Getting a replacement license in Missouri
To replace a lost driver's license in Missouri, you'll need to visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and take a new photo. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot replace a lost license by mail or online in Missouri — you must appear in person. This is true whether your license expired or is still valid. The state treats a lost license the same as a damaged one, so the steps are identical.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with proof of identity and proof of your current address.
- The replacement fee is $11.50 for a standard license, and you'll pay by cash, check, or debit card at the office.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because the office will verify it before issuing a new license.
- You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to local police first, though it is not required to get a replacement.
What documents you need to bring
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your current address. For identity, the Department of Revenue accepts a passport, military ID, state ID card, or certified birth certificate. A photo is not required on the birth certificate. If you don't have any of these, you can bring two documents from a longer list that includes a Social Security card, bank statement, or utility bill — but these must be paired together, not used alone.
For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. The document must show your current Missouri address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill is the fastest option because it's accepted everywhere and most people have one. If you've moved recently and your documents still show an old address, bring the new document and explain the move to the staff member — they can note it in the system.
You'll also need to know your Social Security number. If you don't have it memorized, bring your Social Security card or a tax return showing it. The office will not issue a license without verifying your number against federal records.
Finding a Missouri Department of Revenue office near you
Missouri has 43 Department of Revenue offices across the state. You can find the one closest to you by visiting the Missouri Secretary of State website and searching by county or city. Each office has its own hours, and some are open only certain days of the week. Call ahead or check the website before you go, because hours change seasonally and some offices close for lunch.
The largest offices in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield tend to have shorter wait times on weekday mornings before 10 a.m. Smaller rural offices often have no wait at all. If you live near a border, you can only use a Missouri office — you cannot cross into Kansas or Illinois to renew.
The replacement fee and payment options
The replacement fee for a standard driver's license is $11.50. This fee applies whether your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. If you're replacing a license that expired more than three years ago, you'll pay the same $11.50 replacement fee, not a renewal fee — the distinction matters because it keeps the cost lower.
Pay at the office by cash, check, or debit card. Credit cards are not accepted. If you're paying by check, write it to the Missouri Department of Revenue. The office will not accept payment by phone or mail for a replacement license.
What happens at the office and after
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff member your documents. They'll verify your identity, check your Social Security number against federal records, and ask you to confirm your address. You'll then be taken to a photo station for a new license photo. Wear something you'd wear to work or school — the photo will be used for identification, so avoid hats, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that changes your appearance.
After your photo is taken, you'll return to the desk, pay the $11.50 fee, and receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and can be used for driving, voting, or any other purpose that requires a license. Your permanent plastic card will be mailed to the address you provided, arriving within 7 to 10 business days. Do not throw away the temporary license until you receive the permanent one.
If you move before your permanent license arrives, contact the Department of Revenue with your new address so they can forward it. If your permanent license doesn't arrive within two weeks, call the office where you applied and ask them to check the status.
If your license was stolen instead of lost
If someone stole your license rather than you straightforward losing it, you have the option to report it to your local police department. This creates a record in case the license is used fraudulently. However, reporting it to police is not required to get a replacement — you can go straight to the Department of Revenue office and follow the same steps as you would for a lost license.
If you're concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. This step is separate from replacing your license and takes about 15 minutes to set up by phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it's expired?
Yes. An expired license is treated the same as a lost one in Missouri. You pay the $11.50 replacement fee, not a renewal fee, and follow the same process. Bring the same documents and visit a Department of Revenue office in person.
What if I don't have a Social Security card or number memorized?
Bring a document showing your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2, or bank statement. The office will not issue a license without verifying the number, so you must have proof of it with you.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provide at the office, so you don't need to pick it up. You must appear in person at the Department of Revenue to explore, but you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready that day.
How long can I drive on the temporary paper license?
The temporary license is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so you'll have it well before the temporary expires. If it doesn't arrive, contact the office where you applied.
What if I moved and my address documents are old?
Bring your most recent document showing your new address, even if it's dated within the last 60 days. Tell the staff member you've recently moved. They can update your address in the system and will mail your license to your new address.