Where to get a replacement license in Missouri

You replace a Missouri driver's license at your local Missouri Department of Revenue office, not online or by mail. The state does not offer remote replacement for lost or damaged licenses — you must appear in person with acceptable identification and documents. There are 47 Department of Revenue locations across Missouri, including offices in every county seat and most larger cities.

You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Many offices operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm current hours, as staffing and schedules vary by location.

Walk-in service is available at all locations, but wait times can be long during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online through the Department of Revenue's appointment system, which can reduce your wait significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with a valid form of identification and proof of your Social Security number to replace a lost or damaged license.
  • The replacement fee is $11.50 for a standard license and $16.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license, paid by cash, check, or card at the office.
  • A temporary paper license is issued on the spot after you complete the replacement process, valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card.
  • Your replacement license will have a new expiration date based on your age and the type of license, typically four to six years from the issue date.
  • You can reserve an appointment online to reduce wait time, though walk-in service is also available at all locations.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one form of valid identification and proof of your Social Security number. Valid ID includes a current passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents — ask the Department of Revenue office what secondary documents they accept, as combinations vary.

Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. A birth certificate alone is not sufficient proof of your Social Security number. If you have lost your Social Security card and do not have a tax document, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before your appointment.

If you are replacing a license because it was damaged or defaced, bring the damaged license with you if you still have it. If it was lost, you do not need to bring anything — just tell the staff member that it is lost.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. A Department of Revenue staff member will verify your identity and Social Security number, then ask you to confirm your current address and any other information on file. They will ask whether you want a standard Missouri license or a REAL ID-compliant license (which allows you to use it for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight).

You will have your photo taken at the office unless you have a valid photo ID on file from a recent renewal. The staff member will collect the replacement fee — $11.50 for a standard license or $16.50 for REAL ID — by cash, check, or card. You will then receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.

Your permanent plastic license card will be mailed to the address you provide. Standard processing takes 10 to 15 business days from the date you visit the office. If you need your license sooner, ask about expedited processing options, which may be available for an additional fee.

Temporary license and waiting for your permanent card

The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid for driving and identification purposes for 30 days. You can use it to drive legally, pass through airport security, or show as ID in most situations. Keep it with you at all times while you are waiting for your permanent card.

Your permanent license will arrive by mail at the address you provided during your visit. If you do not receive it within 15 business days, contact the Department of Revenue to check the status. If you move before your card arrives, you can update your address online or at a Department of Revenue office, and the card will be forwarded to your new address.

If your temporary license expires before your permanent card arrives, you can return to a Department of Revenue office to request an extension. Bring your temporary license and valid ID, and staff can issue you another temporary license for an additional 30 days.

REAL ID versus standard license

A standard Missouri driver's license allows you to drive and serves as state ID. A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

Getting REAL ID requires additional proof of your identity and residency. You must bring your Social Security proof (as described above) plus one document showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The REAL ID fee is $5 more than a standard license ($16.50 instead of $11.50).

If you do not need to fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient for driving and most ID purposes. You can always upgrade to REAL ID later by visiting a Department of Revenue office and paying the difference.

If your license was stolen or used fraudulently

If you believe your lost license has been used fraudulently or stolen, report it to the Missouri State Highway Patrol's non-emergency line or your local police department. Provide them with your license number and the date you discovered it was missing. They will flag the license in the system so it cannot be used for official purposes.

When you visit the Department of Revenue to replace your license, tell the staff member that it was stolen or lost under suspicious circumstances. They will note this in your file. You do not need a police report to replace your license, but having one can be helpful if there are later questions about fraudulent use.

If someone has used your license to get a ticket or commit a traffic violation, you can dispute it by contacting the court listed on the ticket or citation. Bring documentation showing that your license was lost or stolen before the violation date.

Replacing a license that was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it at a Department of Revenue office. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation through the appropriate court or agency. Suspensions are typically for unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or medical reasons. Revocations are usually for serious violations like DUI.

Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue's Driver Services section or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to find out what steps you need to take. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can then visit a Department of Revenue office to replace your license using the standard process described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my Missouri license if I live out of state now?

No. Missouri only replaces licenses for people who currently live in Missouri. If you have moved out of state, you must get a license from your new state. You can surrender your Missouri license by mail to the Department of Revenue if you want to, but you are not required to.

How long does it take to get a replacement license by mail?

Missouri does not mail replacement licenses to you without a visit. You must go to a Department of Revenue office in person. Your permanent card is then mailed to you after your visit, which takes 10 to 15 business days. If you need your license faster, ask about expedited options at your local office.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must provide proof of your Social Security number to replace your license. If you do not have a Social Security number, contact the Social Security Administration to request one before visiting the Department of Revenue. This process can take several weeks.

Can I replace my license if my name has changed?

Yes. Bring documentation of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your standard ID and Social Security proof. The Department of Revenue will update your name on your replacement license at no extra cost.

What if my address on file is no longer correct?

Tell the staff member at the Department of Revenue office during your replacement visit, and they will update your address. Bring a document showing your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Your replacement license will be mailed to your new address.