Where to get a replacement Missouri driver's license
You can get a replacement Missouri driver's license at any Missouri Department of Revenue office. The state has about 50 locations statewide, including offices in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, and smaller cities. You can also renew or replace your license at certain license offices run by third-party vendors — these are often faster than state offices but charge an additional fee.
The fastest option depends on what you need. If your license was lost or stolen, you must go in person to a Department of Revenue office or licensed vendor location. If your license is damaged or you need a name change, you can also handle this in person. Some people choose the vendor route specifically to avoid waiting in line at a state office, though you will pay extra for that convenience.
You can find the nearest office and check current wait times on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Many offices now offer online scheduling, which lets you book a specific time slot instead of arriving and waiting.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office or licensed vendor to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and payment — cash, check, or card — because requirements vary slightly by location.
- A replacement license costs $11.50 if you keep your current address and expiration date, or $24 if you need a new photo or address change.
- Processing takes about 10 minutes in person, and you receive your new license when ready at most locations.
- If you cannot go in person, Missouri does not offer mail-in replacement for lost or stolen licenses, but you can renew by mail if your license is still valid.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your Social Security number and at least one form of proof of residency. Proof of residency means a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Missouri address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a recent document in your name, bring two older documents (older than 60 days) instead.
You will also need to bring payment. A replacement license costs $11.50 if you are keeping your current address and expiration date. If you need a new photo, a new address, or a name change, the cost is $24. Missouri accepts cash, check, or card at most locations, but call ahead to confirm your specific office takes the payment method you plan to use.
If your license was stolen, bring a police report if you have one. If your license was lost, you do not need a report, but having one can help if you need to dispute fraudulent use later. Neither is required to get a replacement, but both are useful to have.
The step-by-step process at the office
Step 1: Check in. When you arrive, tell the staff member you need a replacement license. They will give you a number or direct you to a kiosk where you check in. Some offices use online scheduling, so if you booked a time slot, check in at the desk or kiosk when you arrive.
Step 2: Wait your turn. Wait times vary widely depending on the office and time of day. Offices in smaller cities tend to be faster. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter waits than late afternoon or Friday.
Step 3: Meet with the examiner. When your number is called, go to the window. The examiner will ask you why you need a replacement and verify your identity. They will check your Social Security number against state records. This is when you hand over your proof of residency.
Step 4: Take a new photo. If your license was lost or stolen, you will get a new photo taken. If you are just replacing a damaged license and keeping the same address and expiration date, the examiner may use your old photo instead — ask if you want a new one anyway, though you will pay the higher $24 fee.
Step 5: Pay and receive your license. Pay the fee, and the examiner will print your new license on the spot. You walk out with it in hand. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the window.
Cost and what affects the price
A replacement license costs $11.50 if you keep your current address and expiration date and do not need a new photo. This is the cheapest option and applies when your license is damaged but still readable, or when you lost it and want to use the old photo.
A replacement costs $24 if you need any of the following: a new photo, a new address, a name change, or a corrected date of birth. Most people who lost or had their license stolen will pay $24 because they get a new photo as part of the replacement process.
If you use a licensed vendor instead of a state office, you will pay an additional vendor fee on top of the state fee. Vendor fees range from $5 to $15 depending on the vendor. Some vendors are faster than state offices, so the extra cost may be worth it if you are in a hurry or live far from a state office.
When you cannot go in person
Missouri does not allow mail-in replacement for lost or stolen licenses. You must appear in person. However, if your license is still valid and you only need to renew it (not replace it because it was lost or stolen), you can renew by mail or online without going to an office.
If you absolutely cannot go in person, you have limited options. Some employers or organizations may accept a temporary paper receipt from the Department of Revenue as proof of identity while you wait to go in person. Call the office where you plan to go and ask whether they can issue a temporary receipt by phone or mail — policies vary by location.
If you need to drive before you can get to an office, Missouri does not issue temporary driving permits for replacement licenses. You will need to either make the trip to an office or arrange for someone else to pick up your replacement if you have authorized them to do so (though this is not standard practice and you should call ahead to ask).
How to replace your license if you have moved out of state
If you no longer live in Missouri but still have a Missouri license, you cannot replace it by mail or phone. You must return to Missouri in person to get a replacement. This applies whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged.
Your only alternative is to get a driver's license in your new state instead. Once you move, most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days. You will need to surrender your Missouri license when you explore for the new one. If your Missouri license was lost or stolen, bring a police report to your new state's licensing office — they may waive the requirement to surrender the old license.
If you still need a Missouri license for identification purposes (for example, if you work in Missouri but live out of state), you will need to make a trip back to a Missouri office to replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?
You do not receive your replacement license in the mail. You get it when ready at the office when you complete the replacement process. The examiner prints it on the spot, and you leave with it in your hand. This is one reason why replacement (for lost or stolen licenses) requires an in-person visit — the license is ready the same day.
Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to find out the status of your license and what you need to do to restore it. Once it is restored, you can then replace it if it was lost or stolen.
What if I lost my license and do not have proof of residency?
You still need proof of residency to get a replacement. If you do not have a recent utility bill or lease, bring two older documents (dated more than 60 days ago) with your current address, or bring one recent document in a family member's name at your address plus one document in your name. Call your local office ahead of time to ask what combination they will accept, because policies can vary slightly.
Do I need an appointment to replace my license?
Many Missouri offices now offer online scheduling, which lets you book a specific time slot. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website to see if your local office has scheduling. If it does, booking ahead usually means a shorter wait. If your office does not offer scheduling, you can walk in during business hours, though you may wait longer during busy times.
What if my replacement license arrives with an error?
If you notice an error on your new license before you leave the office, tell the examiner when ready. They can usually correct it and reprint it on the spot. If you discover an error after you leave, return to the office with your license and proof of the correct information (such as a birth certificate for a date of birth error). The office will issue a corrected replacement.