Missouri issues a replacement license through the Department of Revenue, and the fastest route is in person at a local office with your Social Security number and proof of residency
When you lose your Missouri driver's license, you have two paths: replace it in person at a Department of Revenue office, or by mail through the state's replacement-by-mail program. The in-person route takes about 15 minutes and you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you. The mail route takes longer overall but requires no office visit.
You will need your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment. Missouri charges $11.50 for a standard replacement license. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot use the mail option — you must go in person and may face additional requirements depending on why it was suspended.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at a Department of Revenue office takes about 15 minutes and costs $11.50, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot.
- You must bring your Social Security number, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and payment in cash or card.
- Mail-in replacement is available if your license was not suspended or revoked, but takes two to three weeks for the plastic card to arrive.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you must replace it in person and may need to resolve the underlying issue first.
- Department of Revenue offices are open Monday through Friday, and many locations accept walk-ins without an appointment.
In-Person Replacement at a Department of Revenue Office
Walk into any Missouri Department of Revenue office with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and $11.50. Bring the original documents — photocopies are not accepted. The staff will take your photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. That paper license is valid for 30 days and works anywhere a real license does, including driving and age verification.
Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address before the card arrives, tell the staff member before you leave — they can update it in the system. If you do not change it then, you will have to go back in person later to correct it.
Department of Revenue offices are located in every county. Most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and do not require an appointment. A few larger offices have extended hours or Saturday hours — check the Department of Revenue website for your specific location. Wait times vary; offices in rural areas are usually faster than those in St. Louis or Kansas City.
Mail-In Replacement if Your License Was Not Suspended
If your license is valid and not suspended or revoked, you can request a replacement by mail. read the DL 44 form from the Missouri Department of Revenue website, fill it out, and mail it with a copy of your proof of residency and a check or money order for $11.50 to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Department receives your form. You will not receive a temporary license in the mail — you will have no valid license until the plastic card arrives. For that reason, the mail option works only if you do not need to drive before the replacement arrives. If you need to drive before then, go in person instead.
The mail-in form does not allow you to change your address. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must go in person or call the Department of Revenue to update it before mailing the form. Otherwise your new license will be mailed to an old address and you will have to go in person to correct it.
What Counts as Proof of Residency
Missouri accepts a narrow list of documents as proof of residency, and they must be dated within 90 days of the day you explore. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name works. So does a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowners insurance policy. A government check or benefit statement also counts if it shows your current address.
A piece of mail from a government agency, a school, or an employer does not count on its own. Your name and address must be on the document itself, not just on an envelope. If you live with someone else and the utility bill is in their name, ask them for a notarized statement saying you live there, and bring that plus the bill. The Department will accept that combination.
If Your License Was Suspended or Revoked
You cannot use the mail-in option if your license is suspended or revoked. You must go in person to a Department of Revenue office. The staff will tell you why the suspension or revocation is in place and what you need to do to resolve it.
Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a medical condition flagged by a doctor. Some suspensions lift automatically once you pay what you owe or resolve the underlying issue. Others require you to complete a course, pass a medical exam, or get a letter from a doctor saying you are fit to drive. The Department of Revenue office can tell you which applies to your case and what the next step is.
Until the suspension or revocation is lifted, the Department will not issue you a new license, even if you lose the old one. Replacing the lost license does not clear the suspension — you have to clear the suspension first, then replace the license.
Changing Your Address or Other Information at the Same Time
If you go in person, you can change your address, name, or other information on your license at the same time you replace it. Tell the staff member before they take your photo. There is no extra fee for address changes. Name changes require a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — bring that document with you.
If you use the mail-in option, you cannot change your address or name on the replacement form. You will have to go in person to make those changes, either before you mail the form or after the new license arrives.
What to Do if Your License Arrives Damaged or Wrong
If the plastic license that arrives in the mail has a printing error, a wrong photo, or physical damage, take it and your temporary paper license to any Department of Revenue office. They will issue you a new one on the spot at no extra charge. Bring the damaged card with you so they can see the problem.
If the card never arrives, wait 14 days from the date you applied in person or mailed your form. If it still has not come, call the Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 to report it missing. They can reissue it or tell you if there was a problem with the address on file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with the temporary paper license while I wait for the plastic card?
Yes. The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and works for driving, age verification, and any other purpose a real license does. Keep it with you while you drive. Once the plastic card arrives, the paper license is no longer valid.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You must have a Social Security number to get a Missouri driver's license. If you do not have one, contact the Social Security Administration to explore for one first. Bring your Social Security card or letter when you go to the Department of Revenue.
Do I have to go to the office in my county, or can I go to any office?
You can go to any Department of Revenue office in Missouri, regardless of which county you live in. Choose whichever location is most convenient for you. The process is the same at every office.
How long does the plastic license take to arrive after I explore in person?
The Department of Revenue mails plastic licenses within 7 to 10 business days of issuing your temporary paper license. Mail delivery adds another few days, so plan for 10 to 14 days total. If it has been longer than that, call 573-526-2407 to check the status.
What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?
You can still replace your license if you know your Social Security number by heart or have it written down somewhere. If you do not know it, contact the Social Security Administration to get a replacement card or a letter with your number, then go to the Department of Revenue. You cannot replace a license without proof of your Social Security number.