Missouri replacement license fees
A replacement driver's license in Missouri costs $11.50 if you are renewing or replacing a standard license. This is the fee you pay to the Missouri Department of Revenue when you submit your replacement request, whether you lost your license, it was stolen, or it is damaged.
The fee covers the cost of producing the new card and updating the state's records. You pay this amount regardless of how much time remains on your current license — Missouri does not prorate the fee based on expiration date.
If you need a Real ID compliant license (the kind with a gold star in the upper right corner, required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the cost is the same: $11.50. Real ID is now standard in Missouri, so most people getting a replacement will receive it automatically unless they specifically request the non-compliant version.
Key Takeaways
- A standard replacement driver's license costs $11.50 in Missouri, paid to the Department of Revenue.
- Real ID compliant licenses cost the same $11.50 and are now the default option for replacements.
- You can submit your replacement request online, by mail, or in person at a Missouri license office.
- Processing time varies by method: online and in-person requests are usually faster than mail requests.
How to pay when you replace your license
The payment method depends on how you submit your replacement request. If you go through the Missouri Department of Revenue's online portal, you pay by credit card or debit card at the time you submit. The system processes the payment when ready and gives you a confirmation number.
If you visit a license office in person, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The office staff will collect the $11.50 and issue you a receipt. If you mail in your replacement request, you can include a check or money order made out to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Do not send cash through the mail.
Some people choose to renew or replace their license at a third-party location — a few Missouri cities partner with private vendors to offer license services. These vendors may charge an additional convenience fee on top of the $11.50 state fee, so ask before you proceed if you use that route.
Online replacement versus in-person or mail
Replacing your license online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website is usually the fastest option. You upload a new photo, confirm your information, pay the $11.50 fee, and your replacement license is mailed to you. The whole process takes about 10 business days from submission to delivery, though this can vary.
Visiting a license office in person also moves quickly. You bring your documents, have your photo taken on site, pay the fee, and walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is mailed to you. This method works well if you need to drive before your replacement arrives by mail.
Mailing in a replacement request takes longer — typically 15 to 20 business days — because the Department of Revenue has to receive your documents, process them, and mail your new license back. You still pay only $11.50, but the wait is considerably longer than the other two methods.
What documents you need to bring
Whether you replace your license online, in person, or by mail, you need to prove your identity and residency. Bring your current license if you still have it, or a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. You also need proof of your current Missouri address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works.
If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you do not need to file a police report first, though some people do for their own records. The Department of Revenue does not require it. If your license was damaged, bring what remains of it so the office can see the damage.
For online replacement, you will need to upload clear photos of your documents. For in-person or mail replacement, bring the originals or certified copies.
Temporary license while you wait
If you replace your license in person at a Missouri license office, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent replacement card is being mailed to you. You do not pay extra for the temporary — it is included in the $11.50 fee.
If you replace your license online or by mail, you do not receive a temporary. Your only proof of a valid license is the confirmation email or receipt you get after you submit. Some people print this confirmation to carry with them, though it is not an official temporary document. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, consider visiting a license office in person instead so you can get the 45-day temporary paper license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the $11.50 fee even if my license was stolen?
Yes. The fee applies to all replacements, regardless of the reason. Whether your license was lost, stolen, damaged, or worn out, you pay $11.50 to the Missouri Department of Revenue for the replacement card.
Can I renew and replace at the same time?
If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it at the same time you replace it. You pay one combined fee instead of two separate fees. Contact the Department of Revenue or visit a license office to ask about combining the transactions, as the process varies depending on how much time is left on your current license.
What if I need my replacement license faster than 10 business days?
Visit a Missouri license office in person. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, which allows you to drive when ready. Your permanent replacement card will arrive by mail within 10 business days. This is the fastest way to get a valid license in your hands the same day.
Do I pay extra for a Real ID license?
No. Real ID licenses cost the same $11.50 as standard licenses in Missouri. Real ID is now the default for replacements, so you will receive it unless you specifically request a non-compliant license instead.