What happens when your Missouri driver's license expires
An expired Missouri driver's license is no longer valid for driving or as a form of identification. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if it expired yesterday. Law enforcement can cite you for driving with an expired license, and you may face fines or other penalties depending on how long it has been expired.
The good news is that Missouri makes renewal straightforward. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. The method you choose depends on how long your license has been expired and what type of license you hold.
Key Takeaways
- You cannot legally drive with an expired Missouri license, and driving with one can result in fines or citations.
- Missouri allows online renewal for most people whose licenses expired within the last five years, as long as you have a valid Social Security number and no medical restrictions.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office and may need to retake the written test.
- Mail renewal is available but slower than online renewal, typically taking two to three weeks for your new license to arrive.
- You will need to pay the renewal fee, which varies based on your license type and how many years you are renewing for.
Renewing online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license expired within the last five years. Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
The online system will ask you to confirm your personal information and address. If your address has changed, you can update it during this process. Once you complete the renewal, Missouri will mail your new license to the address on file. Most people receive their renewed license within seven to ten business days.
Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have medical restrictions on your license, or if you need to change your name or address due to a legal document like a marriage certificate or court order. In those cases, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office
If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you cannot renew online, you must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).
When you arrive, you will fill out an process form and pay the renewal fee. Depending on how long your license has been expired, you may need to retake the written test or vision test. The staff at the office can tell you what is required before you take the test. Once you pass any required tests, your new license is typically issued on the spot or mailed to you within a few days.
Wait times at Missouri Department of Revenue offices vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday usually means shorter lines than visiting on a weekend or late afternoon.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is available if your license expired within the last five years and you do not have medical restrictions. read the driver's license renewal form from the Missouri Department of Revenue website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your expired license and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal. You should expect to wait two to three weeks for your new license to arrive. During this time, you cannot legally drive. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you will need to renew in person instead.
Understanding Missouri driver's license renewal fees
The renewal fee depends on your license type and how many years you are renewing for. A standard four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Commercial driver's licenses and licenses with special endorsements may have different fees. The Missouri Department of Revenue website lists current fees, or you can call your local office to ask.
Payment methods vary by renewal type. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. In-person renewal typically accepts cash, checks, and cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. Do not send cash by mail.
What to do if you need to drive before your new license arrives
If you renew online or by mail, your new license is not in your hands when ready. If you need to drive before it arrives, you have two options. First, you can print a temporary license from the Missouri Department of Revenue website after completing your online renewal. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and can be used while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail.
Second, you can renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office and receive your new license the same day or within a few days. This is the fastest way to get a valid license if you need to drive right away.
Renewing a license with a different name or address
If your name has changed since your license was issued, you will need to renew in person and bring legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.
If your address has changed, you can update it during online renewal. For in-person or mail renewal, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal to arrive?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you renew online, you can print a temporary license valid for 45 days. If you renew by mail, you must wait for your new license to arrive before driving. If you need to drive when ready, renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office.
What if my license expired more than five years ago?
You must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. You may need to retake the written test or vision test depending on how long it has been expired. The office staff will let you know what is required.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?
Appointment policies vary by Missouri Department of Revenue office location. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Check the website for your local office or call ahead to find out their current policy and wait times.
What if I lost my expired license?
You can still renew without it. Bring proof of Social Security number and proof of address instead. If you are renewing online, you will need your license number, which you may be able to find on old documents or by calling the Missouri Department of Revenue.
How much does it cost to renew my Missouri driver's license?
The fee depends on your license type and renewal period. A standard four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website for current fees, or call your local office. Commercial licenses and special endorsements may have different costs.