What to bring when you renew in Missouri
To renew your Missouri driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Missouri residency. You do not need to retake the written or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than a year, or unless Missouri's driver services division asks you to.
The specific documents accepted vary slightly depending on whether you renew in person or by mail. If you are renewing by mail, you will mail your current license along with the renewal form and fee. If you are renewing at a Missouri license office, bring the documents listed below in person.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your current Missouri driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Missouri address.
- If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail and must visit a license office in person to retake the vision test.
- Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
- The renewal fee is $13.50 for a four-year license or $27 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at an office location.
Documents proving your Social Security number
Missouri accepts a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form as proof of your Social Security number. The document must show your full nine-digit number. If you do not have your Social Security card, a recent tax document works just as well.
You cannot use a birth certificate, passport, or state ID card to prove your Social Security number — those documents do not show the number itself. If you have lost your Social Security card and do not have a tax document, you will need to request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before you can renew your license.
Documents proving your Missouri address
Missouri requires a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a credit card statement all work. A cell phone bill does not count, and neither does mail from a government agency.
If you have recently moved and your documents still show an old address, bring the new document along with a signed statement explaining the move. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can bring that bill plus a signed letter from the person whose name is on it, confirming that you live there.
When you must renew in person instead of by mail
You can renew by mail only if your current license is still valid or expired for less than one year. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must go to a Missouri license office in person. At the office, you will retake the vision test and have a new photo taken.
You also must renew in person if you want to change your name, address, or other information on the license itself. If you are renewing by mail and your address has changed, you will need to update it at a license office before your next renewal.
How to renew by mail
To renew by mail, request the renewal form from the Missouri Department of Revenue's website or call 573-526-2407. Fill out the form, include your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing by mail takes about two to three weeks. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide. If you need your license sooner, renewing in person at a license office is faster — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day, and your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Renewing in person at a Missouri license office
Find your nearest license office on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations accept them through an online scheduling system. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and payment for the fee.
The renewal process at an office takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken and your vision tested. If you pass the vision test, you will receive a temporary paper license to use when ready, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. Bring cash, a check, or a debit or credit card to pay the fee.
License renewal fees and how long your new license lasts
A four-year Missouri driver's license costs $13.50. An eight-year license costs $27. You choose which length you want when you renew. The fee is the same whether you renew by mail or in person.
Your new license will expire four or eight years from the date you renew, depending on which option you chose. Missouri does not charge extra for a REAL ID-compliant license — all standard renewals meet federal identification standards as long as you provide proof of your address and Social Security number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Missouri does not block license renewal based on unpaid traffic tickets. However, if you have an active warrant or suspension on your license, you cannot renew until that is resolved. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue or the court that issued the ticket to find out whether your license is currently suspended.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person at a license office and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew by mail if your name has changed. Bring the name-change document along with your other required documents.
Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?
No. When you renew by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you renew in person at an office, a new photo is taken automatically. You cannot request a new photo if you renew by mail.
How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?
You receive a temporary paper license the same day you renew at an office. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. You can use the temporary license to drive when ready while you wait for the permanent one.