Get a replacement license at your local Missouri Department of Revenue office
If you have lost your Missouri driver's license, you will need to visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person to request a replacement. The state does not issue replacements by mail or online. You can find the office nearest you on the Missouri Department of Revenue website by entering your county or city.
Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address with you — the staff will look up your existing license record. You will also need to provide one form of identification, such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. If your address has changed since your license was issued, bring proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
The replacement fee is typically under $20, though the exact amount varies by whether you want a standard license or an enhanced one (which allows entry into federal buildings). Payment is usually cash or card. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your physical replacement card by mail within two to three weeks.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person — there is no online or mail option for replacements.
- Bring one form of ID (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address if it has changed.
- The replacement fee is typically under $20 and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready.
- Your new physical license card arrives by mail in two to three weeks.
- If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, the temporary paper license is valid for driving.
What to bring to the Department of Revenue office
The Department of Revenue will ask for specific documents. You must have one form of government-issued identification — a U.S. passport, birth certificate, state ID card, or military ID all work. You will also need to know your Social Security number and your date of birth, which the staff can verify against their records.
If you have moved since your license was issued, bring a document showing your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. If you do not have a document in your name, a piece of mail addressed to you at that address is usually acceptable — ask the staff when you arrive.
If your name has changed since your license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, you may not be able to update your name on the replacement license.
Using your temporary paper license while you wait
The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid for driving when ready. You can use it for traffic stops, rental cars, and any other situation where you would normally show your physical license. Keep it in your wallet or with your vehicle registration.
The temporary license is valid until your new physical card arrives. Once the card comes in the mail, the paper license is no longer needed. If your new card does not arrive within four weeks, contact the Department of Revenue office where you applied — they can check the status and reissue if necessary.
If you need your license for something other than driving
If you need a government-issued ID for purposes other than driving — such as boarding a plane, entering a federal building, or opening a bank account — the temporary paper license may not be accepted. In those cases, you will need to obtain a separate state ID card from the Department of Revenue, which serves as a non-driving ID.
A state ID card requires the same documents as a driver's license replacement and costs roughly the same amount. You can request both a driver's license replacement and a state ID at the same visit if you want both forms of ID on hand.
What happens if you find your original license after ordering a replacement
If your original license turns up after you have already received a replacement, you do not need to do anything. straightforward destroy the old one — cut it in half or shred it — and keep using the new one. There is no penalty for having ordered a replacement, and you do not need to notify the Department of Revenue.
If you want to be cautious, you can contact the office where you applied and let them know the original was found. They will note it in your file, but this step is not required.
Replacing a license if you are out of state
If you are currently living outside Missouri but still hold a Missouri license, you will need to return to Missouri to request a replacement in person. The Department of Revenue does not process replacements for people who are not physically present.
If returning to Missouri is not practical, you may want to obtain a state ID or driver's license from your current state of residence instead. That license will be valid for driving and identification in all states. You can keep your Missouri license as a secondary form of ID if you wish, though you will eventually need to renew it or let it expire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license without going to the office in person?
No. Missouri requires you to appear in person at a Department of Revenue office. You cannot request a replacement online, by phone, or by mail. However, the process is quick — most visits take 15 to 30 minutes.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
A state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID also works as your required form of identification. If you do not have any of these, you will need to obtain a birth certificate or passport first. Your county clerk's office can issue a birth certificate, and the U.S. State Department handles passports.
How long does the replacement license take to arrive?
The physical card typically arrives within two to three weeks. If it does not arrive within four weeks, contact the office where you applied. In the meantime, your temporary paper license is valid for all driving and most identification purposes.
Do I have to pay a fee if my license was stolen?
Yes. Missouri charges the same replacement fee whether your license was lost or stolen. There is no waiver or discount for theft. If your license was stolen as part of a larger crime, you may want to file a police report for your records, but it will not affect the replacement fee.
Can I renew my license at the same time I replace it?
If your license is expired or expiring soon, you can renew it at the same visit. Bring the documents for both a replacement and a renewal, and the staff will process both together. The combined fee will be higher than a replacement alone, but you will receive a new license with an extended expiration date.