How to reinstate your Missouri driver's license
To reinstate your Missouri driver's license, you must contact the Missouri Department of Revenue, pay any reinstatement fees, and meet the specific requirements that caused your license to be suspended or revoked in the first place. The process differs depending on why your license was suspended — whether for unpaid traffic tickets, DWI conviction, failure to pay child support, or another reason. You cannot straightforward renew; you must go through reinstatement, which involves paperwork, fees, and sometimes additional steps like completing a safety course or paying court fines.
The Missouri Department of Revenue's Driver License Bureau handles all reinstatements. You can start the process by calling them at 573-526-2407 or visiting a local Missouri license office in person. Before you go, you need to know the reason your license was suspended, because that determines what you must do to get it back.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to find out exactly why your license was suspended, because the reinstatement process depends on the reason.
- You must pay a reinstatement fee to the Missouri Department of Revenue, and the amount varies based on whether your suspension was for a moving violation, DWI, or other cause.
- If your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay those amounts in full before reinstatement can happen.
- Some suspensions require proof of completion — such as a defensive driving course for certain violations or a substance abuse program for DWI-related suspensions.
- After you meet all requirements and pay all fees, reinstatement usually takes a few business days, and you can then renew your license normally.
Why your license was suspended in Missouri
Missouri suspends driver's licenses for several reasons, and each one has different reinstatement requirements. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, conviction for driving under the influence (DWI), failure to pay child support, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points on your driving record.
You can find out the exact reason by calling the Driver License Bureau at 573-526-2407 or by visiting a license office in person with your ID. They will tell you what you owe, what documents you need, and what steps come next. Do not assume you know the reason — the requirements change based on the specific cause, and missing a step will delay your reinstatement.
Reinstatement fees and what you must pay
The Missouri Department of Revenue charges a reinstatement fee that varies by the type of suspension. For most suspensions related to moving violations or accumulation of points, the fee is typically $50 to $100, though the exact amount depends on your situation. If your suspension was for DWI, the fee is higher. You must pay this fee to the Missouri Department of Revenue before your license can be reinstated.
In addition to the reinstatement fee, you must pay any outstanding traffic fines, court costs, or other amounts owed to the court or municipality that suspended your license. If your suspension was for failure to pay child support, you must show proof that your child support obligation is current or that you have made arrangements to catch up. The Driver License Bureau can tell you the total amount owed when you call.
Reinstatement steps for traffic violations and point accumulation
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines, too many points on your record, or failure to appear in court, the reinstatement process is straightforward but requires payment first. You must pay all outstanding fines and court costs to the court or municipality that issued the ticket. Once you have paid, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to confirm the payment has been recorded.
After the court confirms payment, you pay the reinstatement fee to the Missouri Department of Revenue. You can do this by mail, phone, or in person at a license office. Once the fee is received and processed, your license is reinstated, usually within a few business days. You can then renew your license normally if it has expired, or straightforward request a replacement card if you need one when ready.
Reinstatement after a DWI suspension
DWI suspensions in Missouri have stricter requirements than other suspensions. You must pay all court fines and costs related to the DWI conviction, pay the reinstatement fee to the Missouri Department of Revenue, and in many cases complete a substance abuse program or defensive driving course. The court that handled your DWI case will specify which program you need to complete and provide you with a list of approved providers.
Some DWI suspensions also require an ignition interlock device to be installed in your vehicle before you can drive again. The court will tell you if this applies to your case. Once you have completed all requirements, paid all fees, and provided proof of completion to the Missouri Department of Revenue, your license will be reinstated. This process typically takes longer than other suspensions because of the additional requirements.
Reinstatement for child support and other administrative suspensions
If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, you must show proof that your child support obligation is current or that you have entered into a payment agreement with the child support enforcement agency. Contact the Missouri Department of Family Services to arrange this. Once you have proof, submit it to the Missouri Department of Revenue along with the reinstatement fee.
Other administrative suspensions — such as those for failure to maintain insurance or failure to respond to a traffic citation — also require you to resolve the underlying issue first. For insurance-related suspensions, you must provide proof of current coverage. For failure to respond, you must appear in court or resolve the matter with the court. After the underlying issue is resolved, pay the reinstatement fee and your license will be reinstated.
What to bring to the license office for reinstatement
When you visit a Missouri license office to complete your reinstatement, bring your current ID (passport, military ID, or other government-issued identification), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof that you have met all reinstatement requirements. This proof might include a receipt showing payment of fines, a letter from the court confirming payment, a certificate of completion from a substance abuse or defensive driving program, or a child support payment agreement.
If you are reinstating by mail, send copies of these documents along with the reinstatement fee payment to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Include a letter explaining your situation and listing the reason your license was suspended. Keep copies of everything you send. Processing by mail typically takes longer than in-person reinstatement, so plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Missouri reinstatement take?
If you complete everything in person at a license office and all requirements are met, reinstatement usually happens within a few business days. By mail, it can take two to three weeks. DWI reinstatements take longer because of the additional requirements like substance abuse programs.
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the Missouri Department of Revenue officially reinstates it. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. Wait for written confirmation of reinstatement before driving.
What if I cannot pay all my fines at once?
Contact the court that issued the ticket or the municipality that suspended your license and ask about a payment plan. Some courts will work with you on installment payments. Once you have a payment agreement in writing, bring it to the Missouri Department of Revenue — they may reinstate your license while you pay the plan.
Do I need a new license photo after reinstatement?
Reinstatement itself does not require a new photo. However, if your license has expired or is expiring soon, you will need to renew it, which does require a new photo. You can renew at the same time as reinstatement if you wish.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
If your license is lost or stolen, that is separate from reinstatement. You would request a replacement card from the Missouri Department of Revenue. If your license is also suspended, you must handle the reinstatement first, then request the replacement card.