Getting a replacement Missouri driver's license when yours is lost

You can replace a lost Missouri driver's license by visiting a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person, bringing proof of identity and residency, and paying a replacement fee. The process takes about 15 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 do this by mail or online — Missouri requires you to appear in person.

The replacement fee is $11.50 for a standard driver's license (as of 2024, though this may change). If you also need to renew your license because it has expired or will expire soon, the cost is higher and the process takes longer, so it's worth checking your expiration date before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with proof of identity and proof of your current address to get a replacement license.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return.
  • The replacement fee is $11.50, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license has expired or will expire within 30 days, you'll need to renew instead of replace, which costs more and takes longer.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one form of government-issued photo ID, such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you don't have a second photo ID, Missouri will accept a certified birth certificate instead. You also need proof that you live at your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.

You'll also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or bring a document that shows it, such as a W-2, tax return, or benefits statement. If you don't have any of these, you can sign an affidavit at the office swearing to your number, though this adds time to your visit.

Bring your current address in writing if it's different from the address on your ID. Missouri will update your license to reflect where you live now.

Finding and visiting a Missouri Department of Revenue office

Missouri has 43 Department of Revenue offices across the state. Find the one nearest you by visiting the Missouri Secretary of State website and searching for "driver license office locations," or call 573-526-2407 to ask which office is closest to you.

Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have different hours. Call ahead or check the office's hours online before you go — a few offices close for lunch or have limited evening hours. You do not need an appointment; walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during busy times, especially mid-morning and early afternoon.

Bring all your documents with you. If you're missing any required document, the office will turn you away and you'll have to return another day.

What happens at the office and after

When you arrive, tell the staff member you need to replace a lost license. They'll ask you to fill out Form DL 44 (process for Missouri Driver's License or Noncommercial Driver's License). The form takes about 5 minutes and asks for your name, address, date of birth, and other basic information. The staff member will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your replacement.

Before you leave, you'll receive a temporary paper license that's valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a permanent card — you can drive with it, use it as ID, and show it to police. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within two weeks, call the office where you applied and ask them to check the status.

If you need your license sooner than 10 days, there is no expedited option through Missouri. Your only choice is to wait for the standard mail delivery.

If your license has expired or is about to expire

Check your license's expiration date before you go to the office. If your license expired more than 30 days ago, or will expire within 30 days, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must renew it instead. A renewal costs $24 for a standard license (as of 2024) and takes longer because the state runs additional background checks.

If you're renewing rather than replacing, you'll still need the same documents, and the process at the office is the same. The difference is in the fee and the time it takes for your card to arrive — renewals typically take 10 to 15 business days instead of 7 to 10. Ask the staff member when you arrive whether your situation counts as a replacement or a renewal; they'll tell you the correct fee before you pay.

What to do if you find your original license

If your original license turns up after you've received your replacement, you don't need to do anything. Keep the replacement card and destroy the original. Missouri doesn't require you to return the old one, and having both won't cause problems — the system knows you reported it lost and issued a replacement.

If you're concerned about identity theft because your license was lost in circumstances that worry you (for example, it was in a stolen wallet), consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. This is separate from the driver's license replacement and takes about 15 minutes to set up online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I don't have a permanent address?

Missouri requires proof of your current address. If you're homeless or living temporarily, you can use a shelter address, a friend's address where you're staying, or a mailing address where you receive mail. Bring a document showing that address, such as a letter from the shelter or a piece of mail addressed to you there. Call your local Department of Revenue office first to confirm what they'll accept in your situation.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You still need to visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person. If you're currently out of state, you can wait until you return to Missouri, or you can travel to the nearest office when you're able. There's no way to replace it remotely. If you need to drive before you can get to an office, check whether your state will issue you a temporary ID or whether you can use your passport as identification.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

No, Missouri does not require you to file a police report to replace a lost driver's license. However, if you believe your license was stolen as part of a larger theft (like a stolen wallet), you may want to file a report for your own records and to document the theft for insurance purposes. This is optional and won't speed up your replacement.

Will I get the same license number on my replacement card?

Yes. Your replacement license will have the same number as your original. Missouri doesn't issue new numbers for replacements, only for renewals or when you change your name or address.

What if I can't get to an office during business hours?

Most Missouri Department of Revenue offices are open only during standard business hours, Monday through Friday. A few locations have extended hours or Saturday hours — call 573-526-2407 or check the office locator on the Missouri Secretary of State website to see if an office near you has weekend or evening hours. If none do, you'll need to take time off work or arrange your schedule to visit during the week.