision test required for online renewal.
In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office
Find your nearest Missouri Department of Revenue office on their website and go during their business hours — most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices now use an online check-in system where you reserve a time slot before you arrive.
When you arrive, you'll check in at the front desk, take a new photo, and pass a vision test. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You'll pay the renewal fee of $24.50 at the counter. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, and you can drive on your current license until it arrives.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has already expired, you cannot use the online renewal system. You must go to a Department of Revenue office in person. You'll still need your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. You will have to take a new vision test, and you may be asked to retake the written test if your license has been expired for more than a year, though this varies by how long it's been.
You can still drive to the Department of Revenue office to renew, even with an expired license, as long as you're going directly there. Once your new license arrives by mail, you're legal to drive again. If you're uncertain whether you can legally drive with an expired license, contact your local Department of Revenue office before heading in.
Renewing with a name change or address change
If your name has changed since your last renewal — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot use online renewal for a name change.
If your address has changed, online renewal will not work because the system requires your address to match what's on file. Go in person and bring proof of your new address. The Department of Revenue will update your record and mail your new license to the new address.
Timeline and costs
Missouri driver's licenses are valid for six years from the date of issue. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute. Online renewal costs $24.50 for a six-year license. In-person renewal costs $24.50 as well, though some offices may charge a small additional fee for certain services.
Once you renew — whether online or in person — your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within that window, contact the Department of Revenue to check the status. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to drive legally.
What to do if you lose your license before renewal
If your license is lost or stolen before you can renew it, you'll need to get a replacement first, then renew. Go to a Department of Revenue office and report the loss. You'll pay a replacement fee of $11.50 and get a temporary license to drive on while your replacement is mailed to you.
Once the replacement arrives, you can then renew it online or in person using the same process as a regular renewal. The replacement and renewal are two separate transactions, so you'll pay both fees unless you complete them at the same time, in which case the office may combine them into one visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license if I live out of state now?
No. Missouri requires you to be a resident to hold a Missouri driver's license. If you've moved out of state, you should get a license from your new state instead. You can renew online only if your address is still in Missouri.
What if I need my license before the 7 to 10 days?
You cannot speed up the mailing process. However, if you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive when ready. The permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Do I need to take the written test again when I renew?
No, not for a standard renewal. You only take the vision test in person. The written test is only required if your license has been expired for more than a year or if you have certain violations on your record.
Can I renew online if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. Online renewal is only available if your license is in good standing. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must go in person to a Department of Revenue office, and you may need to complete additional steps before you can renew.
What if the address on my proof of residency doesn't match my current license?
Bring a document that shows your current address — a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The Department of Revenue will update your address on file and issue your new license with the correct address.