How to Renew Your Missouri Driver's License

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 open to people whose licenses are not expired and who don't need to update their address, vision correction, or other personal information.

If you're renewing 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 address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). You'll also need to pass a vision test at the office. If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Missouri does not require a new photo every time you renew. You'll only have your photo taken if your license has expired for more than one year, or if you choose to update it.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes minutes and costs less, but only works if your license is current and you're not changing your address or personal details.
In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.
You'll pass a vision test at the office during in-person renewal, but you won't need a new photo unless your license has been expired for over a year.
Missouri driver's licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.

Online renewal through the Missouri Secretary of State

To renew online, go to the Missouri Secretary of State's website and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll enter your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information and show you the renewal fee, which is lower than the in-person fee.

Once you pay online, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days after payment. You'll receive a temporary paper license by email that you can print and carry while you wait for your plastic card to arrive.

Online renewal is not open to you if your license is already expired, if you need to change your address, if you need to update your vision correction information, or if you're changing your name. In any of those cases, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office

Find your nearest Missouri Department of Revenue office on their website. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though some offices offer appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

At the office, you'll complete an process form, pass a vision test, and have your photo taken (unless your license is not yet expired by more than one year and you choose not to update your photo). The staff will process your renewal on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The in-person fee is higher than online renewal. Exact costs vary depending on whether you're renewing a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license, so check the Department of Revenue website for current pricing.

REAL ID compliance and what it means for renewal

Missouri offers both standard driver's licenses and REAL ID-compliant licenses. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. If your current license is standard, you can upgrade to REAL ID during renewal by bringing additional documents.

To upgrade to REAL ID, bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and one document proving your identity and date of birth (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers). REAL ID renewal costs more than standard renewal and takes longer to process because the Department of Revenue must verify your documents against federal databases.

If you don't upgrade to REAL ID during this renewal, you can still use your standard license for driving and most everyday purposes. However, starting May 7, 2025, you'll need either a REAL ID license or a passport to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings.

Renewing early and handling expired licenses

You can renew your Missouri driver's license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush as your expiration date approaches. Your new license will be valid for six years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online — you must go to a Department of Revenue office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal. There is no penalty for renewing after expiration, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.

What happens if you lose your license before renewal

If your license is lost or stolen before you renew, you'll need to replace it first. Go to a Department of Revenue office and report the loss. You'll pay a replacement fee and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Once your replacement arrives by mail, you can renew it using the standard process — either online (if it's not yet expired) or in person.

If you lose your license very close to your renewal date, you can ask the Department of Revenue staff whether it makes sense to replace it or to wait and renew instead. Sometimes they can combine the two processes to save you a fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you're temporarily out of state, you can renew online if you meet the other requirements (current license, no address change, no personal information updates). If you need to renew in person or your license is expired, you'll need to return to Missouri or contact a Department of Revenue office about mailing options.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number. The staff will update your address during the renewal process.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a Department of Revenue office?

Most Missouri Department of Revenue offices accept walk-ins, but some locations now offer appointment scheduling. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available. Scheduling ahead can reduce your wait time, especially during busy periods.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?

After you renew online or in person, your plastic license card is mailed to your address and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a temporary paper license (either printed from email or handed to you in person) that you can use when ready while you wait.

What if my vision has changed since my last license?

If you need vision correction and your current license doesn't show that, you must renew in person. During the in-person renewal, you'll take a vision test at the Department of Revenue office. If you fail, you'll be required to wear corrective lenses while driving, and that restriction will appear on your new license.

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.