Missouri lets you replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license in person at a Driver License Office, by mail, or online depending on your situation
The fastest route is the Missouri Department of Revenue's online system if your license is straightforward expired or about to expire and you have no violations or address changes to report. If your license was lost or stolen, you must go in person to a Driver License Office to file a report and get a replacement. If your license is damaged but still valid, you can mail in a replacement request with your current license and a fee.
The process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose. Online renewal takes minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. In-person replacement at an office takes about 30 minutes to an hour, and you can get a temporary paper license the same day. Mail-in replacement takes 2 to 3 weeks after the office receives your materials.
Key Takeaways
- Online replacement works only if your license is expired or expiring soon and you have no address changes, violations, or restrictions to update.
- Lost or stolen licenses require an in-person visit to a Driver License Office to file a theft or loss report before you can get a replacement.
- Damaged licenses can be replaced by mail if the license is still valid; you send in the damaged license, a completed form, and the replacement fee.
- In-person replacement gives you a temporary paper license on the spot, while online and mail methods require you to wait for the new card to arrive.
- Missouri charges a replacement fee that varies depending on whether you are renewing early or straightforward replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card.
Online replacement for expired or expiring licenses
Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website and select the online driver license renewal option. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your information against state records and ask you to confirm your address and any other details on file.
Online renewal is available only if your license is expired or will expire within 6 months, you have no address changes to make, and you have no active violations or restrictions. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, the system will direct you to schedule an in-person appointment or use the mail method instead.
After you complete the online transaction, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your confirmation number as proof of a valid license if you are stopped by law enforcement during that waiting period.
In-person replacement at a Driver License Office
Go to any Missouri Driver License Office with your Social Security number, proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Bring the damaged license if you have it, or a police report number if your license was stolen.
You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which usually cuts your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first.
When you arrive, tell the staff member whether you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license. They will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your replacement. You will pay the replacement fee at the counter. Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. The permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail-in replacement for damaged licenses
Complete Form DL 43 (process for Missouri Driver License or Permit), which you can read from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or pick up at any Driver License Office. Include your current damaged license, a check or money order for the replacement fee made out to the Missouri Department of Revenue, and a photocopy of proof of your current address.
Mail the complete packet to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a note explaining that the license is damaged and you are requesting a replacement. The office will process your request when it arrives and mail your new license to the address on file.
Processing time for mail-in replacement is typically 2 to 3 weeks after the office receives your materials. You will not receive a temporary license with this method, so plan accordingly if you need to drive before your new card arrives. If you need to drive during this period, you can request an in-person appointment instead to get a temporary paper license on the spot.
What to do if your license was lost or stolen
You must report a lost or stolen license in person at a Driver License Office. Bring your Social Security number, proof of citizenship, and proof of your current address. Tell the staff member that your license was lost or stolen, and they will file a report in the system.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a police report, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. Bring the police report number to the Driver License Office; staff can note it in your file. This creates an official record that can help protect you if someone tries to use your license fraudulently.
After the office files the loss or theft report, you will go through the standard replacement process: new photo, fee payment, and temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Fees and payment methods
Missouri charges different fees depending on the type of replacement and how long your new license will be valid. A standard replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs less than a renewal that extends your license expiration date. If you are replacing a license that is not yet expired, you pay only the replacement fee. If you are replacing an expired license, you may pay a combined renewal and replacement fee.
At a Driver License Office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. By mail, you must send a check or money order; cash cannot be sent through the mail. Online, you must use a debit or credit card.
Current fee amounts are listed on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Fees do not change often, but it is worth checking the site before you go in person or mail your request to confirm the exact amount you need to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license the same day I explore?
Only if you go in person to a Driver License Office. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the spot, and your permanent card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Online and mail-in methods do not provide same-day service.
What if I moved and need to update my address at the same time?
You cannot update your address online during a replacement. You must go in person to a Driver License Office or use the mail method and include proof of your new address. In-person is faster if you need the update done when ready.
Do I need an appointment to go to a Driver License Office?
Appointments are not required, but they are strongly recommended. Most offices allow you to schedule online, and appointment holders are served before walk-ins. Wait times for walk-ins can be an hour or more, especially during peak times.
What counts as proof of citizenship for a replacement?
A U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or certificate of citizenship all work. Your current Missouri driver license also counts as proof of citizenship if it is not damaged beyond recognition.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to the address on file with the Missouri Department of Revenue. You cannot have it sent elsewhere or picked up by another person.