Where to renew your Missouri driver's license
You can renew your Missouri driver's license at any Missouri Department of Revenue office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster — you can complete it from home in about 15 minutes — but not everyone is may be able to access. In-person renewal at a local office takes longer but works for all drivers.
To find the office nearest you, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website and use their office locator tool. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but calling ahead can tell you how busy the office is that day.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website takes about 15 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is not expired and you have not renewed online in the past eight years.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment, and takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait times.
- Missouri driver's licenses are valid for six years, so you can renew up to one year before your expiration date.
- If your license is already expired, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
- The renewal fee varies depending on whether you renew online or in person, and whether you choose a REAL ID-compliant license.
Online renewal: who can use it and what it costs
Online renewal is available if your current license is not expired, you have not renewed online in the past eight years, and your address has not changed. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The fee for online renewal is lower than in-person renewal — currently $88 for a six-year license — though this amount can change.
When you renew online, the state mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can still drive using your current license. If you need to change your address, add a REAL ID designation, or update your name, you cannot do those online and must visit an office in person instead.
In-person renewal: documents you need and what to bring
For in-person renewal, bring your current Missouri driver's license and one document proving your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days. Your name on the proof document must match your name on your license, or you will need to bring additional documents showing the name change.
Bring a valid payment method — cash, debit card, or credit card. The in-person renewal fee is currently $88 for a six-year license, though fees can vary. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written knowledge test and vision screening, so plan for extra time. Ask at the office when you arrive whether you will need to test.
What happens during the renewal visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. A staff member will review your documents, confirm your information, and take a new photo for your license. The photo is taken at the office, so dress as you would for any official photo. You will also have your vision screened — this is a quick check to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you will take the written test at the office before your license is renewed. The test covers Missouri traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Missouri Driver Guide, which is available free on the Department of Revenue website. After you pass the test and vision screening, you pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Timeline: when you can renew and how long it takes
You can renew your Missouri driver's license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — your new license will still be valid for six years from the renewal date. This means if you renew one year early, your new license will expire six years after you renew, not six years after your old one would have expired.
Online renewal takes about 15 minutes to complete, and the state mails your license within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal at an office typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is that day. If you need to retake the written test, add an extra 15 to 30 minutes. You receive a temporary paper license when ready after your visit, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.
REAL ID and what it means for your renewal
A REAL ID-compliant driver's license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or another acceptable form of identification to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have the gold star, you can add REAL ID status during renewal.
To get a REAL ID license, you need to bring additional documents beyond the standard renewal requirements: proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form) and a document showing your date of birth (such as a birth certificate or passport). The REAL ID fee is slightly higher than a standard license renewal. If you do not need REAL ID for flights or federal buildings, you can renew without it.
What to do if your license is expired or lost
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online — you must visit a Department of Revenue office in person. You will need to retake the written knowledge test and vision screening as part of the renewal process. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: proof of residency and payment.
If your license is lost or stolen, you will need to report it to the Department of Revenue and request a replacement. This is different from renewal. You can report a lost or stolen license online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, or in person at any office. A replacement license costs less than a renewal and is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Your new license will be valid for six years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired. Renewing early does not extend how long your license lasts overall.
What if I moved to Missouri from another state?
If you have a valid out-of-state license, you can renew it in Missouri by visiting a Department of Revenue office in person. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Missouri residency, and payment. You will have your vision screened and a new photo taken, but you will not need to retake the written test unless your license has been expired for more than one year.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
The state mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after you renew. You receive a temporary paper license when ready if you renew in person, or you can continue using your current license if you renew online. The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days.
Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?
Yes. A new photo is taken at the time of renewal, whether you renew online or in person. For online renewal, you upload a digital photo yourself. For in-person renewal, the office takes your photo. You cannot use your old photo from your expiring license.
What if my name changed since my last license?
Bring documents showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will need to renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change, proof of residency, and payment. The staff will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name.