What you need to do to renew in Missouri
Missouri renews driver licenses and state ID cards through the Department of Revenue. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a license office. The method you use depends on what type of license you hold, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need to update any information.
Most people renew before their card expires, but Missouri also allows you to renew up to one year after expiration. The process itself is straightforward: you submit your current license or ID, pay the renewal fee, and provide any updated information. The state then mails your new card to you or you pick it up in person.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri lets you renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, address change, or medical condition update since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the Department of Revenue receives your materials, while online renewal is faster.
- In-person renewal at a license office is the only option if your license is expired, if you need to update your photo, or if you are renewing a commercial driver license.
- The renewal fee varies by license type and how long you want the license to be valid — typically between $10 and $25 for a standard driver license.
- You can renew up to one year after your license expires, but driving with an expired license is illegal even if you have already sent in your renewal materials.
Renewing online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You go to the Department of Revenue website, enter your driver license or ID number and date of birth, and answer questions about whether anything has changed since your last renewal. If the system confirms you are may be able to access, you pay the fee with a credit or debit card and submit.
You are may be able to access for online renewal only if your license or ID is not expired, your address has not changed, you have not had a name change, and you have not had any medical condition updates that would affect your driving. If any of those things explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person instead.
After you submit online, the Department of Revenue mails your new card to the address on file. You should receive it within one to two weeks. Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail with the Department of Revenue
Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your photo, address, or name. You send your current license or ID card, a completed renewal form, and the renewal fee to the address provided by the Department of Revenue. You can find the form and mailing address on the state website.
Include a check or money order for the fee — the Department of Revenue does not accept credit cards by mail. Mail your materials to the address listed on the form, not to a general state office. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the department receives your envelope.
Keep a record of when you mailed your materials. If you do not receive your new card within four weeks, contact the Department of Revenue to check the status. Your old card is still valid for driving until your new one arrives.
Renewing in person at a Missouri license office
In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name or address, or if you hold a commercial driver license. You visit a license office with your current license or ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Bring documents like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement for the address proof.
You can find your nearest license office and check its hours on the Department of Revenue website. Some offices take appointments and some operate on a first-come, first-served basis — check before you go. The office will take your photo, process your renewal, and collect the fee on the spot.
You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving until your new card comes.
Understanding Missouri renewal fees and license validity periods
Missouri charges different fees depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard driver license renewal typically costs between $10 and $25. The exact amount depends on whether you are renewing for four years or six years — longer validity periods cost more.
When you renew, you choose how long you want your new license to be valid. A four-year license is cheaper but you renew more often. A six-year license costs more upfront but you do not have to renew as soon. The Department of Revenue website shows the current fees for each option.
If you renew by mail or online, you pay at the time you submit. If you renew in person, you pay at the license office. Accepted payment methods vary by renewal method — online accepts credit and debit cards, mail accepts checks and money orders, and in-person offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
What to do if your license is already expired
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a license office in person. Bring your expired license or ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address, just as you would for any in-person renewal.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Missouri, even if you have already submitted a renewal process and are waiting for your new card to arrive. If you are stopped by police, you can show them proof that you submitted your renewal, but that does not prevent a ticket. Renew before your license expires to avoid this situation.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you may need to take a written test or vision test in addition to the standard renewal process. Ask the license office what documents you need to bring when you call to confirm their requirements.
How to update your address, name, or photo during renewal
If your address has changed since your last renewal, you must renew in person or by mail — online renewal is not available for address changes. When you renew in person, tell the license office staff about the change and bring proof of your new address. When you renew by mail, include a note with your materials explaining the change and include proof of your new address.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you must renew in person. Bring your current license or ID, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a document showing your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person. The license office will take your photo during the renewal process. You cannot update your photo by mail or online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while I wait for my renewed license to arrive?
Yes, your old license remains valid for driving until your new card arrives. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is also valid for driving. Do not drive if your license is expired, even if you have submitted a renewal process.
What happens if I lose my license before my renewal arrives?
Contact the Department of Revenue right away to report the loss. You can request a replacement card, which is different from a renewal. The department can tell you whether to wait for your renewal card or get a replacement instead, depending on how close your renewal is to arriving.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a license office?
Some Missouri license offices require appointments and some do not. Check the Department of Revenue website for your local office to see whether appointments are needed. If appointments are required and you show up without one, you may be turned away.
Can I renew my license if I moved out of Missouri?
No. If you no longer live in Missouri, you need to get a license from your new state instead. Contact that state's motor vehicle department to start the process. You cannot hold a valid driver license from two states at the same time.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?
Online renewal is the fastest method. Your new card is mailed when ready after approval and typically arrives within one to two weeks. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the Department of Revenue receives your materials. In-person renewal gives you a temporary license when ready and your permanent card arrives within one to two weeks.