What You'll Pay to Renew Your Missouri License
A standard Missouri driver's license renewal costs $13.50 if you renew by mail or online, or $18.50 if you renew in person at a license office. The difference covers the extra processing for in-person service. These are the base fees for a four-year renewal, which is the standard cycle for most Missouri drivers.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead, which costs more and requires an in-person visit. If your license expired five years ago or less, you can still renew it at the renewal price.
Missouri does not charge extra fees for standard renewals based on your age, driving record, or how long you've held a license. The fee is the same whether this is your first renewal or your tenth.
Key Takeaways
- Online or mail renewal costs $13.50; in-person renewal at a license office costs $18.50.
- These fees cover a four-year license valid for standard driving in Missouri.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew and must explore for a new license instead.
- You can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on which renewal method you choose.
How Payment Works for Each Renewal Method
If you renew online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, you pay by credit card at the time you submit your renewal. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You'll see the $13.50 charge appear on your statement within a few days.
If you renew by mail, you send a check or money order for $13.50 along with your renewal form and documents to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. The Department of Revenue processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, which typically takes two to three weeks after they receive your envelope.
If you renew in person at a license office, you pay $18.50 at the counter before you leave. Most offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific location, since some smaller offices may have different options.
Additional Costs You Might Encounter
If you need a duplicate license — a replacement for one that was lost, stolen, or damaged — that costs $13.50 and requires an in-person visit. You cannot get a duplicate by mail or online.
If you want a Real ID compliant license, which is required for federal air travel starting in 2025, there is no extra fee in Missouri. Your renewal automatically produces a Real ID license as long as you provide the required documents (proof of citizenship and proof of residency). If you do not have those documents, you can still renew your standard license at the regular price.
If you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license during renewal, there is no additional charge. You straightforward provide the updated information on your renewal form or during your in-person visit.
When You Cannot Renew and Must explore Instead
If your Missouri license has been expired for more than five years, the Department of Revenue treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. A new license costs $25 and requires an in-person visit to a license office. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test.
You also cannot renew if your license was suspended or revoked. In that case, you must contact the Department of Revenue to understand why your license was suspended and what steps are required before you can drive legally again.
If your license is currently valid but you want to change your class (for example, from a standard license to a commercial driver's license), that is a separate transaction with different fees and requirements, not a renewal.
How to Know Your Renewal Fee Before You Start
The Missouri Department of Revenue sends a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires. This notice lists your current fee and tells you whether you are may be able to access to renew or must explore for a new license. Keep this notice — it contains the mailing address if you choose to renew by mail.
You can also check your license expiration date by looking at the front of your physical license. The expiration date is printed in the bottom right corner. If that date is within the next 60 days or has passed within the last five years, you are may be able to access to renew at the standard fee.
If you have questions about your specific situation — for example, if you are unsure whether your license is suspended or if you lost your renewal notice — call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407. They can confirm your may be able to access and the exact fee you will owe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I live outside Missouri?
Yes. Missouri allows online renewal for anyone with a valid Missouri license, regardless of where you currently live. You do not need to be a Missouri resident to renew online. You will need your license number, Social Security number, and a credit card to complete the transaction.
What if I want to renew early before my license expires?
Missouri allows you to renew your license up to six months before the expiration date. The fee is the same ($13.50 online or by mail, $18.50 in person), and your new license will be valid for four years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date. Early renewal can be useful if you are traveling and want a fresh license.
Do I have to pay the fee again if my renewal is rejected?
If you submit an online or mail renewal and it is rejected because of missing documents or incorrect information, you will need to resubmit. You typically do not pay the fee twice — the Department of Revenue will contact you about what is missing and allow you to correct it. If you are unsure, call 573-526-2407 to ask before resubmitting.
Is there a fee to change my address during renewal?
No. Changing your address costs nothing and is included in your renewal fee. You straightforward provide your new address on the renewal form (if renewing by mail or online) or tell the clerk at the license office (if renewing in person).