What documents and information you'll need before you start
Missouri requires you to bring specific documents to renew your driver's license in person. You cannot renew by mail or online, so you will need to visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office. The documents you bring depend on whether you are renewing a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license (which allows you to fly domestically without a passport).
For any renewal, bring your current Missouri driver's license or state ID card. You will also need proof of your Social Security number — either your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. Bring one document from this list, nothing else will work.
You must also bring proof of your current Missouri address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A phone bill or insurance document will not. If you have moved and your license shows an old address, this step is especially important.
Key Takeaways
- You must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office — there is no mail or online option for standard renewals.
- Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address dated within 60 days.
- REAL ID renewal requires the same documents plus proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and proof of legal residency.
- Renewal appointments can be scheduled online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, which often reduces wait times.
- The renewal fee is $82.50 for a standard eight-year license; REAL ID costs $15 more.
Additional documents if you are renewing a REAL ID license
A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license has this star and you want to keep it, you will need extra documents beyond the standard renewal requirements.
Bring proof of citizenship: your birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or Certificate of Naturalization. The birth certificate must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy. You will also need to bring proof of legal residency — this is different from proof of your current address. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, or utility bill works for this as well, but it must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and current address.
If you do not have these documents or do not want to renew as REAL ID, you can renew as a standard license instead. You will lose the gold star, but the process is faster and costs less.
When your license is expiring and how long renewal takes
Missouri driver's licenses expire on your birthday, eight years after they were issued. You can renew starting 90 days before your birthday. If you wait until after your birthday, your license is expired and you cannot legally drive — renewal does not backdate.
If you renew before your birthday, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew after your birthday, you will receive a temporary paper license at the office and your permanent license in the mail within the same timeframe. The paper license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for the permanent card.
Processing times can be longer during peak periods, especially in summer and around holidays. Scheduling an appointment online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website usually shortens your wait time at the office.
How to schedule an appointment and what to expect at the office
Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website and select "Schedule an Appointment" under the Driver's License section. You will choose your nearest office location, pick a date and time, and receive a confirmation. Appointments are free and typically available within one to two weeks, depending on your location.
Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but you may wait 30 minutes to several hours depending on how busy the location is. Bringing an appointment confirmation cuts your wait time significantly. Arrive 10 minutes early with all your documents in hand.
At the office, you will be called to a window where staff will review your documents, take a new photo, and collect the renewal fee. You will sign your new license on a digital pad. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the window. Staff will give you a receipt showing your temporary license number if you are renewing after your birthday.
What happens if you are missing a required document
If you arrive without one of the required documents, the office cannot process your renewal that day. You will need to return with the missing document. This is why checking your documents before you go is worth the five minutes it takes.
If you have lost your Social Security card and do not have a W-2 or 1099, you can order a replacement card from the Social Security Administration online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. A replacement card takes one to two weeks. If you need to drive before then, you can renew as a standard license using a W-2 or 1099 if you have one, or you can wait for the card to arrive.
If you do not have proof of your current address, ask a utility company or your bank to mail you a statement, or print one online if your account allows it. This usually takes a few days. Some offices will accept a lease agreement or mortgage statement you bring in person if it shows your name and current address, even if it is older than 60 days — call your local office first to ask.
Fees and payment methods accepted
A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $82.50. A REAL ID renewal costs $97.50. These are the only fees charged by Missouri; there are no additional processing fees or service charges.
Missouri Department of Revenue offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations also accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is safer. You cannot pay online or by mail — payment happens at the office when you renew.
If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and the requirements are different. Contact your local Missouri Department of Revenue office or visit their website for CDL-specific information.
What to do if your name or address has changed
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The document must be an official certified copy. You will also need to update your address as described above.
If you have only changed your address and your name is the same, you do not need any extra documents beyond proof of your new address. The office will update your address during renewal.
If you have changed your name and address, bring both the name-change document and proof of your current address. Both must meet the requirements listed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail or online?
No. Missouri requires all driver's license renewals to happen in person at a Department of Revenue office. You cannot renew by mail, online, or through any other method. You must visit an office with your documents and pay the fee in person.
What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have a W-2 or 1099?
You will need to order a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you can renew. Visit ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. A replacement card takes one to two weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, you cannot renew until you have proof of your Social Security number.
Do I need to renew as REAL ID or can I keep a standard license?
You can choose. If your current license has a gold star, you can renew as REAL ID (which requires extra documents) or downgrade to a standard license (which does not). A standard license costs less and requires fewer documents, but you will need a passport to fly domestically after May 2025.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew after your birthday, you receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent card to arrive.
What if I do not have proof of my current address?
Contact your utility company or bank and request a statement dated within the last 60 days showing your name and address. You can usually print this online or request it by mail. Some offices may accept older documents if you call ahead and ask — it depends on the location.