What documents Missouri requires for renewal
To renew your Missouri driver's license, you will need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Missouri residency. Missouri calls this the "REAL ID" package, and you cannot renew without all three pieces.
For identity, Missouri accepts your current driver's license, passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full number on it. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.
If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves it: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Missouri will not process a renewal if your name on the process does not match your identity document.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency; your current license counts as identity proof.
- A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days works for residency proof.
- If your name has changed, bring the legal document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- You can renew in person at any Missouri license office, by mail if your license is not expired, or online if you meet Missouri's age and status requirements.
- Renewal fees vary by license type and how long you want the license to last; Missouri offers 4-year, 6-year, and 8-year options.
Where to renew and how long it takes
Missouri has three renewal routes: in person at a license office, by mail if your current license is not yet expired, or online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website if you meet certain conditions.
In-person renewal at a Missouri license office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Bring all your documents, your current license, and a completed process form (DL-43), which you can fill out before you arrive or at the office.
Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or address changes since your last renewal. You will mail your current license, the completed DL-43 form, and your fee to the address on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, and your new license will arrive by mail.
Online renewal is available if you are between 21 and 69 years old, your license is not expired, and you have not had a name change or address change since your last renewal. You complete the process on the Missouri Department of Revenue website, pay the fee by credit or debit card, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Missouri renewal fees depend on your license type and how long you want the license to be valid. A standard driver's license renewal costs $11.50 for a 4-year license, $17.50 for a 6-year license, or $23.50 for an 8-year license. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), renewal costs more and has different requirements — contact your local license office for CDL pricing.
You choose the validity period when you renew. A longer license means you renew less often but pay more upfront. Most people choose the 6-year option as a balance between cost and convenience. You pay only the renewal fee; there is no separate process fee.
What happens if your license is expired
If your Missouri license has been expired for less than one year, you can still renew by mail or in person using the standard renewal process. You cannot renew online if your license is expired.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, Missouri treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. You will need to pass the written test and vision test again, and you may need to provide additional documents. You must renew in person at a license office; mail and online renewal are not available. Contact your local office before you go to confirm what documents and tests you will need.
Renewing if you have moved out of state
If you no longer live in Missouri, you cannot renew your Missouri license. You will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. Each state has its own renewal process and requirements.
If you moved out of state but still own property in Missouri or have other ties to the state, you may be able to claim a Missouri address for license purposes. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to ask whether your situation qualifies.
Special situations: name changes, medical conditions, and restrictions
If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Missouri will update your name on your new license at no extra cost. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed; you must renew in person.
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or if your doctor has told you that you should not drive, tell the license office when you renew. Missouri may require a medical evaluation or may place restrictions on your license, such as requiring corrective lenses or limiting you to daytime driving. These restrictions appear on your license and are legally binding.
If your current license has restrictions (such as corrective lenses required), those restrictions carry over to your renewed license unless you provide documentation that the condition has changed. For example, if you had a restriction for corrective lenses and you have had eye surgery, bring a letter from your eye doctor saying you no longer need them.
What to do if you cannot find your documents
If you cannot locate your Social Security card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration website or by calling 1-800-772-1213. A replacement takes 1 to 2 weeks by mail.
If you do not have a birth certificate or cannot find it, you can order a certified copy from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Vital Records office. You can request one by mail, phone, or online. A certified copy costs around $15 to $20 and takes 1 to 2 weeks.
If you have lost your current license and cannot bring it to the renewal appointment, bring a police report of the loss or a statement signed by you saying the license is lost. The license office will note this in your file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Missouri allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a long wait at the office closer to your expiration date. Your new license's expiration date will be calculated from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew.
What if I do not have a Social Security card?
You do not need the physical card. Bring any document showing your full Social Security number: a W-2, 1099, pay stub, or tax return. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter showing your number.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
No appointment is required at most Missouri license offices, but some offices now offer optional appointments to reduce wait times. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website for your local office to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are always accepted.
What if my address changed but I did not update my license?
You can update your address during renewal. Bring a document proving your new address dated within the last 60 days. If you renewed recently and your address has changed since then, you can update it at any time by visiting a license office or, in some cases, online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website.
How do I know if I am may be able to access to renew online?
You can renew online if you are between 21 and 69 years old, your license is not expired, you have not had a name change, and you have not had an address change since your last renewal. The online system will tell you whether you are may be able to access when you start the process on the Missouri Department of Revenue website.