How to Renew Your Missouri Driver's License

What you need to renew your Missouri driver's license

Missouri lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Driver License Office, by mail, or online depending on your situation. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but you will need to go in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to add a Real ID designation.

Before you start, gather 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). If you are renewing by mail or online, you will also need a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.

Missouri driver's licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. Renewing early gives you time to handle any problems that come up.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is current and you do not need to change your name, address, or add Real ID.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license along with a check or money order.
In-person renewal at a Driver License Office is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need to update your personal information.
Missouri driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year in advance to avoid delays.
The renewal fee varies depending on whether you choose a standard license or add Real ID, which is required for federal identification purposes.

Renewing online through the Missouri Secretary of State website

The online renewal process is the quickest option and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Go to the Missouri Secretary of State website, select the driver's license renewal option, and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your current information and let you review it before you pay.

Online renewal is only available if your license is not expired, you do not need to change your name or address, and you do not want to add Real ID. You will pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card, and your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access to renew online, it means one of your circumstances requires an in-person visit. The system will tell you why, so you will know what to do next.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but does not require a trip to an office. Request a renewal form by calling the Missouri Driver License Bureau at 573-526-2407, or read the form from the Secretary of State website. Fill out the form, include a copy of your proof of Social Security number and proof of address, and mail everything along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

Processing mail renewals typically takes two to three weeks from the day the office receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail. During this time, you can still drive on your current license. Keep track of when you mailed your renewal so you know roughly when to expect your new license.

Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license cannot be expired, and you cannot change your name, address, or add Real ID through the mail. If any of those explore to you, you will need to visit a Driver License Office in person.

Renewing in person at a Driver License Office

Visit your local Driver License Office if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to add Real ID. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If you are changing your name, also bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You do not need an appointment at most Missouri Driver License Offices, but some locations accept appointments to reduce wait times. Check the Secretary of State website to find the office nearest you and see whether appointments are available. Bring a credit or debit card or a check to pay the renewal fee.

Processing at the office is usually quick — you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Understanding Real ID and whether you need it

Real ID is a federal security standard that makes your driver's license acceptable for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you want to fly within the United States after May 7, 2025, you will need either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or a passport. Missouri offers Real ID as an option when you renew.

Adding Real ID requires an in-person visit to a Driver License Office. You will need to bring the same documents as a standard renewal, plus original or certified copies of proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. The Real ID fee is higher than a standard renewal fee, but the license lasts the same amount of time.

If you do not fly or enter federal buildings, a standard driver's license is sufficient for driving and most other identification purposes. You can choose to add Real ID now or wait until your next renewal.

What happens if your license has been expired for a long time

If your Missouri driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit a Driver License Office in person and go through the full renewal process. Bring your expired license along with your proof of Social Security number and proof of current address.

Driving with an expired license is illegal, even if you are in the process of renewing. If you have been driving without a valid license, contact your local Driver License Office right away to find out what steps you need to take. Some offices may require you to take a written test or vision test if your license has been expired for a very long time, so ask when you call.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Missouri renewal fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard driver's license renewal costs less than a Real ID renewal. You can choose to renew for four years or eight years, and the longer renewal period costs more upfront but saves you money over time because you renew less often.

You can pay by credit card or debit card for online renewal, or by check or money order for mail renewal. In-person renewals accept credit cards, debit cards, checks, and cash. The Secretary of State website lists the exact current fees, which may change from year to year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri driver's license if I moved to another state?

If you moved out of Missouri and no longer live there, you cannot renew a Missouri license. You will need to get a driver's license from your new state. However, if you still live in Missouri but your address changed, you can update your address during renewal by visiting a Driver License Office in person.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

You cannot renew by mail or online if you do not have your current license. Visit a Driver License Office in person and bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The office will issue you a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your license has not expired yet.

How long is a renewed Missouri driver's license valid?

You can choose to renew for either four years or eight years. The eight-year option costs more upfront but means you renew less often. Both options expire on your birthday in the year the license is set to expire.

What if I need my new license before it arrives in the mail?

If you renew in person at a Driver License Office, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed. If you renew by mail or online, you will have to wait for your new license to arrive by mail, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time.

Do I need to take a test to renew my Missouri driver's license?

Most renewals do not require a written or driving test. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, the Driver License Office may require you to take a written test or vision test. Call your local office before you visit to find out whether a test is required in your situation.

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.