What to do if your Missouri driver's license has expired
If your Missouri driver's 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 state's portal. The method you choose depends on how long ago it expired and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people can complete a renewal without taking a new written test, though you will need to pass a vision screening.
Missouri does not have a grace period — once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. However, the state allows renewals to be processed before the expiration date, so you can renew up to one year in advance if you plan ahead.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at dmv.mo.gov if your license expired within the last five years and you do not need to change your photo or address.
- In-person renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue office takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license expired more than five years ago.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license expired within the last five years and you have not had any violations or suspensions.
- You will need to bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to renew in person.
- A standard five-year license costs $13.50; a Real ID-compliant license costs $24.50 and requires additional documentation.
Renewing online through Missouri's DMV portal
The fastest way to renew is through the Missouri Department of Revenue website at dmv.mo.gov. You can renew online if your license expired within the last five years, you have no active suspensions or revocations, and you do not need to change your photo or address. The process takes about 10 minutes and you can pay by debit or credit card.
Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, and confirm whether you want a standard license or a Real ID-compliant license. Real ID is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a military base, but it costs more and requires you to bring additional documents to a physical office to verify your identity. If you choose Real ID online, you will be directed to schedule an in-person appointment to complete the process.
After you pay online, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally while your renewal is being processed as long as you have proof of your online transaction.
Renewing in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your photo or address, or if you want to obtain a Real ID license. Visit dmv.mo.gov to find the office nearest you and check its hours — not all offices are open every day. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.
Bring your expired driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). You will take a vision screening and have your photo taken. The entire visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. You can choose a standard license or Real ID at the counter; Real ID requires one additional document proving your identity, such as a birth certificate or passport.
You will receive a temporary paper license to drive legally while your permanent license is mailed. The permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your appointment, bring proof of your online renewal transaction or your temporary paper license.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is available only if your license expired within the last five years, you have no active suspensions or revocations, and you do not need to change your photo. read the DL-43 form from dmv.mo.gov, fill it out completely, and mail it with your expired license, a check or money order for $13.50, and a copy of your proof of residency to the address listed on the form.
Processing by mail takes 3 to 4 weeks after the Department of Revenue receives your packet. You cannot legally drive during this time unless you have a temporary paper license from a previous in-person visit. Mail renewal does not allow you to obtain a Real ID license; you must visit an office in person for that.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Expired license, debit or credit card | $13.50 (standard) or $24.50 (Real ID) | 7–10 business days |
| In person | Expired license, proof of address, proof of Social Security number | $13.50 (standard) or $24.50 (Real ID) | 7–10 business days |
| By mail | Expired license, proof of address, check or money order | $13.50 (standard only) | 3–4 weeks |
Real ID versus standard license: which one to choose
A standard Missouri driver's license costs $13.50 and is valid for driving within the state and for most everyday purposes. A Real ID-compliant license costs $24.50 and meets federal identification standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you do not have a passport and you fly or visit federal offices, you should obtain Real ID.
Real ID requires one additional document beyond what a standard license needs. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or tribal ID. You must present this document in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office; you cannot obtain Real ID by mail or online alone. If you choose Real ID during an online renewal, you will be directed to schedule an in-person appointment to show your additional document and have your identity verified.
If your license expired more than five years ago
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license expired more than five years ago. You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number. You will take a vision screening and have a new photo taken, just as you would for any in-person renewal.
If you have not held a valid Missouri license for more than five years, the Department of Revenue may require you to pass a written knowledge test in addition to the vision screening. Call the office before you visit to confirm whether a test is required in your situation. The written test covers traffic laws and road signs and takes about 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while my renewal is being processed?
Yes, but only if you have proof that you have started the renewal process. If you renewed online, bring a printout or screenshot of your confirmation. If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license to carry. If you renewed by mail, you cannot legally drive until your permanent license arrives.
What if my address has changed since my license expired?
You must renew in person if you need to change your address. Online and mail renewal do not allow address changes. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number to a Missouri Department of Revenue office.
Do I have to take the written driving test again?
No, not usually. If your license expired within five years, you will only take a vision screening. If your license expired more than five years ago, the Department of Revenue may require a written test, but this depends on how long you have been without a valid license. Call ahead to confirm.
What if I lost my expired license?
You can still renew without it. Bring two forms of identification (such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) and proof of your current address to a Missouri Department of Revenue office. The staff will look up your license record and process your renewal.
How much does it cost to renew?
A standard five-year license costs $13.50. A Real ID-compliant license costs $24.50. These prices are the same whether you renew online, in person, or by mail. Some offices may charge a small additional fee for certain services, but the base renewal cost does not vary.