What You Need to Renew Your Missouri Driver's License

Documents and information you'll bring to the DMV

To renew your Missouri driver's license, you need to bring proof of your current address, proof of your Social Security number, and your current license itself. The Missouri Department of Revenue calls this the "REAL ID" document set, even if you're not getting a REAL ID-compliant license — it's just their name for the standard renewal packet.

For proof of address, bring one document from this list: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you've moved recently and don't have a bill yet, a lease signed within the last 60 days works. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them on the same address, plus your lease or a piece of mail addressed to you there.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you don't have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration — you can request one free online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Key Takeaways

Bring your current Missouri driver's license, proof of your address dated within the last 60 days, and proof of your Social Security number to any Missouri DMV office.
You can renew online through the Missouri DMV website if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or other information since your last renewal.
If you renew in person, the fee is $13.50 for a four-year license or $27 for an eight-year license; online renewal costs $13.50 for four years.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew in person, or within 10 to 14 business days if you renew online.
If your license is expired by more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DMV office in person.

Renewing online instead of in person

The Missouri DMV lets you renew online at dmv.mo.gov if your license has not expired, you have not changed your name or address, and you have not had any violations or suspensions since your last renewal. You'll log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the $13.50 fee with a credit or debit card, and you're done. Your new license ships within 10 to 14 business days.

Online renewal is faster than going to an office, but it only works if nothing about you has changed. If you moved, got married and changed your name, or had any traffic violations, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

Walk into any Missouri DMV office with your documents and your current license. Tell the clerk you're renewing. They'll check your documents, take a new photo, and collect the fee — $13.50 for a four-year license or $27 for an eight-year license. You can pay with cash, check, or card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

You do not need an appointment at most Missouri DMV offices, but some locations ask you to book one online first. Check the office locator at dmv.mo.gov to see whether your local office takes walk-ins or requires appointments. Wait times vary widely — some offices have a 15-minute wait, others an hour or more, especially on Fridays and near the end of the month.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it by mail or online using the same process as above. If your license expired more than one year ago, the DMV treats it as a new process rather than a renewal, and you must visit a DMV office in person with all your documents plus a completed DL-43 form (the process for a driver's license). You'll also need to pass a vision test and a written test on Missouri traffic laws.

The written test is 25 multiple-choice questions covering road signs, right-of-way, speed limits, and safe driving. You need 18 correct to pass. The DMV office will give you a study guide when you arrive, and you can also study online at dmv.mo.gov before you go.

Fees and how long it takes

An in-person renewal costs $13.50 for a four-year license or $27 for an eight-year license. Online renewal is $13.50 for four years only. You can pay with cash, check, or debit or credit card at an office; online you must use a card. The fee does not change based on your age or whether you need a REAL ID.

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after an in-person renewal, or 10 to 14 business days after an online renewal. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can ask the DMV clerk for a temporary paper license at the office — it's valid for 45 days and lets you drive legally while you wait.

Name changes and other updates

If you've changed your name since your last license, you must renew in person and bring proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not process a name change online or by mail. Bring the original document or a certified copy; a photocopy is not enough.

If you've changed your address, you can update it online during an online renewal, or tell the clerk when you renew in person. If you've changed your address but your license is not yet due to renew, you can update your address alone at any DMV office for free — just bring proof of your new address.

If you cannot find your current license

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you have to request a replacement. A replacement costs $13.50 for a four-year license and requires you to visit a DMV office in person with proof of your address and Social Security number. The DMV will issue you a new license with a new number. If you later find your old license, do not use it; it is no longer valid.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can renew it normally. If it's so damaged that the DMV cannot read it, bring it to an office and ask whether they'll let you renew or whether you need a replacement instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Missouri lets you renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early is useful if you're about to travel or if you want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date one four or eight years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

What if I don't have a Social Security card?

Bring a W-2, 1099, or tax return instead — any document with your Social Security number on it. If you don't have any of those, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov to request a free letter stating your number. It takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.

Do I need a REAL ID to renew my regular license?

No. A REAL ID is a separate, more find license that meets federal standards for air travel and federal buildings. You can renew a regular license without upgrading to REAL ID. If you want to switch to REAL ID during renewal, you'll need additional documents and the fee is higher — ask at your DMV office or check dmv.mo.gov for the full list.

What if I moved out of state since my last renewal?

You cannot renew a Missouri license if you no longer live in Missouri. You'll need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact that state's DMV for their renewal process.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew in person or online yourself. The DMV will not accept a renewal request from a family member or representative, even with a power of attorney. If you cannot visit an office due to a disability, contact your local DMV office to ask about accommodations.

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.