Where to go and what to bring

You replace a Missouri driver's license at your local Department of Revenue office, not at a police station or courthouse. Missouri has about 50 regional offices across the state, and you can find the one nearest you on the Missouri Department of Revenue website by entering your zip code.

Bring these documents: your current ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your license was stolen, bring a police report. If it was damaged, bring the damaged license itself.

You do not need an appointment at most Missouri offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Check your local office's page before you go — if it uses reservations, you can book a time slot and skip the walk-in line.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to your local Department of Revenue office with your ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address — no appointment needed at most locations, though some offices now take reservations online.
  • A replacement license costs $11.50 and is valid for the same expiration date as your original license.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and the plastic card arrives by mail in five to seven business days.
  • If you lost your license out of state, you can request a replacement by mail, though the process takes longer.

Cost and what you receive

A replacement license costs $11.50, paid at the Department of Revenue office when you submit your documents. This is a flat fee regardless of whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged.

You walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same driving privileges as your plastic card and is accepted by police, employers, and banks. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within five to seven business days. The new license carries the same expiration date as your original — you are not renewing it, just replacing it.

If you lost your license out of state

You can request a replacement by mail if you are not in Missouri. read the DL-43 form from the Missouri Department of Revenue website, fill it out, and mail it with copies of your ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $11.50.

Mail processing takes two to three weeks longer than in-person replacement. If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, contact your local Department of Revenue office by phone — some offices can issue a temporary license extension over the phone in limited circumstances, though this varies by location.

Replacing a license that expired while lost

If your license expired while you were without it, you still pay only the $11.50 replacement fee, not a renewal fee. The Department of Revenue treats this as a replacement, not a renewal, so the cost stays the same.

However, if your license expired more than one year ago, Missouri may require you to pass the written test and vision test again, even though you are replacing rather than renewing. Call your local Department of Revenue office before you go to confirm whether you need to test — the requirement depends on how long the license has been expired.

What to do if you cannot find your documents

If you do not have your Social Security card or a document showing your number, you can use a W-2, tax return, or bank statement instead. If you do not have proof of address, a utility bill works, but so does a lease, mortgage statement, or insurance bill dated within 60 days.

If you cannot locate any of these, call your local Department of Revenue office. Staff can sometimes accept alternative documents or direct you to what will work. Bring whatever identification you do have — the office may be able to verify information through other state records.

Temporary driving while you wait

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and works everywhere a plastic license does. You can drive, work, travel, and use it for age verification. Keep it with you at all times while driving, just as you would a plastic license.

If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Department of Revenue. Delays are rare, but if one happens, the office can issue a second temporary license or investigate whether the card was lost in the mail.

Replacing a license with a different name or address

If your name changed since your original license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. The Department of Revenue will update your record and issue a license with your current name at no extra cost.

If you moved and need to update your address, you can do that during the replacement process. Bring your proof of current address, and the new license will show the updated address. You do not pay extra for an address change during replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

No. Missouri does not offer online replacement for lost or damaged licenses. You must visit a Department of Revenue office in person or mail in the DL-43 form if you are out of state. You can renew a valid license online, but replacement requires an office visit or mail submission.

What if I was in an accident and my license was damaged but not lost?

Bring the damaged license itself to the Department of Revenue office. The staff will take it and issue a replacement. You still pay $11.50 and receive a temporary paper license on the spot.

How long does the plastic license take to arrive?

Five to seven business days by mail. This is the standard timeframe. If you do not receive it within 10 business days, contact your local Department of Revenue office to report the delay.

Do I need to retake the written test to replace my license?

No, unless your license expired more than one year ago. A replacement is not a renewal, so you keep your current driving privileges. If your license was expired for over a year, call your local office first to confirm whether testing is required.

What if my license was stolen and I want a police report?

File a report with the police department in the city where the theft occurred. Bring the report number or a copy of the report to the Department of Revenue office. This documents the theft and may help if the stolen license is used fraudulently.