What to do if your Missouri driver license has expired
If your Missouri driver license has expired, you can renew it in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Missouri Secretary of State's website. The method you choose depends on how long ago it expired and whether you need to update any information on your license.
Missouri does not have a grace period — once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. However, the state does allow you to renew for several years after expiration, so you have time to take action without losing your driving privileges permanently.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew your expired Missouri driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Revenue office, depending on how long it has been expired.
- Online renewal through the Missouri Secretary of State website is the fastest option if your license expired within the last five years and you have not changed your address.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works only if your license expired within the last year and you have not changed your address or name.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need to update your address, name, or other information.
- You will need your current expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for in-person renewal.
Renewing online through the Missouri Secretary of State
Online renewal is the fastest way to renew if your license expired within the last five years. You go to the Missouri Secretary of State's online renewal portal, enter your driver license number and date of birth, and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. The process takes about 15 minutes.
Online renewal works only if your address, name, and other personal information have not changed since your license was issued. If you have moved, changed your name, or need to update any other details, you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office instead.
After you complete online renewal, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. It typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally once you receive it.
Renewing by mail if your license expired recently
Mail renewal is an option if your license expired within the last year and your address and name have not changed. You request a renewal form from the Missouri Department of Revenue, complete it, and mail it back with your expired license, the renewal fee, and proof of your Social Security number.
The Department of Revenue processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. The entire process typically takes two to three weeks from the time they receive your process. Your new license will be mailed to you once it is processed.
Mail renewal does not work if your license expired more than a year ago or if any of your personal information has changed. In those cases, you will need to renew in person.
Renewing in person at a Department of Revenue office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to update your address or name, or if you want to change other information on your license. You visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office with the required documents, complete an process, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee.
The Department of Revenue has offices in most Missouri counties. You can find the location nearest you and check their hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Call ahead or check the website for your local office's policy.
In-person renewal typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You receive a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for your permanent one to arrive.
Documents you need for in-person renewal
For in-person renewal, bring your expired Missouri driver license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are a non-citizen, bring your passport or travel document along with your proof of legal presence in the United States.
The specific documents accepted may vary slightly by location, so check the Missouri Department of Revenue website or call your local office before you go to make sure you have everything you need.
Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts
The cost of renewal depends on the type of license you hold and how long you want it to be valid. A standard driver license renewal costs $25 for a six-year license or $35 for an eight-year license. If you hold a commercial driver license, the fee is higher. You pay the fee at the time of renewal, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Most Missouri driver licenses are valid for either six or eight years from the date of issue. Your new license will expire on the same schedule. The expiration date will be printed on your new license.
What happens if you drive with an expired license
Driving with an expired Missouri driver license is against the law. If you are stopped by a police officer, you can be cited for driving with an expired license. The penalty is typically a fine, though the exact amount depends on the circumstances and the officer's discretion.
An expired license also affects your insurance. If you are in an accident while driving with an expired license, your insurance company may deny your claim or charge you a higher rate. It is worth renewing before you drive again, even if you have not been stopped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. You cannot use online or mail renewal if your license has been expired for more than five years. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.
What if I have moved since my license expired?
You must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office if you have changed your address. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days, along with your expired license and proof of Social Security number.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew online or in person, your new license is mailed to you and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, the entire process takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license to use when ready while you wait for your permanent license.
Can I renew my license online if I changed my name?
No. Online renewal works only if your name, address, and other personal information have not changed. If you changed your name, you must renew in person and bring a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
What if I lost my expired license?
You can still renew even if you do not have your expired license in hand. When you renew in person, tell the Department of Revenue staff that your license is lost. They will look up your information in their system and help you complete the renewal process. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address.