Getting a replacement license from Missouri

You can replace a lost Missouri driver's license by visiting your local Missouri Department of Revenue office in person, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster — you'll walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent card by mail within two weeks. The mail route takes longer but works if you live far from an office or have a valid reason the department accepts for not coming in.

You'll need to bring specific documents, pay a fee (currently $11.50 for a replacement license, though this can change), and provide proof of your identity and Missouri residency. The whole process at an office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you're called, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office with your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of Missouri residency to get a replacement license the same day.
  • You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card arrives by mail within two weeks.
  • The replacement fee is $11.50, and you can pay by cash, check, or card depending on the office.
  • If you cannot visit an office, you can request a replacement by mail, though the process takes longer and requires you to explain why you cannot come in person.
  • Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport as proof of identity — a utility bill or lease counts as proof of residency.

What documents you need to bring

The Missouri Department of Revenue requires two main categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of Missouri residency. For identity, bring one of these: your Social Security card, birth certificate, U.S. passport, or a previous Missouri driver's license or ID card. If you don't have any of those, you can bring a combination of documents — the department's website lists what combinations work.

For residency, bring a recent document showing your current Missouri address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. You do not need both documents to be in your name if you live with someone else — a utility bill in a spouse's or parent's name is acceptable as long as it shows your shared address.

Finding your nearest Missouri Department of Revenue office

Missouri has 16 regional offices plus several smaller locations. The fastest way to find the one closest to you is to visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website and use their office locator tool, or call 573-526-2407 to ask which office serves your area. Each office has different hours — some are open Monday through Friday, while a few have Saturday hours. Check the hours before you go, because many offices close for lunch or have limited evening hours.

Some offices are busier than others. If you live near a major city, the downtown office may have longer waits than a suburban location. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon typically means shorter waits than midday or Friday afternoon.

explore in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office

When you arrive, take a number or check in at the front desk. Bring all your documents and your $11.50 fee. When called, tell the staff member you need a replacement license. They will verify your documents, take a new photo (unless you request to use your previous photo), and process your replacement.

Before you leave, you'll receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license works for driving, voting, or any other purpose a regular license serves. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within two weeks — the exact timing depends on mail delivery to your address. If your permanent card doesn't arrive within three weeks, contact the office where you applied to report it.

Replacing your license by mail

You can request a replacement by mail if you have a valid reason for not visiting an office — the department accepts reasons like disability, illness, military deployment, or living more than 50 miles from an office. Complete the process for Missouri Driver License or Nondriver ID (Form DL 43) and mail it with copies of your identity and residency documents, your $11.50 fee (as a check or money order), and a letter explaining why you cannot come in person.

Mail your packet to the Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver License Bureau, P.O. Box 200, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0200. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date they receive your process. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot drive legally during this time unless you have another valid form of ID. If your reason for mailing is a disability or medical condition, call 573-526-2407 before mailing to ask whether the department can expedite your request.

What to do if your license was stolen or you suspect fraud

If your lost license was stolen or you think someone might use it fraudulently, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 to report it. They can flag your record so that if someone tries to use your license number to get a duplicate or commit fraud, the department will catch it. This step does not replace getting a new license, but it adds a layer of protection.

You should also monitor your credit report for suspicious activity, since a driver's license is a common form of ID used in identity theft. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com.

Fees and payment methods

A replacement Missouri driver's license costs $11.50. At an office, you can pay with cash, check, or card — the specific cards accepted vary by location, so ask when you arrive. If you mail your request, you must include a check or money order; the department does not accept cash or card payments by mail.

If you are a Missouri resident over 65, the replacement fee is waived. If you are a military member on active duty, you may also be exempt — call the department to confirm your situation before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary paper license to drive out of state?

Your temporary Missouri license is valid for driving in all 50 states and U.S. territories for the 45 days it is good. However, some states have stricter rules about temporary licenses — if you are stopped by police in another state, they may not recognize it. Carry your temporary license along with your Social Security card or birth certificate as backup proof of identity.

What if I lost my license and don't have a birth certificate or Social Security card?

You can bring other documents in combination. A U.S. passport, previous Missouri ID, or even a school ID plus a bank statement can work. Call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 with a list of documents you have, and they will tell you whether that combination is acceptable before you make the trip.

How long does it take to get my permanent license in the mail?

The Missouri Department of Revenue aims to mail permanent licenses within two weeks of your office visit. Actual delivery depends on your local mail service. If you haven't received it within three weeks, contact the office where you applied — they can check whether it was mailed and resend it if needed.

Can I renew my license at the same time I replace it?

No — replacement and renewal are separate transactions. If your license is also expired or expiring soon, you will need to handle both separately. Ask the staff member at the office whether you can complete both at the same visit, as some offices allow you to do both in one appointment.

What if I moved to Missouri recently and my old out-of-state license is lost?

You will need to get a new Missouri license rather than replace your old one. Bring your out-of-state license if you still have it, or bring your Social Security card and birth certificate instead. The process and fee are the same as a replacement, and you'll receive a temporary license the same day.