What You Need to Do to Get a Real ID in Missouri

To get a Real ID in Missouri, you visit your local Missouri Department of Revenue office with specific documents, pay a fee, and have your photo taken. The Real ID is a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards — it has a gold star in the upper right corner. You can use it for domestic flights, entry to federal buildings, and military bases. If you already have a Missouri driver's license or state ID, you don't have to switch to Real ID unless you want to, but you will need one to board a domestic flight after May 7, 2025.

The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location. You cannot renew or get a Real ID online or by mail in Missouri — you must appear in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with your documents; there is no online or mail option.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Missouri residency, and your current driver's license or state ID.
  • The fee is $11.50 for a Real ID driver's license or $6.50 for a Real ID state ID card, in addition to any renewal or replacement fees.
  • Your Real ID will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your visit.
  • You will need a Real ID to board domestic flights starting May 7, 2025, unless you have a passport or military ID instead.

Documents You Must Bring to the Missouri Department of Revenue

Missouri requires four categories of documents. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

Proof of identity: A U.S. passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your passport or travel document. A school ID, work ID, or credit card does not count.

Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A letter from the Social Security Administration also works. You cannot use a document that just lists your number without official letterhead.

Proof of Missouri residency: A recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name. The document must show your current Missouri address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail also works. A piece of mail addressed to you at your Missouri address is acceptable if it is from a government agency or utility company.

Your current driver's license or state ID: Bring the card itself. If you do not have one, you can still get a Real ID state ID card, but you will need to bring all four categories of documents listed above.

Where to Go and How to Find Your Local Office

Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website and use their office locator tool to find the nearest location. Enter your city or ZIP code, and the tool will show you all nearby offices, their hours, and whether they are currently open. Some offices have longer hours on certain days; check before you go.

You do not need an appointment at most Missouri offices, but some locations accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis while others require you to take a number when you arrive. A few high-traffic offices offer online appointment scheduling through the Department of Revenue website — if your location offers this, booking ahead will save you time.

Call your local office directly if you are unsure whether you need an appointment. The phone number is listed on the office locator page.

The Fee and What Happens After You Pay

A Real ID driver's license costs $11.50 in addition to the standard driver's license fee. A Real ID state ID card costs $6.50 in addition to the standard state ID fee. Standard fees vary depending on whether you are renewing, replacing, or getting your first license or ID — ask at the counter for the exact total before you pay.

You pay in cash, debit card, or credit card. After you pay, a staff member will take your photo and scan your documents. You will sign a form confirming the information is correct. The office will mail your Real ID card to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days.

Your current driver's license or state ID remains valid until it expires, even after you receive your Real ID. You do not need to destroy the old card.

What to Expect When You Arrive at the Office

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. Arrive with time to spare — if the office closes at 5 p.m. and you arrive at 4:50 p.m., staff may turn you away because they will not have time to process you.

Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in. The photo will be taken against a plain background, similar to a passport photo. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that obscures your face. If you wear glasses, you can keep them on as long as there is no glare on the lenses.

If you are renewing your license or ID at the same time you get a Real ID, the office will handle both transactions together. The total fee will include both the Real ID fee and the renewal fee.

If Your Documents Are Missing or Expired

If your birth certificate is not certified, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks by mail. Some vital records offices offer rush processing for an extra fee.

If your Social Security card is lost, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration office or online at ssa.gov. A replacement card usually arrives within 2 weeks. In the meantime, you can bring a W-2, 1099, or tax return instead.

If your proof of residency is expired or does not show your current address, get a new utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement before you visit. You can often request these documents online from your utility company or landlord.

Real ID vs. Standard Driver's License: The Difference

A Real ID has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. A standard Missouri driver's license does not have the star and does not meet those standards.

The main practical difference is that you need a Real ID to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access a military base. If you have a U.S. passport or military ID, you can use either of those instead of a Real ID for flights and federal buildings. If you do not have a Real ID, passport, or military ID, you will not be able to board a domestic flight after May 7, 2025.

A standard driver's license is still valid for driving, voting, and everyday identification. You can keep your standard license if you do not fly domestically or visit federal buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Real ID if my name has changed since my birth certificate was issued?

Yes. Bring your birth certificate, a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The Department of Revenue will verify that the name on your current ID matches the name on your birth certificate or other identity document.

What if I do not have a current Missouri address yet?

You must have a Missouri address to get a Missouri Real ID. If you just moved to Missouri and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, bring a signed lease, a letter from your landlord, or a recent piece of mail from a government agency showing your new address. Some offices will accept a notarized statement of residency if you cannot get other proof.

How long does it take to receive my Real ID after I visit the office?

The card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery time varies, but most people receive their card within 2 weeks of their office visit. If you do not receive it after 3 weeks, call the Department of Revenue to check the status.

Can I renew my Real ID by mail or online?

No. All Real ID transactions in Missouri require an in-person visit. You must return to a Department of Revenue office to renew, replace, or change your Real ID.

What if I lost my documents or they were damaged?

Order replacements before your office visit. A certified birth certificate takes 1 to 2 weeks from the vital records office. A Social Security card replacement takes about 2 weeks from the Social Security Administration. A new utility bill or lease can usually be obtained within a few days. Plan ahead so you have everything before you go to the Department of Revenue.