Where to renew and what you need to bring
You can renew your Missouri driver's license in person at any Missouri Department of Revenue office, or online through the Missouri Secretary of State website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your address in the last four years.
If you go in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will also need to pass an eye exam at the office — this takes a few minutes and is included in the renewal fee.
If you renew online, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will not need to visit an office, and your new license will arrive by mail in about one to two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Missouri Secretary of State website takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is not expired and you have not moved in four years.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address, plus an eye exam.
- Your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks for online renewal, or you can get it the same day if you renew in person.
- 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 expired, you must renew in person — online renewal is not an option.
Online renewal through the Missouri Secretary of State
To renew online, go to the Missouri Secretary of State website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will enter your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against the state's records.
The fee for online renewal is $42.50 for a six-year license. You will pay by debit card or credit card during the process. Once you complete the transaction, you will receive a confirmation number by email, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks.
You cannot use online renewal if your license has already expired, if you have medical restrictions or corrective lens requirements that have changed, or if you have moved and not updated your address with the state. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office
Find your nearest Department of Revenue office on the Missouri Secretary of State website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The staff will take a new photo, you will pass an eye exam, and you will pay the renewal fee. For a six-year license, the fee is $42.50 in person (the same as online). You will receive your new license on the spot or within a few days if they need to mail it.
If you have changed your address since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
When you can renew and how long your license lasts
Missouri driver's licenses are valid for six years from the date of issue. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires — so if your license expires on June 15, 2025, you can renew it starting June 15, 2024. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license; it will still be valid for six years from the date you renew.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you must do so in person. Online renewal is not available for expired licenses. There is no grace period in Missouri — once your license expires, it is no longer valid for driving.
What happens if you need a replacement or have changed information
If your license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot use the standard renewal process. Instead, you must visit a Department of Revenue office in person and request a replacement. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address, the same as you would for renewal. The fee for a replacement is $42.50.
If you have changed your name, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. If you have changed your address, you can update it online through the Missouri Secretary of State website without renewing your license, though you will need to do so before your next renewal.
If you have new medical restrictions or need corrective lenses, you must renew in person so the Department of Revenue can update your license with the new restrictions and take a new photo if needed.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for a six-year Missouri driver's license is $42.50, whether you renew online or in person. This fee covers the license itself and the eye exam (if renewing in person). There are no additional fees unless you need a duplicate or replacement license, which also costs $42.50.
For online renewal, you must pay by debit card or credit card. For in-person renewal, most Department of Revenue offices accept cash, debit card, and credit card. Check your local office's website to confirm payment methods before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail?
No, Missouri does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online through the Secretary of State website, or you can renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. Online renewal is the closest option to mail renewal — you complete it from home and your new license arrives by mail.
What if I fail the eye exam at the Department of Revenue office?
If you fail the eye exam, you will be required to wear corrective lenses while driving. Your new license will show this restriction. You can still complete your renewal the same day. If you believe the result is incorrect, you can request a retest or bring a current eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist to the office.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew in person, you will receive your new license the same day or within a few days. If you renew online, your new license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. The exact timing depends on mail delivery to your address.
Can I drive with my old license while I wait for my new one?
Yes. If you renew before your current license expires, your old license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it. If you renew in person, you will receive your new license when ready or very soon, so there is no gap. If you renew online, your old license stays valid while you wait for the new one to arrive by mail.
What if I moved out of state — can I still renew my Missouri license?
You can renew online if you have not changed your address in Missouri's system. If you have moved and updated your address to an out-of-state address, you cannot renew online. You would need to renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office, which means traveling back to Missouri, or you may want to get a license in your new state instead.