What a Missouri Class E License Lets You Drive

A Class E license is Missouri's standard driver's license for operating a passenger vehicle on public roads

Missouri's Class E license is what most people get when they pass their driving test. It lets you drive a passenger car, pickup truck, or van that weighs less than 26,001 pounds and carries no more than 15 passengers. You cannot use a Class E to drive a commercial truck, a bus, a motorcycle, or a vehicle carrying hazardous materials — those require different license classes.

The license is valid for six years from the date you receive it. Missouri renews licenses by mail or online if your address and medical status have not changed. If you move or have a change in your health, you will need to renew in person at a Driver License Office.

Key Takeaways

A Class E license covers passenger vehicles up to 26,000 pounds and is the standard license most drivers hold.
You cannot drive commercial trucks, buses, motorcycles, or hazmat vehicles with a Class E — those require a Commercial Driver License (CDL) or Motorcycle Endorsement.
Missouri Class E licenses are valid for six years and can be renewed by mail or online if nothing has changed.
You must pass a written test, vision test, and driving test to get your first Class E license.

What vehicles you can and cannot drive with a Class E

With a Class E license, you can drive any passenger car, standard pickup truck, or van under 26,001 pounds. This covers nearly all personal vehicles people own. You can also tow a trailer, as long as the trailer itself does not exceed certain weight limits and you are not operating a commercial vehicle.

You cannot drive a commercial truck (Class A or B), a bus carrying more than 15 passengers, a motorcycle, or any vehicle carrying hazardous materials. If you want to drive any of those, you need to pass additional tests and get a different class of license or an endorsement added to your Class E.

How to get your first Class E license in Missouri

To get your first Class E license, you must visit a Missouri Driver License Office in person. You will need to bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Missouri residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate). The office will take your photograph and fingerprints.

Next, you will take a written test covering Missouri traffic laws and road signs. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. After you pass the written test, you will take a vision test. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

Once you pass both tests, you will schedule a driving test with an examiner. During the driving test, you will demonstrate basic skills like starting the vehicle, steering, braking, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner will direct you through a route that includes turns, stops, and backing up. If you pass, you receive your Class E license on the spot.

Renewing your Class E license before it expires

Your Class E license is valid for six years. Missouri sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew by mail, online through the Missouri Secretary of State website, or in person at a Driver License Office.

To renew by mail, fill out the renewal form that came with your notice, include a new photograph (which you can have taken at most pharmacies or photo studios), and mail both to the address on the form along with the renewal fee. To renew online, you will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Online renewal is faster and you will receive your new license by mail within two weeks.

You must renew in person if your address has changed, if you have a new medical condition that affects your driving, or if your name has changed since your last license was issued.

When you need to renew in person instead of by mail or online

Missouri requires an in-person renewal if your medical status has changed — for example, if you now have a condition that affects your vision, hearing, or ability to control the vehicle. You must also renew in person if you have moved to a new address and want to update your license, or if your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change.

If you have a suspended or revoked license, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver License Office and may need to complete additional requirements before you can get a new license.

Adding endorsements to your Class E license

An endorsement is a special permission added to your Class E license that lets you drive certain types of vehicles or carry certain cargo. The most common endorsement is the Motorcycle Endorsement (M), which allows you to operate a motorcycle. To get it, you must pass a written test and a riding test on an actual motorcycle.

Other endorsements include the Hazmat Endorsement (H), which allows you to carry hazardous materials, and the Passenger Endorsement (P), which allows you to drive a vehicle carrying more than 15 passengers. Each endorsement requires passing a separate written test. Some endorsements also require a background check or fingerprinting.

Differences between a Class E and a Commercial Driver License

A Commercial Driver License (CDL) is required if you drive a truck weighing more than 26,001 pounds, a bus carrying more than 15 passengers, or any vehicle carrying hazardous materials for compensation. A CDL requires more extensive testing than a Class E, including a medical examination, a written test on commercial driving rules, and a skills test with a large truck or bus.

If you hold a CDL, you can still drive a passenger vehicle with it, so a CDL is a higher level of license. However, a Class E does not allow you to drive commercial vehicles. If your job requires you to drive a commercial truck, you must obtain a CDL instead of or in addition to your Class E.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a pickup truck with a Class E license?

Yes, as long as the truck weighs less than 26,001 pounds and you are not using it for commercial purposes. Most standard personal pickup trucks fall within this weight limit. If you use the truck for commercial hauling or delivery, you may need a CDL instead.

What happens if my Class E license expires?

Driving with an expired license is against the law in Missouri. You should renew before the expiration date shown on your license. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or online, but you may face a late fee. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you could receive a citation.

Do I need a Class E license to drive a motorcycle?

No. You need a Motorcycle Endorsement (M) added to your Class E license, or you can hold a motorcycle-only license. To get the endorsement, you must pass a written test and a riding test. Some riders choose to take a motorcycle safety course, which can waive the riding test requirement.

How much does it cost to get or renew a Class E license in Missouri?

Fees vary depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or replacing a lost or damaged license. Contact your local Missouri Driver License Office or visit the Secretary of State website for current fee amounts, as they can change.

Can I renew my Class E license online if I moved to a new address?

No. If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a Driver License Office so they can update your records with your new address. Bring proof of your new Missouri residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.