Where to go for a driver's license or ID in Springfield

The Springfield Driver License Office is located at 2715 North Glenstone Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65803. This is the main location where you can get a driver's license, renew an existing license, or obtain a state ID card. The office is run by the Missouri Department of Revenue, which handles all driver licensing in the state.

You do not need an appointment to visit, but the office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Mornings and weekdays tend to be less crowded than afternoons and Saturdays. The office is closed on Sundays and state holidays.

If you cannot visit the Springfield location, Missouri also has other driver license offices in nearby cities, though Springfield's office is the largest in the region. You can check the Missouri Department of Revenue website to find other locations and their hours.

Key Takeaways

  • The Springfield Driver License Office is at 2715 North Glenstone Avenue and is open Monday through Saturday without requiring an appointment.
  • You will need to bring specific documents depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or replacing a lost or damaged one.
  • Missouri charges different fees for different types of licenses and ID cards, and fees vary based on how long you want the license to be valid.
  • The office accepts payment by cash, check, debit card, and credit card for most transactions.
  • If you fail a test or need to reschedule, you can often do so at the office or by contacting the Missouri Department of Revenue.

What documents you need to bring

The documents required depend on what you are doing. For a first-time driver's license or state ID, you will need proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card or a tax return), and proof of Missouri residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

If you are renewing a license that has not expired or has expired within the last five years, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting the office. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website to see if you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal.

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, bring a police report (if it was stolen) or straightforward come in to request a replacement. You will pay a replacement fee, which is less than the cost of a new license.

Bring your current license if you have one, even if it is expired. The office staff can often use information from your old license to speed up the process.

The written test, driving test, and vision screening

If you are getting your first driver's license, you will take a written test about Missouri traffic laws and road signs. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can study using the Missouri Driver Guide, which is free and available on the Department of Revenue website or in print at the office.

After passing the written test, you will take a vision screening at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be referred to an eye doctor before you can proceed.

Once you pass the written test and vision screening, you will schedule a driving test. The driving test is conducted by an examiner at the office, and you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will test your ability to handle basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping.

Fees and payment methods

Missouri driver's license and ID card fees depend on the type of document and how long it is valid. A standard driver's license is typically valid for six years, while a state ID card is valid for four years. Renewal fees are lower than the cost of a new license. Real ID-compliant licenses and IDs cost more than standard ones.

The office accepts cash, personal checks, debit cards, and credit cards. If you pay by check, make it out to the Missouri Department of Revenue. There is no surcharge for paying by card.

If you cannot pay the full fee at the time of your visit, ask the office staff whether a payment plan is available. Some offices can arrange this, though it depends on the situation.

Real ID compliance and what it means

A Real ID is a driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards. Starting in May 2025, you will need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Missouri driver's license does not meet these requirements.

Getting a Real ID requires the same documents as a standard license, plus additional proof of your Social Security number and residency. The Real ID costs more than a standard license and is valid for eight years instead of six. You can request a Real ID when you visit the Springfield office, or you can renew your current license as a standard license and upgrade to Real ID later.

If you already have a passport, you do not need a Real ID for federal purposes, since a passport meets the same standards.

What to do if you fail the test or need to reschedule

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is a fee each time you take the test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt, especially if they study the Missouri Driver Guide between tries.

If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one business day before retaking it. You can schedule your next attempt at the office or by calling the Missouri Department of Revenue. Each driving test attempt has a separate fee.

If you need to reschedule a test or appointment, call the Springfield office directly or visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance usually do not result in a fee.

Hours and contact information

The Springfield Driver License Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon). The office is closed on Sundays and all state holidays, including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

You can reach the office by phone at the Missouri Department of Revenue's main line. The website also has a contact form and information about wait times at different times of day. If you have questions before your visit, calling ahead can save you time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail instead of going to the office?

You may be able to renew by mail or online if your license has not expired or expired within the last five years, and you do not need to change your address or photograph. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website to see if you are may be able to access. If you are not, you must visit the office in person.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have another proof of my Social Security number?

You can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before visiting the driver license office, or you can bring a tax return, W-2, or bank statement that shows your Social Security number. The office staff can tell you which documents they will accept.

Do I need to bring my vehicle to the office for a written test, or only for the driving test?

You only need to bring your vehicle for the driving test. The written test and vision screening happen at the office. Make sure your vehicle is registered, insured, and in safe working condition before you come in for the driving test.

How long does it take to get a driver's license from start to finish?

If you pass all tests on your first try, you can receive your license the same day or within a few days. If you need to retake tests, the process takes longer. The office will tell you when your license will be ready for pickup or when it will arrive by mail.

What happens if I move to a different address after I get my license?

You must update your address with the Missouri Department of Revenue within 30 days of moving. You can do this by mail, online, or in person at the driver license office. Updating your address does not require a new photograph or test.