How to Renew Your Missouri Driver's License

Where to renew your Missouri license and what you'll need

You can renew your Missouri driver's license in person at any Missouri Department of Revenue office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. Online renewal is faster — usually a few minutes — but only works if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had certain violations in the past five years.

Your license is valid for six years from the date of renewal. Missouri does not send renewal reminders by mail, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date, which appears on the front of your card. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person; online renewal is not an option once it lapses.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes minutes if your license is current and you have no medical restrictions or recent violations, but expired licenses must be renewed in person.
In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number.
Your renewed license is valid for six years, and Missouri does not send renewal reminders, so you must track your expiration date yourself.
The fee for a standard six-year renewal is $42.50, though you can pay an extra $10 for a REAL ID-compliant license if you need one for federal travel.
If you have changed your name, address, or medical status, you may need to bring additional documents or renew in person even if online renewal would normally be available.

Renewing online through Missouri's website

To renew online, go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will ask you to verify your identity and confirm that you meet the conditions for online renewal — no expired license, no medical restrictions, and no disqualifying violations in the past five years.

Once you complete the online form and pay the $42.50 renewal fee by credit or debit card, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at a Department of Revenue office

Find your nearest Department of Revenue office on the state website, which lists all locations and hours. You do not need an appointment; offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and be prepared to provide your Social Security number.

The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed. The permanent license arrives in five to seven business days. The fee is $42.50 for a standard license or $52.50 if you want a REAL ID-compliant license, which is required for federal travel starting in 2025.

What happens if your license is expired

Once your license expires, you cannot use online renewal. You must go to a Department of Revenue office in person with the same documents: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Driving on an expired license is illegal, even if you have already started the renewal process.

If you have let your license lapse for more than a year, the office may require you to retake the written test or vision test, depending on how long it has been expired. Call your local office before you go to confirm what documents and tests you will need.

Renewing with a name or address change

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person and bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The same applies if you have changed your address: you can renew online only if your address on file matches your current address. If it does not, renew in person and bring proof of your new address.

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — vision problems, seizures, or other conditions — you may need a medical evaluation form signed by your doctor before you renew. The Department of Revenue will tell you if this is required based on your license record.

REAL ID compliance and what it means for renewal

A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for federal travel — boarding a domestic flight, entering a military base, or entering a federal building — starting in 2025. If you renew now without REAL ID, you can still fly domestically until May 2025 with a passport or other federal ID, but a REAL ID license makes travel easier.

To get a REAL ID license, you pay an extra $10 at renewal (total $52.50) and bring additional documents: proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), proof of your legal name and date of birth (birth certificate or passport), and proof of your Missouri address (utility bill or lease). You can add REAL ID compliance when you renew in person or, in some cases, through the online system if you have already verified your identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you may need to retake the written test or vision test depending on how long it has been expired. Call your local Department of Revenue office before you go to find out what tests you will need. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

What counts as proof of residency?

A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days of your renewal. The document must show your name and current address. A phone bill does not count. If you do not have any of these, ask the office what other documents they will accept.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Your permanent license arrives by mail in five to seven business days after you renew, whether you renewed online or in person. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent card.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Only if you renew in person. Online renewal uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the office takes a new photo as part of the process.

What if I move to a different state before my license expires?

You should renew your Missouri license before you move, or wait until you have established residency in your new state and renew there instead. Once you move, Missouri considers you a non-resident and you cannot renew a Missouri license online.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.