How to Reinstate Your Missouri Driver's License

What happens when your Missouri license is suspended or revoked

A suspended license means you cannot legally drive in Missouri, and the suspension stays in effect until you complete specific steps to remove it. The Missouri Department of Revenue maintains your driving record and controls when a suspension lifts. You cannot straightforward wait out the suspension or ignore it — the state will not automatically reinstate your license when time passes.

Suspensions happen for different reasons: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or accumulating too many points on your record. Each reason has its own reinstatement path, and you must address the underlying cause before the state will restore your driving privileges. A revocation is more serious than a suspension — it means your license has been cancelled entirely, and you may need to reapply for a new one rather than straightforward reinstate the old one.

Key Takeaways

You must first find out why your license was suspended by checking your Missouri driving record through the Department of Revenue website or by calling their driver services line.
Each suspension reason requires a different action: paying fines, attending court, clearing child support debt, or completing a substance abuse program.
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you submit a reinstatement request to the Missouri Department of Revenue along with proof that the problem is solved.
Reinstatement fees range from $20 to $100 depending on the suspension reason, and you must pay this fee even after clearing the original debt.
After approval, you may need to pass a vision test or written exam before you can drive legally again.

Find out why your license was suspended

Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the exact reason the state suspended it. The Missouri Department of Revenue maintains this information, and you can look it up yourself without waiting for a letter or phone call.

Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website and use their online driver record lookup tool. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The record will show the suspension reason and the date it took effect. If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the Department of Revenue driver services line at 573-751-4509. Have your license number and Social Security number ready when you call.

Write down the exact suspension reason — this determines what you must do next. Common reasons include "failure to pay fine," "failure to appear," "child support," "medical suspension," or "point suspension." The Department of Revenue website also lists suspension codes if your record shows only a code number.

Pay outstanding fines or court costs

If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount before reinstatement. Contact the court that issued the ticket — the court name and case number appear on your driving record. The court clerk can tell you the exact amount owed and accept payment by phone, mail, or in person.

Some courts allow payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount at once. Ask the court clerk whether a payment plan is an option in your case. Once you have paid in full or arranged a payment plan, ask the court to send written confirmation to the Missouri Department of Revenue. The court will notify the state, but this can take one to two weeks.

Do not assume the suspension lifts automatically once you pay. After the court confirms payment to the state, you still must submit a reinstatement request to the Department of Revenue (see the section below on submitting your reinstatement request).

Resolve child support or other legal holds

If your suspension is tied to unpaid child support, you must contact the Missouri Family Support Division. They manage child support enforcement and can tell you the exact amount owed. You can reach them at 573-751-4301 or through their website. Payment arrangements are often available if you cannot pay the full balance when ready.

Once you have paid what is owed or set up a payment plan, the Family Support Division will notify the Missouri Department of Revenue that the hold has been cleared. This notification can take one to three weeks. Other legal holds — such as those from the Missouri Department of Social Services or the Department of Health and Senior Services — work similarly: contact the agency listed on your driving record, resolve the issue, and wait for them to notify the Department of Revenue.

Complete a substance abuse program if required

If your suspension is due to a DWI conviction or refusal to take a breath test, Missouri requires you to complete a substance abuse assessment and any recommended treatment before reinstatement. The Department of Revenue will direct you to an approved evaluator in your area. You pay for the assessment yourself — costs vary but typically range from $100 to $300.

The evaluator will determine whether you need treatment beyond the assessment. If treatment is required, you must complete it before the Department of Revenue will reinstate your license. Once finished, the evaluator sends a report directly to the Department of Revenue. Keep a copy for your records.

Submit your reinstatement request and pay the fee

After you have resolved the underlying issue — paid fines, cleared child support, completed a program, or addressed whatever caused the suspension — you must formally request reinstatement from the Missouri Department of Revenue. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Revenue office.

To reinstate online, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website and use their reinstatement request form. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method for the reinstatement fee. The fee ranges from $20 to $100 depending on the suspension reason. Pay by credit card or debit card. The state will process your request within one to three business days if you submit it online.

If you prefer to mail your request, send it to the Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver Services Bureau, P.O. Box 200, Jefferson City, MO 65105. Include a copy of proof that you have resolved the underlying issue — a court receipt, child support clearance letter, or substance abuse evaluation report. Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Mail processing takes one to two weeks longer than online submission.

You can also visit a Department of Revenue office in person. Bring your driver's license, proof that the underlying issue is resolved, and payment for the reinstatement fee. An office visit is the fastest option if you need your license reinstated urgently, as you may receive approval the same day.

Pass any required tests before driving

Depending on your suspension reason, you may need to pass a vision test or written exam before you can legally drive again. The Department of Revenue will tell you in your reinstatement approval letter whether a test is required. If a test is required, you cannot drive until you pass it — even though your suspension has been lifted.

Schedule your test appointment at a Department of Revenue office. Vision tests take about five minutes. Written exams cover Missouri traffic laws and typically take 20 to 30 minutes. You can take the written exam on a computer at the office. If you fail the written exam, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. Bring your reinstatement approval letter and a valid photo ID to your test appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does reinstatement take after I submit my request?

Online reinstatement requests are processed within one to three business days. Mail requests take one to two weeks. In-person requests at a Department of Revenue office may be approved the same day. After approval, you must pass any required tests before you can legally drive again.

What if I cannot find out why my license was suspended?

Call the Missouri Department of Revenue driver services line at 573-751-4509. They can look up your record and explain the suspension reason. Have your driver's license number and Social Security number ready. If the suspension is unclear, ask them to send you a written explanation by mail.

Can I drive with a suspended license if I have submitted a reinstatement request?

No. Your license remains suspended until the Department of Revenue approves your reinstatement request and you pass any required tests. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. Wait for written approval before driving.

What if I disagree with the reason my license was suspended?

You have the right to request a hearing with the Missouri Department of Revenue. Contact their driver services line at 573-751-4509 to request a hearing. You must request it within a certain timeframe — ask about the important date when you call. At the hearing, you can present evidence that the suspension was made in error.

Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if I have already paid the original fine?

Yes. The reinstatement fee is separate from any fines or costs you owed. Even after paying the original debt, you must pay the reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges. The fee ranges from $20 to $100 depending on the suspension reason.

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.