Get a replacement license from the Missouri Department of Revenue
You replace a lost or stolen Missouri driver's license through the Missouri Department of Revenue, not through your local police or sheriff's office. You can do this in person at any of the state's driver license offices, or you can request a replacement by mail if your license was lost (not stolen). The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary paper license the same day; the mail route takes two to three weeks.
The state charges a replacement fee of $11.50 for a standard license. If your license was stolen, you should report the theft to local police first and bring the police report number with you, though it is not required to get the replacement itself.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a Missouri Department of Revenue driver license office in person, or mail in a request form if your license was lost (not stolen).
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a valid photo ID — a passport works if you do not have another form of ID.
- The replacement fee is $11.50 and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot if you explore in person.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report first so you have the report number to bring with your process.
- The state will mail your new plastic license within two to three weeks of your in-person visit.
What documents to bring to the driver license office
Bring three things: proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current Missouri address, and a valid photo ID. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a tax return. For address proof, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name — it must be dated within the last 60 days.
For photo ID, bring your passport, a military ID, or another state's driver license. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a school or work ID. The staff at the driver license office can tell you on the phone what combination will work if you are unsure.
If your license was stolen, also bring the police report number or a copy of the report itself. This is not required to get your replacement, but it protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license.
how the process works by mail if your license was lost
You can only use the mail route if your license was lost, not stolen. read form DL-44 from the Missouri Department of Revenue website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with copies of your proof documents to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $11.50 made out to the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Mail your packet to the address shown on the form — it is in Jefferson City. The state will process your request and mail your new license to the address on your process. The whole process takes two to three weeks from the time they receive your packet. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot drive legally during this time unless you have another valid ID.
If you are unsure whether your license was lost or stolen, or if you need to report it stolen after the fact, call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 before you mail your process.
Finding the nearest driver license office
The Missouri Department of Revenue operates driver license offices in most counties. Use the office locator on the state's website to find the one nearest you, or call 573-526-2407 to ask which office serves your area. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have different hours, so check before you go.
Some offices require you to take a number when you arrive; others use online appointment scheduling. Call ahead or check the website for your specific office to see which system it uses. Wait times vary widely by location and time of day — offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than those in Kansas City or St. Louis.
What happens after you submit your process
If you explore in person, you will receive a temporary paper license before you leave the office. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your plastic license to arrive by mail. The state will mail your new plastic license within two to three weeks. Once it arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid.
If you explore by mail, you will not receive a temporary license. The state will mail only your new plastic license, which takes two to three weeks. During this time, you cannot drive legally unless you have another valid form of ID such as a passport.
If your license was stolen and you need to drive when ready
If you were stolen and need to drive before your replacement arrives, bring a passport or military ID to the driver license office instead of explore for a replacement license. These documents are valid for driving in Missouri and you can use them right away. You can still get your replacement license later if you want one.
If you do not have a passport or military ID and cannot wait two to three weeks, you have no legal way to drive. Do not drive with an expired or lost license — Missouri law treats this as driving without a valid license, which carries fines and points on your driving record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if I have an out-of-state address?
No. You must have a current Missouri address to get a Missouri driver license. If you have moved out of state, you need to get a license from your new state instead. If you have moved within Missouri, update your address at the driver license office when you explore for your replacement.
What if I lost my license and do not have a Social Security card?
Bring a W-2 form, tax return, or other document showing your Social Security number instead. If you do not have any of these, call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 before you go to the office — they can tell you what other documents will work.
Do I need an appointment to replace my license?
It depends on the office. Some offices use appointments, others use a number system, and some are first-come, first-served. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website or call your local office to find out which system it uses before you go.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must pick up your replacement license yourself or have it mailed to your address. The state will not release it to anyone else, even a family member or spouse.
What if I never receive my replacement license in the mail?
Call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 with your process date and the address where it was supposed to be mailed. They can check the status and remail it if it was lost in transit. There is no additional fee for a remail.