Where to get a replacement license in Missouri
You can replace a Missouri driver's license at any Missouri Department of Revenue office that handles driver services. The state operates full-service locations in most counties, plus several express offices in larger cities. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices now offer online scheduling to reduce wait times.
The fastest route is usually your county's main revenue office. You can find the address and current hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website by entering your county name. If you live in or near St. Louis, Kansas City, or Springfield, express offices in those cities often have shorter lines than county locations.
Some municipal offices and license bureaus in smaller towns also handle replacements, but they typically refer you to the county office if they cannot process your request on the spot. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your local office handles replacements.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid form of ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to replace a Missouri driver's license at any Department of Revenue office.
- A standard replacement license costs $11.50 and takes about 10 business days to arrive by mail; you can pay extra for expedited delivery.
- If your license was lost or stolen, you should report it to the Missouri State Highway Patrol's non-emergency line before going to the revenue office.
- You can renew your license online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website if you are only replacing an expired license and do not need a new photo.
- Bring your current license or another government-issued ID to the revenue office; without it, you may need to provide additional documents.
Documents you need to bring
Bring your current Missouri driver's license if you still have it. If your license was lost or stolen, bring another form of government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you have none of these, you will need to bring a birth certificate or certified copy plus two documents showing your current name and address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
You must also bring proof of your Social Security number. An original Social Security card is the simplest option. If you do not have the card itself, bring a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement from the Social Security Administration website.
Bring one document proving your current Missouri address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you recently moved and your address has not updated on your current license, bring the new address document even if your old license shows a different address.
What happens at the revenue office
When you arrive, you will check in and receive a number. The staff will verify your identity using the documents you brought, confirm your Social Security number, and take a new photo for your license. The photo process is the same as for a new license — you stand in front of a camera, and the office takes a digital image on the spot.
You will then pay the replacement fee of $11.50 for a standard license. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. You can choose standard mail delivery (about 10 business days) or pay extra for expedited delivery, which typically arrives in 3 to 5 business days. Some offices offer rush processing for an additional fee if you need the license sooner.
After payment, you will receive a receipt with a confirmation number. Keep this receipt — it shows you have a valid replacement in process if you are stopped by police before the new license arrives. You do not receive a temporary license at the office.
If your license was lost or stolen
Report the loss or theft to the Missouri State Highway Patrol's non-emergency line at 573-526-6153 before you go to the revenue office. You do not need to file a formal police report unless you suspect fraud or identity theft, but notifying the Highway Patrol creates a record that your license was reported missing. This step protects you if someone tries to use your old license number.
Bring the receipt or confirmation number from your report to the revenue office. The staff will note in the system that your old license was reported lost or stolen, which flags it as invalid. This prevents anyone else from using your old license number for transactions.
If you suspect your license was stolen as part of identity theft — for example, if you also lost your wallet or if you notice fraudulent accounts — contact the Missouri Attorney General's Identity Theft Hotline at 573-751-3321 or file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.
Online renewal for expired licenses only
If your license straightforward expired and you have not lost it, you can renew online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website without visiting an office. Online renewal costs $11.50 and takes the same 10 business days for delivery. You will use your current license number and answer security questions to verify your identity.
Online renewal does not include a new photo — your old photo stays on file. If you want a new photo or if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you must go to a revenue office in person.
You can renew online only if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have no outstanding tickets or fines. If you have any holds on your license, the online system will tell you to visit an office instead.
Expedited and rush options
Standard mail delivery takes about 10 business days from the date you explore. If you need your license sooner, ask the revenue office staff about expedited mail, which usually costs $5 to $10 extra and arrives in 3 to 5 business days.
Some offices offer same-day or next-day rush processing for an additional fee, typically $25 to $50. This option is not available at all locations, so call your county revenue office ahead of time to ask whether they offer it. Rush processing is most common at the express offices in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your receipt from the revenue office serves as proof that you have a valid replacement in process. Police will accept it as temporary documentation, though it is not a legal substitute for your license.
Common reasons replacements are delayed
The most common delay is incomplete or incorrect information on your process. Double-check that your name, date of birth, and address are spelled exactly as they appear on your documents before you leave the revenue office. If there is a mismatch between your documents, the office may ask you to bring additional paperwork or may delay processing until you return with the correct documents.
Address changes sometimes cause delays because the revenue office must verify your new address. If you recently moved, bring the dated proof of residency document with you and make sure the staff updates your address in the system before you leave.
If you are replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, the revenue office will check with the Missouri courts and the Department of Public Safety before issuing a new one. This can add several days to processing. You will be told at the office whether your license has any holds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license to arrive?
Yes. Your receipt from the revenue office is proof that you have a valid replacement in process. Police will accept it as temporary documentation if you are stopped. However, it is not a legal substitute for your license, so carry it with you whenever you drive.
What if I moved out of state after getting my Missouri license?
You can still replace your Missouri license by mail. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to request a replacement by mail, or visit a revenue office if you are back in Missouri. You will need to provide proof of your current out-of-state address instead of a Missouri address.
Do I need to take a new written test or vision test to replace my license?
No. A replacement license does not require any tests. You only need to provide your documents and pay the fee. If your license was suspended or revoked, you may need to complete additional steps before the office will issue a replacement, but the revenue office will tell you this when you explore.
How much does a replacement license cost?
A standard replacement costs $11.50. Expedited mail delivery adds $5 to $10, and rush processing (if available at your office) adds $25 to $50. All fees are paid at the revenue office when you explore.
What if the photo they took looks bad?
You can request a new photo at the revenue office on the spot, usually at no extra charge. If you are unhappy with the photo after your license arrives, you can return to the office and request a new one, though some locations may charge a small fee for a second replacement within a short time frame.