Missouri lets you renew an expired license by mail, online, or in person — and you can do it before or after the expiration date
An expired Missouri driver's license cannot legally be used to drive. However, Missouri does not penalize you for renewing after the expiration date has passed. You can renew online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, by mail using Form DL 43, or in person at any Missouri license office. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license meets the requirements for each renewal path.
If you are currently driving with an expired license, you are breaking the law and can be cited. Stop driving when ready and renew through whichever method is fastest for your situation. If you are pulled over, the officer will likely issue a traffic citation, which carries a fine and court costs.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri allows online renewal for most drivers, and the new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail renewal using Form DL 43 takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send in your expired license and a check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a license office is when ready if you bring the correct documents, but wait times vary by location.
- You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to change your address, name, or medical information.
- Driving with an expired license is illegal in Missouri and can result in a traffic citation, fine, and court costs.
Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is may be able to access. Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue's online services portal, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and answer security questions to verify your identity. You will then pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The fee for a standard four-year license renewal is $30.50; a six-year renewal is $45.75; and an eight-year renewal is $61.
After you submit your renewal online, Missouri will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You cannot drive legally until the new license arrives. If you need to drive before then, you must renew in person at a license office.
You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address, name, or medical information, if you are over 70 years old, or if your license was issued more than eight years ago. In any of these cases, you must renew in person.
Mail renewal using Form DL 43
To renew by mail, read Form DL 43 from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or request it by phone at 573-526-2407. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and enclose your expired license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a copy of proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days).
Mail the packet to the Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver Licensing Bureau, P.O. Box 200, Jefferson City, MO 65105. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date Missouri receives your form. You cannot drive legally during this time. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and carries the risk that your form or payment will be lost in the mail.
Mail renewal is useful only if you cannot access the internet or prefer not to use it. In almost all cases, online renewal is faster and more reliable.
In-person renewal at a Missouri license office
You can renew your license when ready by visiting any Missouri Department of Revenue license office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, also bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Bring a second form of identification if you do not have your expired license with you. Acceptable forms include a passport, military ID, or state ID card. You will pay the renewal fee in cash, by check, or by debit card (most offices do not accept credit cards).
Wait times at license offices vary widely by location and time of day. Urban offices during business hours often have waits of 30 minutes to two hours. Rural offices and early morning visits typically have shorter waits. You can check current wait times on the Missouri Department of Revenue website before you go.
What happens if you drive with an expired license
Driving with an expired Missouri driver's license is a traffic violation. If you are pulled over, the officer will issue a citation. The fine for driving with an expired license is typically $50 to $100, plus court costs of $50 to $150, depending on the county. You may also be required to appear in court.
An expired license citation does not add points to your driving record in Missouri, but it does create a court record. If you receive a citation, you can pay the fine, contest it in court, or request traffic school (if available in your county). Paying the fine is the fastest way to resolve the citation.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, some officers may treat it as a more serious violation. Renew as soon as possible to avoid further legal complications.
Renewing a license that expired more than one year ago
If your license expired more than one year ago, you may not be able to renew online. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 to confirm whether you can renew by mail or must renew in person. In most cases, you will need to renew in person and may be required to retake the written test and vision test.
Bring all the documents listed above for in-person renewal, plus your expired license. The renewal fee is the same as a standard renewal. If you are required to retake tests, arrive early because the process will take longer than a routine renewal.
Address changes and other updates during renewal
If you need to change your address, name, or medical information on your license, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a license office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency at your new address, and any documents that support the change (such as a marriage certificate for a name change).
If you are over 70 years old, you must renew in person every two years and may be required to pass a vision test. Bring your expired license and proof of residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license if I have already started the renewal process?
No. You cannot drive legally until your new license arrives or you receive it in person. Starting the renewal process does not give you permission to drive. If you need to drive before your new license is ready, you must complete in-person renewal at a license office.
What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?
You can still renew. Bring a second form of identification (passport, military ID, or state ID card) to a license office, along with proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. You cannot renew online or by mail without your expired license.
How much does it cost to renew a Missouri driver's license?
A four-year renewal costs $30.50, a six-year renewal costs $45.75, and an eight-year renewal costs $61. You choose the length when you renew. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online accepts credit or debit cards, in-person accepts cash, check, or debit card, and mail requires a check or money order.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You must contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Call 573-526-2407 to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take.
What if my new license arrives damaged or with incorrect information?
Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue when ready at 573-526-2407. They will issue a replacement license at no cost if the error was made by the state. Bring your damaged license to a license office if you need a replacement quickly.