What you need to bring to the Missouri Department of Revenue
To get a learner's permit in St. Louis, you will visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with specific documents. You cannot complete this by mail or online — the state requires you to take a written test and have your photo taken at the office.
Bring your original birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card itself, a W-2, or a tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you — they will need to sign your process.
You will also need to bring the completed DL-43 form, which is the Missouri driver's license process. You can print it from the Missouri Secretary of State website before you go, or fill it out at the office. Bring a pen — the form must be completed in person.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in St. Louis in person; there is no online or mail option for a learner's permit.
- Bring your original birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and the completed DL-43 form.
- If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and sign your process.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs at the office, and you must pass to receive your permit.
- The fee is $11.50 for a learner's permit, and your permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.
Where to go: St. Louis Department of Revenue offices
St. Louis has two Department of Revenue offices where you can get a learner's permit. The main office is located at 301 West High Street in downtown St. Louis. The south county office is at 3348 South Grand Boulevard. Both offices handle learner's permits, but wait times and hours vary.
Call ahead to check current hours before you go — the offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, but hours change seasonally and for holidays. You can reach the main office at 314-526-4500 to confirm they are open and ask about current wait times.
Arrive early in the day if possible. Many people come in the morning, but the afternoon is often less crowded. Bring all your documents in one folder so you do not have to search for them while you are waiting.
The written test: what to study
The written test covers Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. The test is multiple choice, and you take it on a computer at the office.
Study the Missouri Driver Guide, which is free and available on the Missouri Secretary of State website. It covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, following distance, and what different road signs mean. Most of the test comes directly from this guide, so reading it thoroughly is the best way to prepare.
You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, though you will need to wait and come back to the testing station. Most people pass on their first attempt if they have studied the Driver Guide.
Age requirements and restrictions for learner's permit holders
You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to get a learner's permit in Missouri. If you are under 18, you will have additional restrictions on when and where you can drive.
With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed adult driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat at all times while you drive. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.
Your learner's permit is valid for one year. During that year, you can practice driving and prepare for the road test needed to get your full driver's license. If your permit expires before you pass the road test, you will need to renew it.
Cost and what happens after you pass
The fee for a Missouri learner's permit is $11.50. You pay this fee at the Department of Revenue office when you submit your process. Payment is cash or card — confirm which methods the office accepts when you call ahead.
Once you pass the written test, you will receive your learner's permit when ready. It is a physical card that you must carry with you every time you drive. Your permit shows your name, date of birth, address, and a photo taken at the office.
You can begin driving with your permit as soon as you receive it. You do not need to wait for anything to arrive in the mail. Keep your permit in a safe place — if you lose it, you will need to return to the office and pay another $11.50 for a replacement.
Moving forward: preparing for your road test
After you have held your learner's permit for at least 30 days, you can schedule a road test to get your full driver's license. You do not have to wait the full year, but Missouri requires the 30-day waiting period before you can test.
During those 30 days, practice driving in different conditions — daytime and evening, residential streets and highways, light traffic and heavier traffic. The more varied your practice, the more confident you will be on the road test.
When you are ready, you will schedule your road test through the same Department of Revenue office where you got your permit. You will drive a route set by the examiner, who will watch how you handle turns, stops, parking, and highway driving. Bring your learner's permit and the same documents you brought for the permit test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I do not have a birth certificate?
You need either an original birth certificate or a passport. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services — it takes about two weeks. A passport works as proof of identity and citizenship, so that is an alternative if you have one.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at no extra charge. You will wait at the office, then take the test again on the computer. Most people who study the Missouri Driver Guide pass on the second attempt. If you fail again, you can come back another day and retake it.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a learner's permit?
Yes, Missouri requires a Social Security number. You must bring proof of it — your Social Security card, a W-2, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a permit.
Can my parent sign the process if they are not with me at the office?
No, your parent or guardian must be present at the office to sign the DL-43 form in front of the Department of Revenue staff. They cannot sign it beforehand. If you are under 18 and your parent cannot come, you will not be able to get your permit that day.
How long does a learner's permit last?
Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If you have not passed your road test by then, you will need to renew it by returning to the Department of Revenue office and paying another $11.50. You will not need to retake the written test if you renew before it expires.