Missouri lets you renew your driver license online if you meet specific requirements
Missouri's online renewal system, called REAL ID Online, allows you to renew your driver license without visiting a license office — but only if your current license is valid, you have not had it suspended or revoked, and you meet a few other conditions. The process takes place on the Missouri Department of Revenue website and typically completes in minutes. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
Not every driver can use the online system. If your license has expired by more than five years, if you need to change your address, or if you have certain medical conditions on your record, you must renew in person at a Missouri license office. The online option exists for straightforward renewals only.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri's online renewal works only if your current license is valid and you have not had it suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a payment method to complete the renewal online.
- The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online or in person, and you will receive your new license by mail within one to two weeks.
- If you need to change your address, add a REAL ID designation, or have medical restrictions, you must renew in person at a Missouri license office.
Who can renew online and who must go to an office
You can renew online through REAL ID Online if your driver license is currently valid, you have no active suspension or revocation, and your license has not been expired for more than five years. Missouri also requires that you have a valid mailing address on file and that you are not changing any information on your license — such as your name, address, or medical conditions.
You must renew in person if any of the following explore: your license has been expired for more than five years; you need to change your address; you want to add or remove a REAL ID star; you have medical restrictions or conditions that need review; your license was suspended or revoked; or you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL). If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, the Missouri Department of Revenue website has a tool that walks you through your situation.
Steps to renew online through REAL ID Online
Start by visiting the Missouri Department of Revenue's REAL ID Online portal. You will be asked to enter your current driver license number and your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and confirm that you are may be able to access to renew online. If you are not may be able to access, the system will tell you that you need to renew in person and will direct you to find a license office.
If you are may be able to access, you will review the information on your license and confirm that it is correct. You cannot change any details online — if something is wrong, you will need to correct it during an in-person renewal. Next, you will choose your renewal term (typically three, five, or eight years, depending on your age) and pay the renewal fee using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Missouri does not accept cash or checks by mail for online renewals.
After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewal fees and what affects the cost
Missouri's renewal fee depends on your age and the length of your renewal term. The fee is the same whether you renew online or in person. Drivers under 21 pay a different rate than drivers 21 and older, and the cost increases if you choose a longer renewal period. The Missouri Department of Revenue website lists the current fee schedule by age and term length.
Some drivers may be charged an additional fee if they are renewing after a suspension or revocation, or if they need to add certain endorsements. Online renewal does not include these add-ons — if you need them, you must renew in person. Payment is due at the time you submit your online renewal, and Missouri does not issue refunds if you change your mind after paying.
What to do if the online system says you are not may be able to access
If REAL ID Online tells you that you cannot renew online, the system will explain why. The most common reasons are that your license has expired for more than five years, you have an active suspension or revocation, or you need to update information on your license. In any of these cases, you will need to renew in person at a Missouri license office.
To renew in person, find your nearest license office on the Missouri Department of Revenue website and check its hours before you go. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you have changed your name, bring a court order or marriage certificate. The in-person process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary license on the spot while your permanent license is mailed to you.
REAL ID compliance and the online renewal option
Missouri's online renewal system works with both standard driver licenses and REAL ID-compliant licenses. If your current license has a REAL ID star (a small star in the upper right corner), your renewed license will also have the star — you do not need to do anything extra. If your current license does not have a REAL ID star and you want to add one, you cannot do so online; you must renew in person and bring the required documents (a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number).
REAL ID compliance is required for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If you are not sure whether your current license is REAL ID-compliant, check the upper right corner of your license for the star. The Missouri Department of Revenue can also tell you over the phone or through its website.
Tracking your renewed license and what to do if it does not arrive
After you complete your online renewal, you will receive a confirmation number via email. Keep this number — you can use it to check the status of your license on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. The website will show you whether your license has been printed, mailed, or delivered. Most licenses arrive within one to two weeks of renewal.
If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue by phone or through its website. Have your confirmation number ready. The department can reissue your license or investigate whether it was lost in the mail. If your license is lost or damaged after it arrives, you will need to renew again or request a replacement, which may require an in-person visit depending on the circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a year ago?
No. Missouri's online renewal system only works if your license is currently valid or has been expired for five years or less. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a license office and may need to pass a vision test or written exam depending on how long it has been expired.
What if I need to change my address during renewal?
You cannot change your address through the online renewal system. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a Missouri license office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. Changing your address in person takes about the same amount of time as a standard renewal.
Do I get a temporary license when I renew online?
No. When you renew online, you do not receive a temporary license. You can continue to use your current license until your new one arrives by mail, which typically takes one to two weeks. If you need a temporary license when ready, you must renew in person at a license office.
Can I renew my commercial driver license online?
No. Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online in Missouri. You must renew a CDL in person at a license office. The same applies if you hold a CDL with passenger or hazmat endorsements.
What payment methods does Missouri accept for online renewal?
Missouri accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks for online renewal. The system does not accept cash, checks by mail, or money orders. You will need a valid payment method and a billing address to complete your renewal.